Some parents are not able to resolve custody and/or parenting time issues themselves. In these situations, the court may order a Custody Evaluation or a Parenting Plan Evaluation. Such an order generally escalates the conflict between parents and causes high anxiety and the fear of "losing."  The anxiety and stress is even greater for the children, however, as they did not ask for this. Children are always the losers in a custody battle.

The focus of a Custody/Parenting Plan Evaluation is determining the best interest of the children, not what is best for the parents. Parents are legally responsible for their children until the children reach the age of 18, but because children's developmental needs change as they grow, how parents are involved in their children’s lives will change too. Parents often forget this in a custody battle, focusing instead on their needs instead of those of their children. Parents forget that they cannot be replaced or erased – they will always be their child(ren)’s parent regardless of which parent is recommended as the primary parent. 

What is the difference between a Custody Evaluation and a Parenting Plan Evaluation? The only difference is that custody has already been determined when a Parenting Plan Evaluation begins. All other elements of the evaluations are the same.

You can find out more about these evaluations by reading the Custody/Parenting Plan Evaluation Agreement. Reading the Parent Form may also help give you an understanding of the evaluation process.