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In California, a 730 evaluation can be described as an in-depth study and analysis of a family, their children, and the relationships within the family in the context of a child custody and/or visitation dispute. A 730 evaluation is also known as a child custody evaluation or child custody investigation. 730 evaluations are specific to California in that the number "730" refers to the California Evidence Code Section 730 under which it is ordered.
In legal terms, California Evidence Code Section §730 states:
"When it appears to the court, at any time before or during the trial of an action, that expert evidence is or may be required by the court or by any party to the action, the court on its own motion or on motion of any party may appoint one or more experts to investigate, to render a report as may be ordered by the court, and to testify as an expert at the trial of the action relative to the fact or matter as to which the expert evidence is or may be required. The court may fix the compensation for these services, if any, rendered by any person appointed under this section, in addition to any service as a witness, at the amount as seems reasonable to the court. Nothing in this section shall be construed to permit a person to perform any act for which a license is required unless the person holds the appropriate license to lawfully perform that act."
A 730 evaluation is typically conducted by a "child custody evaluator," also known as a 730 evaluator or custody evaluator. The 730 evaluator will play the role of the investigator and look closely at the family dynamics so he/she can provide the court with a 730 evaluation report as evidence to help the court find the best possible arrangement that reflects the overall best interest of the child. The 730 evaluation report may be oral or written and the 730 evaluator may be called to testify or cross-examined at trial.
A 730 evaluation is generally ordered for a specific purpose and usually within high-conflict or complicated child custody cases where expert evidence is required. Before agreeing to a 730 evaluation you will want to discuss your particular case with a family law attorney in your area to help you learn whether or not a 730 evaluation is the right approach for you.
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© 2006 Child Custody Coach
Child Custody Coach supplies information, written materials, online materials, and coaching services to parents in the field of child custody, namely, divorce, child custody and visitation, divorce, child custody evaluations, parenting, and all child custody related issues. Custody Match is an online consumer and family law attorney matching service to help consumers find the right family law attorney, divorce lawyer, or child custody attorney in their area.
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