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At Pines Laurent, LLP, in Studio City, California, we are devoted to family law issues of divorce, custody, property division and support, representing men and women throughout the San Fernando Valley, the Santa Clarita Valley and all of Los Angeles County, including Los Angeles, Studio City, Universal City, Sherman Oaks, Tarzana, Woodland Hills, Calabasas, Northridge, Simi Valley, Valencia, Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, Beverly Hills, Chatsworth, Porter Ranch, Granada Hills and Valley Village.

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Pines Laurent, LLP

4400 Coldwater Canyon Ave.

Suite 220

Studio City, CA  91604

Phone: 818-505-8900

Fax:  818-505-9005

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 818-505-8900

Child Custody Evaluations

Los Angeles Family Law Attorneys Helping You and Your Children

 

In severe custody battles, a family law judge may order (or the parties may agree) that a child custody evaluation be conducted.  These evaluations are often termed “730 Evaluations” (meaning there are authorized pursuant to the provisions of California Evidence Code §730), but are more appropriately ordered under the provisions of California Family Code §3111. A child custody evaluation may be ordered for any number of reasons, including:

• Concerns involving physical and/or sexual child abuse
• History of domestic violence between the parties
• Drug or alcohol abuse
• Mental health issues
• One parent wishes to move away
• Questionable parenting practices causing a negative impact on the child

 

Child custody evaluations must be conducted by a qualified mental health professional (psychiatrist, psychologist, marriage and family therapist, etc.) who have met certain criteria required under the California Family Code.

There are varying levels of child custody evaluations, from the most stream-lined, which often address only one or two specific issues (called “Fast-Track” or “Solution-Focused” Evaluations) through the much more comprehensive full child custody evaluations, which include in-depth psychological testing (MMPI-II) for both parents.  The cost of child custody evaluations range depending upon the complexity of the family law issues investigated.

 

How Solution Focused Evaluations or Fast-track Evaluations Proceed

The least expensive and least comprehensive of child custody evaluations currently conducted through the Los Angeles Superior Court costs $738.  This is for a Solution-Focused Evaluation (also sometimes called “Fast-Track” Evaluation).  A Solution Focused Evaluation will usually be conducted by a court employed mental health professional.

On the morning of the scheduled hearing on child custody issues, both parents and the children meet with the mental health professional at the courthouse.  The parents may provide the evaluator with the names and phone numbers of other individuals who have relevant information concerning custody issues, such as teachers or therapists.  If there is time, the evaluator will contact and speak with these “collaterals.”  The entire evaluation process usually takes between 3 and 4 hours time (and generally starts at 8:00 to 8:30 a.m.).

In the afternoon of the morning the Solution Focused Evaluation is conducted, the child custody evaluator will testify in court and provide recommendations concerning child custody.  The parties and/or their attorneys will then have the opportunity to question (cross-examine) the evaluator.  Ultimately, the judge may or may not adopt the recommendations made by the evaluator.

 

Comprehensive Los Angeles Superior Court Child Custody Evaluations

A more comprehensive child custody evaluation which is also conducted by a court employed mental health professional generally costs in the neighborhood of $4,000 to $6,000 or more, depending upon the number of children involved and the time required to complete the evaluation.

 

Private “Full” Child Custody Evaluations - Detailed Interviews and Reports

Finally, a “full” child custody evaluation, which is generally conducted by a private mental health professional and which will include several interviews with the parents and children, one or more visits to each parent’s home, the taking of detailed family histories, interviews with collateral witnesses (significant others, teachers, therapists, etc.) and in which the parents will undergo separate and detailed psychological testing can cost as little as $15,000 to $20,000, but may easily exceed the sum of $50,000.

 

 

Get Experienced Legal Counsel - Family Law is Our Practice

The court’s determination of custody issues concerning your children and the development of a parenting plan that is in your children’s best interests involves numerous complicated factors.  Do not trust these critical issues to just any attorney.  At Pines Laurent, LLP, we specialize in diligently and effectively representing clients in child custody disputes.  Call us at (818) 505-8900 to set up a consultation or send us an email.