Monday, September 17, 2018

Tips For Making A Positive Impression On A Child Custody Evaluator

By Roger Ward


Most parents love their children and want what's best for them. Sometimes when couples split, they disagree about the who really has the best interests of the children in mind. If a couple can't come to a satisfactory custody agreement, the court can step in and appoint a child custody evaluator to assess the situation. Having your parenting skills evaluated by a professional is definitely nerve wracking. Experts have to some tips on making the best possible impression.

You have to remember what this person's job is. It is not to become your closest friend or someone you feel comfortable confiding in. She isn't there to listen to confessions or side with you against your spouse. Evaluators are independent professionals who have been appointed by the court to make an unbiased evaluation of the family situation. In dealing with her you should strive to be as professional as she is.

Honesty is the best policy. If you try to lie to the evaluator it will harm your case. These are trained professionals who are used to observing parents under stress. The excuse of nervousness will not sway a judge if the evaluation report contains information that you exaggerated or tried to skew the truth to work in your favor. It's a much better idea to be open, honest, and above board.

You should never go into a meeting unprepared. You must be sure you do everything in your power to be on time for meetings. If a meeting is scheduled in the assessor's office, and you don't know where it is located, you have to find out before the day of the meeting. You need to set out early in case of traffic jams and filled parking lots. It is a great idea to take some notes in the meeting.

When the meeting is being conducted in your home, you need to give the house a thorough cleaning. A messy, dirty house might indicate to the assessor that you lack organizational skills, and that could spill over to your parenting skills. You should have any of your children's records, such as medical and academic, ready and available for the assessor to look over.

It's important to remember that evaluators have a responsibility to do what's in the best interest of the children. She was not appointed to make judgments about your personal situation. If she asks your opinion about your spouse's ability to parent, the answer you give must be thoughtful and measured.

You must cooperate fully with the person doing your evaluation. You need to provide all the information requested promptly. You will probably be asked for names and contact information for family and friends who can vouch for your parenting skills. This is an opportunity for you to place yourself in a good light.

A custody evaluation is not something parents anticipate when they have children. It's stressful and awkward. It will go faster and more smoothly if you are as cooperative, honest, polite, and informative as possible.




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