When parents cannot agree on how to divide parenting time (visitation) or parental responsibilities (decision-making authority) after a divorce or separation, the court may bring in a child custody evaluator to help determine what arrangement would be in the child’s best interests. This can feel overwhelming, especially if you have never been through a custody case before.
Below, our Illinois child custody lawyers answer some of the most common questions about custody evaluators in Illinois to help you better understand what to expect, as well as what you can proactively do to protect your role in your child’s life.
What Is a Child Custody Evaluator?
A child custody evaluator is a professional — usually a licensed psychologist, social worker, or other mental health expert — who is appointed by the court to evaluate the family situation and make recommendations about parenting time and decision-making responsibilities. In Illinois, this process is governed by Section 604.10 of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act.