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Child custody evaluations have become quite commonplace in the family courts,
in order to find a parenting plan or custody arrangement, which is
"in the best interest of the child", when parents have been or are unable to
do so.
However, there is much skepticism and growing criticism, concerns, and/or controversy in
regards to the validity, accuracy, and/or quality of these evaluations and how
they are conducted and the qualifications of those who are conducting them ("evaluators").
It would be wise to educate yourself on custody evaluations or 730 evaluations and also understand the
controversies surrounding 730 evaluations and what you can do to prepare for one.
What is a 730 Evaluation?
In California, a child custody evaluation or "730 Evaluation", can be described as an
in-depth study and analysis of the "family, it's members, and/or prospective members",
and their relationship. The evaluation is carried out by an "evaluator" with the intent
of determining a family structure that would be in
the "child's best interest."
The evaluation usually takes place over a period of time set out by the judge or evaluator
(sometimes weeks and sometimes months) and includes a recommendation for what would be "in the best
interests of the children", which the court is inclined to adopt. The evaluator can be called into
court to testify, either to defend or explain the recommendations and sometimes, will be ordered to
conduct a further study into the matter.
Also, in some jurisdictions, a "mini-evaluation" can be ordered. It is referred to as "mini" because
it is less extensive than the typical evaluation. This may be requested to speed up things, or when
the scope of the evaluation can be reduced such as when the court wants to know the answer to a
particular question. I would recommend consulting with your attorney in regards to a
"mini-evaluation" because if there are any issues that are significant to your case that
requires a more in-depth look or study, it would be highly unlikely this would surface or enough
compelling evidence will be even examined in such a short period of time.
Under obligation to the court, at the end of the evaluation, the evaluator will summarize their work,
findings, and recommendations, and submit a written report to the judge.
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.
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What is involved in a 730 Evaluation?
In most cases, a 730 evaluation will consist of several interviews as well as psychological testing.
Interviews are conducted with all adults involved with the child, including parents, stepparents and
sometimes other relatives who have significant roles in the child's life. Psychological testing
provides an additional source of information that cannot be obtained through interviews alone.
Some psychologists do their own psychological testing, while others will refer that portion of the
evaluation to a professional who is experienced in psychological assessment. The testing is done
to describe the personalities and family dynamics, and to find any potential mental health or
parenting problems.
With very young children, interviews are conducted as play sessions. Young children can express
themselves more clearly through the action of play, or play sessions, more so than through
conversations. Play sessions are a common practice found in "play therapy" under the
observance of a trained and licensed therapist.
Usually several interviews are necessary, especially those that involve the child. Since circumstantial
factors (such as custody exchanges and adjustment time, moods, illness, etc.) can have temporary
effects on ones behavior. Multiple interviews help differentiate between temporary oscillations
in ones behavior and what are continuing personality traits and/or characteristics.
In special circumstances, a custody evaluation may involve visits to the home, often called a "home
visit", and/or school. These are not always necessary and in some cases can be initiated by the
request of one or both of the parents.
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Why a 730 Evaluation?
A 730 evaluation usually arises when parties (parents) are unable to decide or do not see eye-to-eye
on what each believes to be the best custody arrangement. One parent cannot simply go to court and
present an individual side of the argument in hopes of a ruling in their favor. There must be evidence
to support a position and a judge, not knowing the family, will depend on the opinion of
an "evaluator" to describe the parties involved and the nature of their interaction.
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How does a 730 Evaluation come about?
A 730 custody evaluation can come about or occur by the following methods:
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By "stipulation", or agreed to by the parties and their attorneys
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Requested by either party (parent) in a custody dispute, subject to approval by a judge
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Ordered by a judge
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Who are the "Family, it's Members, and/or Prospective Members"?
The family is usually the blood family members such as the parents and child.
Other family members and individuals who have played a substantial role in the raising, nurturing,
up bringing, and/or day-to-day activities of the children will also be of interest to the evaluator.
For example, the children's grandparent(s), stepparent(s), uncle(s), aunt(s), etc.
Prospective members of the family or members that may potentially play a substantial role in the
raising, nurturing, up bringing, and/or day-to-day activities of the children will also be of interest
to the evaluator. For example, this may include a parent's fiancé/fianceé, girlfriend/boyfriend, etc.
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Who is the "730 Evaluator"?
The 730 evaluation or child custody evaluation should be conducted by a qualified mental health professional.
The qualifications of the 730 evaluator include having the right training and experience set forth
by the state. Evaluators qualified for conducting 730 evaluations may include a licensed
clinical psychologist (Ph.D.), licensed psychiatrist (M.D. or M.O.), Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT),
Marriage, Family, and Child Counselor (MFCC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Master of
Social Work (MSW).
If there is any psychological testing to be done, and there usually is, the 730 evaluator must be
qualified to administer, score, and interpret the psychological test. This would usually be done
by a psychologist rather than a psychiatrist because this is a normal part of a psychologists training.
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2003 California Rules of Court Rule 5.220 - Court-ordered child custody evaluations. (.html)
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2003 California Rules of Court Rule 5.225 - Education, experience, and training standards for court-appointed child custody investigators and evaluators. (.html)
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2003 California Rules of Court Rule 5.230 - Domestic violence training standards for court-appointed child custody investigators and evaluators. (.html)
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California Family Code Section 3110-3118 (.html)
Regardless of the type of professional appointed to conduct the 730 evaluation, that person is likely
to be bound to certain business and professions codes and ethical standards.
In the case of psychologists, especially if they are members of the American Psychological
Association (APA), they are bound to the Ethical Principles
of Psychologists and Code of Conduct outlined and set forth by the American
Psychological Association (APA).
As another example, a child custody evaluator who is licensed by the Medical Board of California,
the Board of Psychology, or the Board of Behavioral Sciences shall be subject to
disciplinary action by that board for unprofessional conduct, as defined in the
licensing law applicable to that licensee.
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Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (.html)
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Guidelines for Child Custody Evaluations in Divorce Proceedings (.html)
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California Business and Professions Code (.html)
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Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC) (.pdf)
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How is the 730 Child Custody Evaluator chosen?
A child custody Evaluator is most often chosen or appointed to conduct an evaluation
by one of the following methods listed below:
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The judge may chose the evaluator from a list the court maintains
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The judge will ask the parties to submit a list of acceptable evaluators from which
he or she will choose
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With the help of the attorneys in the case who know various evaluators and their
reputation in the community, the two sides will mutually agree on an evaluator
However, the child custody evaluator selection process can become complicated and is often looked at by the attorneys
as strategic. This is because some custody evaluators are considered to be "neutral" or "unbiased,"
while others may be seen as pro-father or pro-mother. Some child custody evaluators have gained a reputation for
their thorough custody evaluations and others are looked at as too hasty, as some 730 evaluators can
take months to complete a custody evaluation, and some might finish in several weeks.
These considerations should and most likely will be weighed by the two sides, and play into
the negotiations that may take place either between the two attorneys, or alternatively
during a court hearing. Of course, each side hopes to get the 730 evaluator who they believe
will be more favorable to their case, which can prolong the custody evaluator selection process.
If you are a party to the proceedings and you get to have some say in the matter, it would be
wise to get information and educate yourself about the child custody evaluators you are considering. For
instance, custody evaluators in most cases should be able to provide a copy of their resume or
curriculum vitae to an attorney, which can give you the opportunity to learn more about them.
Your attorney may also want to ask the custody evaluators some pertinent questions, thereby hopefully
satisfying your needs and requests. For example, it may be of interest to ask the evaluator's
view on joint-custody, shared parenting, and if he/she believes that a father is equally capable of raising and
nurturing a child, even an a very young age (i.e. under 6 months old, under 12 months old).
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What factors does an "Evaluator" consider in
determining what he/she believes to be in the "child's best interest"?
The evaluation is supposed to determine what is in the overall "best interest of the child";.
That is the golden rule in all jurisdictions in the United States, which is supposed to
serve as the premise for a judge's custody and/or visitation determination or order and/or a 730 evaluators recommendation. However, what is and is not in the child's best interest is very subjective both from a legal and
psychological perspective. The broad standard for child custody deteminations allows the court a vast amount of flexibility in determing what they consider to be the best interst of the child on a case by case basis
In order to answer the question of what is in the child's best interest, a custody evaluation will usually be carried out in several phases and over a period of time (which can be several weeks
or several months). It is common, though not necessarily obligatory, that the 730 evaluation
process include the following parts:
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Initial interview of each parent
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Observation of parents interaction with the child (often in the form of play sessions)
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Psychological testing (includes tests performed on both parents and the child)
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Interviews of third parties, such as family friends, teachers, therapists, counselors,
and/or doctors.
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Observation of other family members and/or third parties and their interaction with
the child (often in the form of play sessions)
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Review of reports and other information provided to or obtained by the evaluator
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Home visit
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What happens after the Evaluation?
After completion of the evaluation, the evaluator writes up and submits a report to the court
or judge and to the two attorneys representing the parents. This is usually done early enough
before the hearing in which the report will be considered, giving the parties time to examine
the report and to consider and/or make any necessary objections. (The time line is regulated
and varies depending on the court rules and procedures in your jurisdiction).
If the report is acceptable to both parties, the parties can agree to accept it in its entirety
into evidence. If there are disagreements, the parties will have a chance to argue their points
in regards to the findings found in the report and challenge its recommendations.
Upon receiving the report, most judges give heavy weight and consideration to the recommendations
and findings of the evaluator found and submitted in the report. Since the judge is the ultimate
authority in making an order and not the evaluator, they can use their judicial discretion to
give as much weight as they decide to the report when making a final order.
In considering the report, the judge is also likely to consider whether the data contained within
the report is convincing and whether the evaluation was executed fairly. Also, consideration
as to whether or not the data found in the report passes the measure of what would be considered
"beyond reasonable doubt", a family law criteria. Other judicial considerations are whether the
evaluator used acceptable methods, and whether their conclusions logically reflect the data in
the report.
In addition, the judge will listen to and may consider any inconsistencies between the data in
the report and other evidence brought to light in the case. Ultimately, in considering the
report, the judge's decision must be based on the what is considered to be in the child's best
interest.
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What if I disagree with the Evaluation report?
If either of the parties (parents or attorneys) is not satisfied with the evaluation report,
and its recommendations, they may depose the evaluator, and/or have the evaluator placed on
the witness stand for cross-examination.
If one does challenge the evaluation report, it may be beneficial to seek out the opinion of
an outside expert or mental health professional to review and critique the evaluation process
and have this placed into a formal declaration written up by your attorney. Also, the expert
will need to be prepared to be cross-examined at trial. The expert should evaluate the methods
used by the evaluator, the conclusions drawn from the data, and the validity of the evaluators
recommendations, and report their findings within the declaration.
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Controversy Arising in Custody Evaluations
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Dr. Tana Dineen (1998),
( .html )
Psychology; how it has become a big business, how it is targeting the justice system, and how, in many ways, it is selling the Courts "a bill of good."
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Ira Daniel Turkat, Ph.D., Venice, Florida (1993),
( .html )
( .pdf )
Questioning The Mental Health Expert's Custody Report.
American Journal of Family Law, Vol 7, 175-179 (1993).
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730 Child Custody Evaluation Resource Links
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730Evaluation.com, (.html)
Providing 730 Evaluation Information, Materials, Resources, and Solutions.
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