Settlement-Based Evaluations
What is a settlement-based evaluation?
Settlement-based evaluations are similar to comprehensive child custody evaluations (also known as parenting time evaluations or best interest evaluations). The purpose of these evaluations is to ascertain what is in the child’s best interest. The difference is the evaluator does not write a report for a settlement-based evaluation. Learn more about comprehensive child custody evaluations.
Settlement-based evaluations may be court-ordered or the evaluator may be retained by one or both parties. Regardless of being retained by one party or jointly retained, the role of the evaluator is to remain neutral.
What does a settlement-based evaluation involve?
A mental health professional evaluates the family and recommends a custody arrangement that is in the child’s best interest. These evaluations involve interviewing both parents, the child/ren, and in some cases, other family members, such as significant others. All the adults are extensively interviewed and may be administered psychological tests and parenting questionnaires. The children are also interviewed (depending upon their age) and participate in the parent-child observations.
Who does settlement-based evaluations?
A mental health professional, who is a forensic psychologist, conducts these evaluations.
I am a forensic psychologist in Livingston, New Jersey. To conduct settlement-based evaluations, I review various documents — such as court pleadings, certifications, school records, and police reports — sent by the attorneys and collateral contacts (other people who have knowledge about the family.) Collaterals — such as friends, family members, health care providers, and teachers — are not contacted unless a release is signed. In some cases, allegations of substance abuse or domestic violence arise and these allegations need to be addressed. Learn more about
What is the outcome of a settlement-based evaluation?
I synthesize all of the information gathered during the evaluation process with the social science literature to inform my recommendations. I meet with the parties and their attorneys and present my findings. These evaluations typically need less time to complete and cost less because a report is not written.
Where can I do a settlement-based evaluation in NJ?
I conduct settlement-based evaluations in my office in Livingston, NJ. Contact me to schedule an evaluation.