Practice Areas

Orange County Child Custody Lawyer

In a perfect world, parents would never face difficult decisions such as how to raise their children in two separate households. The delicate nature of these issues can make it impossible for some parents to come to terms and reach an agreement. When necessary, the court steps in and orders a child custody and visitation arrangement that it finds to be in the best interests of the children. However, because the family court judge does not understand the dynamics of the family, the judge may order a professional to conduct a child custody investigation and evaluation before the court renders such an important, lasting decision. The Orange County Law Offices of Wendy L.C. Fountain, A PC, can help you prepare for the custody evaluation.

Child Custody Evaluations: Know What to Expect

The goal of a child custody evaluation is to provide the court with objective, thorough insight into your family. A professional, neutral evaluator (frequently a social worker, psychologist or other expert) will conduct a comprehensive investigation of your family, the parenting capacity of both parents, the relationship of both parents with the children, and the developmental needs of the children. The child custody evaluation could involve:

• Parent interviews: Personal interviews will be conducted with each parent independently as well as with each parent in the presence of the children
• Child interviews: Depending on their age, your children can also give the evaluator perspective into your family. The evaluator may interview the children to identify developmental issues and other concerns.
• Other interviews: The people who surround you and your family often offer a more comprehensive look into how your family operates, how your children are developing and potential issues that could be of concern. Therefore, the evaluator may conduct interviews of friends, family members, neighbors, family doctors, teachers, school counselors, and other individuals.
• Psychological analysis: Depending on the circumstances, special tests may be requested to identify mental health issues of either parent or any of the children.
• Observations: Throughout any home visits (to the mother's home and to the father's home), the evaluator will make close observations that can be used in the report. The observations could include how each parent interacts with the children, how the children interact at one home compared to the other home, how each parent's goals are focused (whether the children are being put first), and much more.

At the end of the investigation, the evaluator will provide the court with a report and an opinion as to what is in the best interests of the children. In most situations, the court will adhere to the findings of the evaluator when ordering a child custody and visitation arrangement.

When your child custody dispute goes to trial, the child custody evaluation is perhaps the most critical element of your case. It is important to work with a family law attorney who appreciates the magnitude of these investigations. A Board Certified Family Law Specialist, attorney Wendy Fountain has acquired the experience and skill to guide clients through child custody evaluations with ease.

It is important for parents to remember that the child custody evaluation process is not a time for identifying all the problems in your marriage. It is a time to put your children first and focus on achieving a solution that is in their best interests.

At the Law Offices of Wendy L.C. Fountain, A PC, we assist families facing child custody evaluations that arise in the context of a divorce or child custody battle. However, child custody evaluations may also be used in other situations, such as when one parent wishes to relocate with the child and the other parent objects, or when there is suspicion of a harmful environment or suspicion of abuse or neglect. We have the experience, compassion and skill to guide clients through these evaluations as well.

Discuss your child custody dispute or other family matters with divorce attorney Wendy Fountain. Contact us in Orange County to schedule an appointment with a lawyer.