When custody disputes arise, emotions can run high and priorities can get blurred. But at the center of it all is one crucial question: What’s best for the child? That’s the focus of every child custody evaluation, a process designed to assess the needs of the child and each parent’s ability to meet them.
At Lepage Associates, we provide court-informed guidance and work closely with families and courts in Durham, Raleigh, and Chapel Hill. Our goal is always the same—to support the interests of the child by offering clear, unbiased, and clinically sound recommendations.
If you’ve been asked to order a custody evaluation or you’re about to begin the custody evaluation process, here’s what to expect—through a lens that stays centered on the child.
What Is a Child Custody Evaluation?
A child custody evaluation is a formal assessment conducted by licensed mental health professionals—typically psychologists trained in family and forensic issues. Courts often order evaluations in contested custody arrangements, especially when concerns are raised about parenting skills, emotional health, or high-conflict dynamics.
The evaluator’s job is not to “pick a winner,” but to assess the strengths and weaknesses of each parent, the quality of parent-child relationships, and the broader family system, in order to make recommendations that serve the child’s life and long-term well-being.
Who Is Involved in the Evaluation?
Evaluators may gather input from:
- Both parents
- The child or children (if age-appropriate)
- Teachers, pediatricians, or therapists
- Other relevant family members
- Anyone significantly involved in the child’s life
They will also interview and observe parents and children together and separately, assess each parent’s ability to meet the child's needs, and explore the child’s relationship with children and the other parent.
📍 If you’re in Chapel Hill, Durham, or Raleigh, our custody-trained clinicians provide objective evaluations that meet family law standards while focusing on the child’s experience and needs.
What Does the Custody Evaluation Process Involve?
The custody evaluation process is comprehensive. Expect it to unfold over several sessions and include:
1. Clinical Interviews
Each parent is interviewed about their background, parenting philosophy, current custody arrangements, and any concerns about the other party. Children may also be interviewed, depending on age and maturity.
2. Observation Sessions
Evaluators will interview and observe parent-child interactions in structured or natural settings. This helps assess communication styles, emotional warmth, discipline methods, and attachment.
3. Home Visits
In many cases, evaluators conduct home visits to see the child's living environment and assess safety, structure, and suitability. This gives context to each parent’s claim and living arrangement.
4. Collateral Interviews
Evaluators may speak with teachers, doctors, therapists, or close family members to gather additional insight into the child’s functioning and relationships.
5. Psychological Testing
When appropriate, psychological testing may be used to assess emotional stability, personality traits, or potential risk factors affecting parenting ability.
How Does the Evaluator Make Recommendations?
Once all data is gathered, the custody evaluator writes a report with findings and recommendations. These are based on a wide range of factors, including:
- Emotional bonds with each parent
- Stability and safety of each home
- Each parent’s willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other parent
- Any history of mental health, substance abuse, or domestic violence
- Consistency in school, activities, and community
- The child’s own preferences, if developmentally appropriate
The report is submitted to the court and can influence final custody arrangements or be used to mediate a settlement.
What This Means for Parents
Parents often feel nervous or defensive during a custody evaluation—and that’s understandable. But the best way to support your case is to stay child-focused, cooperative, and honest.
Do:
- Show a genuine interest in your child’s well-being.
- Cooperate with all parts of the evaluation.
- Reflect on areas for improvement—no one is perfect.
- Support the child’s relationship with children and the other parent (unless there are valid safety concerns).
Don’t:
- Coach your child on what to say.
- Badmouth the other parent to the evaluator or your child.
- Assume that one mistake will “lose” you custody—evaluators look at the full picture.
🧠 Our experienced clinicians in Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill guide parents through the evaluation process with clarity, objectivity, and care for the interests of the child.
When Are Parenting Classes Recommended?
In some cases, the evaluation may recommend parenting classes—not as punishment, but as a proactive step toward strengthening skills or improving communication. These classes can demonstrate a commitment to personal growth and prioritizing your child’s life.
💬 We offer referrals for evidence-based parenting classes in Chapel Hill, Raleigh, and Durham to support families in transition.
Final Thought: The Child Comes First
The child custody evaluation process can feel invasive and emotionally charged, but at its core, it’s about protecting and uplifting the child’s needs.
Whether you're preparing for an evaluation or supporting a child through one, remember: The court isn’t looking for perfect parents. They’re looking for parents who put their child first—and who are willing to grow, listen, and co-parent with integrity.
🌱 Need support preparing for a custody evaluation? Our team at Lepage Associates in Durham, Raleigh, and Chapel Hill offers guidance, evaluations, and child-centered therapy to help you move through this process with clarity and confidence.