What Is a Child Custody Evaluation in Maryland?

Custody evaluations help courts make informed decisions regarding child custody arrangements. In Maryland, like many other states, custody evaluations are employed to assess the best interests of the child and determine the most suitable custodial arrangement.

Custody evaluations in Maryland serve one important purpose – to determine the best interests of the child involved in a custody dispute. This process aids the court in making informed decisions regarding child custody arrangements, including legal custody (decision-making authority) and physical custody (residential arrangements).

Maryland, like most states, follows a legal framework designed to ensure that children’s best interests are protected and promoted. The state’s Family Law Article (Title 9) outlines relevant laws and principles, emphasizing the importance of considering factors such as a child’s age, physical and mental health, relationship with parents, the willingness of each parent to share custody, and the child’s need for stability.

The custody evaluation process in Maryland

Custody evaluations in Maryland involve a thorough assessment of various factors to determine what arrangement would be in the best interests of the child. Here is an outline of the typical steps in the custody evaluation process:

• Referral. Custody evaluations can be done by the court or privately. Private evaluations usually begin with a referral from one of the involved parties, their attorneys, or the court itself. The court may appoint a custody evaluator if the parties cannot reach an agreement on custody and visitation.
• Orientation meeting. The custody evaluator meets with the parents and provides an overview of the evaluation process, its purpose, and the expected timeline. This meeting also includes a discussion of the fees involved, which are typically split between the parties.
• Information gathering. Depending on whether it’s a court evaluation or a private evaluation, the evaluator collects information from various sources, including interviews with the child or children, parents, and any relevant third parties, such as teachers, counselors, or family friends. Additionally, the evaluator may review court documents, medical records, and any other pertinent information.
• Observation. The evaluator may observe the interactions between the child and each parent. This step is crucial for assessing the quality of the parent-child relationship and the child’s emotional well-being.
• Psychological testing. In some cases (usually private evaluations), psychological testing is conducted to evaluate the mental and emotional health of both parents and the child. This can help identify any underlying issues that may impact the child’s best interests.
• Home visits. The evaluator may visit the homes of both parents to assess the living environment, including safety and suitability for the child.
• Child interview. Depending on the child’s age and maturity, the evaluator may interview the child separately to determine their preferences, concerns, and emotional well-being.
• Report preparation. After gathering all necessary information, the custody evaluator prepares a comprehensive report that includes their findings and recommendations for custody arrangements. This report is submitted to the court, where it becomes a critical piece of evidence in the custody case.
• Court presentation. The evaluator may be called to testify in court to explain their findings and recommendations. This testimony assists the court in making an informed decision regarding child custody.

Role of professionals in Rockville child custody evaluations

Custody evaluations in Maryland are typically conducted by licensed mental health professionals, such as psychologists or social workers, who have expertise in child development, family dynamics, and the best interests of the child. These professionals play a crucial role in the custody evaluation process:

• Custody evaluators. These professionals are responsible for conducting the assessment, gathering information, and preparing the final report. They are often appointed by the court, and their recommendations carry significant weight.
• Best Interest Attorneys (BIAs). In some cases, the court may appoint a BIA to represent the child’s interests. BIAs work independently from the custody evaluator, advocating for the child’s best interests throughout the process.
• Parenting coordinators. While not directly involved in custody evaluations, parenting coordinators can assist parents in implementing the recommended custody arrangement and addressing issues that may arise post-evaluation.
• Attorneys. Each parent involved in the custody dispute typically retains an attorney to represent their legal interests. Rockville attorneys play an important role in the custody evaluation process, advocating for their client’s preferences and ensuring their rights are protected.

Legal considerations on custody evaluations in Rockville, Maryland

Maryland also has specific legal considerations governing custody evaluations, which are primarily outlined in the state’s Family Law Article. Key points to be aware of include:

• Best interests standard. Maryland follows the “best interests of the child” standard in determining custody arrangements. This principle focuses on ensuring that the child’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being is prioritized.
• Custody factors. The Family Law Article provides a list of factors that courts must consider when determining custody. These factors include each parent’s ability to provide a stable living environment, the child’s preference (if age-appropriate), the child’s physical and mental health, and the parents’ willingness to cooperate in child-rearing.
• Parenting plans. Maryland law encourages parents to develop parenting plans that detail the proposed custody arrangements, visitation schedules, and decision-making responsibilities. These plans should be submitted to the court for approval.
• Modification of custody orders. After a custody evaluation, a court may issue a custody order. However, if circumstances change significantly, either parent can petition the court for a modification of the custody order.

Do you have questions about the child custody evaluation process? Our Rockville attorneys have answers. We want to help. Schedule a consultation today by calling our offices or filling out our contact form. We have offices in Fulton, Columbia, Bethesda, and Rockville, and proudly serve Montgomery and Howard Counties.