1. Utah Child Custody Evaluation Tips
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Child Custody Evaluation Tips
Many family law proceedings encourage mediation, settlement and the two ex-spouses reaching their own
agreement outside of the court, and child custody is no different. When parents cannot agree on custody
and arbitration is necessary, one of the spouses usually requests a child custody evaluation to be ordered.
In a child custody evaluation, the evaluator is going to recommend a plan for custody and visitation to both
the two ex-spouses as well as the court. It differs from the mediation process; the evaluator will seek out
information about the family and will then use that information to make their recommendation to the parents
and the court.
In an ideal world, this evaluation is used to reach a settlement, but a judge will use the evaluation to make
a court order for the family if amicable terms are not reached. The overarching purpose of a child custody
evaluation is to do what is in the best interests of the child, which is a commonly recurring theme in family
law. The following tips are handy to keep in mind when going through a child custody evaluation.
Understand the Role of the Evaluator
The first thing to understand about the evaluation process is that the evaluator is not a friend or an ally.
They are a neutral arbitrator that is appointed by the court, and they are independent during the
proceedings. Avoid treating them like a counselor or someone that you can confide in. That is what your
family law attorney is supposed to be for you, and your attorney will also be able to prepare you for the
evaluation process.

2. Along the same lines, answer questions directly and to the point. The questions themselves will typically
be direct, so stick to the question and don’t derail the questioning with a tangent that could only harm you.
Take the questions slowly and answer carefully. Always gather your thoughts so you are in full control
when answering the questions directly and succinctly.
Focus on the Positive During the Evaluation
Always stay positive during the evaluation. This is especially true when it comes to the children, and this
your time to demonstrate your knowledge of their interests, friends, school activities, etc. Bring in
information about schools (perfect attendance award), church or sports activities (team photos), and
doctors (notes). Mention achievements of your children as well as their specific needs that you want to
meet for them. The basic takeaway here is that you want the evaluator to know that you are an involved
and integral part of the child’s life. In other words, keep the evaluation focused on parenting since that is
precisely what is being evaluated.
When your ex-spouse is mentioned, avoid negativity. If a certain situation should be mentioned or is
discussed, simply answer the facts, but do not fall into the trap of explaining the facts. The evaluator is
capable of making up their own mind, which is what they are doing throughout the process.
Clearly Express Your Desires and Intentions
Be sure the evaluator knows what you desire in terms of custody scheduling. If you want a more flexible
schedule, make that clear. While it is less important to mention things like holidays (unless such concerns
are hugely significant to you for whatever reason), it is crucial that they understand what your desires are
for custody schedules.
Tips for the Day of the Evaluation
On the day of the evaluation, be sure you are well rested. Not only will this help you answer the
questions with more clarity, but this also means you can get an early start on the day so you can avoid
being late (that puts you at a disadvantage in the evaluator’s eyes before the questions even begin).
Stay focused and calm, remembering that your children are the most important part of this process.
Interact with them in the appropriate way, being sure to take care of their needs. Inform them that an
evaluator will be asking questions to determine what’s best for the family, but don’t coach them up since
evaluators usually notice when a child’s answers have been tampered with. Simply put, show up early
and be positive while taking care of your child’s needs. Keep being the best parent you can, and the
evaluation process should go smoothly.
Salt Lake City Child Custody Evaluation Attorneys Are Here to Help
An evaluator’s decision is highly influential in the eyes of the judge, but the evaluation is far from the only
factor affecting a child custody case. Salt Lake City family law attorneys will prepare you for the other

3. factors you need to know. Custody schedules are modifiable in contested cases, so if an evaluation
recommendation or the judge’s order is not desirable, you will need Salt Lake City child custody lawyers
that will help you sort out these potential issues. Contact Wall & Wall Attorneys at Law PC today to learn
more about how we can prepare you for the specifics of your child custody evaluation and any other legal
matters pertaining to the custody of your children.
Partner Attorney at Wall & Wall Attorneys At Law PC
We understand the many complexities surrounding the issues of family law and divorce.
We have helped many families throughout the Salt Lake Valley to make educated
decisions about their case by providing them with the required legal insight. At Wall and
Wall you can rest easy knowing that you have an attorney dedicated to protecting your rights, who listen to
you attentively, and one who is sensitive to the emotions involved.