Are you preparing for a Family Relations Comprehensive Custody Evaluation in Connecticut Family Court and wondering what the process will be like? I’m Matt Dolan with Dolan Divorce Lawyers in Connecticut. In this article, I’ll walk you through what you can expect from a Connecticut family custody evaluation and how to best prepare.
A custody evaluation is ordered when parents are at a deadlock and cannot agree on legal or physical custody of their children. In this situation, a third party conducts a thorough investigation of the family’s dynamics and makes recommendations regarding custody.
Custody evaluations can be conducted in two ways:
In a Connecticut Family Relations Custody Evaluation, a Family Relations Counselor is assigned to your case. They conduct a deep review of family dynamics and make recommendations to help parents reach an agreement. If parents cannot agree, the counselor’s report is submitted to the judge, who makes the final custody decision.
The custody evaluation process in Connecticut generally takes three to four months. It begins with an initial joint meeting between the parents and the counselor. During this meeting:
If there are safety concerns, the initial meeting can be conducted individually rather than jointly.
The Family Relations Custody Evaluation in Connecticut involves multiple steps, including the following.
The counselor will visit each parent’s home to observe the living environment and watch interactions between the parent and child.
Depending on the child’s age, the counselor may meet with the child individually to understand the child’s perspective on family dynamics, assess any preferences for living arrangements or schedules, and identify concerns about spending time with a parent. Children under age five may not have an individual meeting.
The counselor may communicate with relevant third parties, including:
The evaluator reviews documents such as texts or emails between parents, school records, medical records, and police reports or DCF reports.
After reviewing information, the counselor may have follow-up meetings with parents or the child to clarify details or ask additional questions.
Once the family relations evaluation in Connecticut is complete, the counselor holds a joint meeting to share preliminary recommendations. Ideally, parents reach an agreement on legal and physical custody. If no agreement is reached, the counselor prepares a detailed multi-page report for the judge
While the judge is not required to follow the recommendations, they carry significant weight because of the counselor’s in-depth investigation.
Here are key strategies to improve your chances during a Connecticut Family Relations Custody Evaluation.
Avoid exaggerating or lying. The counselor conducts a thorough investigation, and dishonesty can severely damage your credibility.
Focus on your child’s needs rather than your anger toward the other parent. Demonstrating that your priorities are your child’s best interests is crucial.
Speak respectfully about both the evaluator and the other parent. Negative behavior can reflect poorly on you.
Do not instruct your child on what to say. Evaluators can detect coaching, which may harm your case.
A tidy, organized home conveys stability and responsibility.
Promptly provide documents, correspondence, and records requested by the evaluator. Being organized demonstrates reliability.
A Connecticut Family Relations Comprehensive Custody Evaluation is a thorough process designed to assess your family’s dynamics and help the court make informed custody decisions. By being honest, child-focused, respectful, and organized, you can maximize your chances of a favorable outcome.
If you have questions about the custody evaluation process or need family law representation, contact our office at Dolan Divorce Lawyers. We’re here to help you navigate this challenging process with confidence.
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