Parenting & Evaluation Articles
![]() | Parenting & Evaluation Articles |
A Guide to Special Masters |
This is a no-holds-barred, tell-it-like-it-is introduction to family court and the role of the special master. The special master's role in custody cases is to make decisions about children when the parents cannot. |
A Guide To The Parenting Evaluation Process |
A Parenting Evaluation (PE), also called a Custody Evaluation, is a formal investigation that attempts to assess the level of each parent's respective parenting skills, and to determine which parent may be best suited to care for a child or children. |
Child Custody Evaluation Practices: A Survey of Experienced Professionals |
Child Custody Evaluation Practices: A Survey of Experienced Professionals (Revisited) Professional Psychology: Research and Practice |
Common Psychological Tests |
This article covers common psychological tests that are given in nearly all custody evaluations in order to assess each parent's mental and emotional health, as well as to identify any abnormal psychological conditions (personality disorders, neurotic behaviors, etc). |
Misuse of Psychological Tests in Forensic Settings: Some Horrible Examples |
This article by Ralph Underwager and Hollida Wakefield examines the misuse of psychological tests in typical forensic settings. |
MMPI Scales: Interpretation of High Scores |
The MMPI is one of the standard tests that is often given in the course of custody evaluations. Abnormally elevated scores on certain scales are considered to be indicative of various kinds of metal illness. |
Notes On Home Studies |
A "home study" (also called a "home inspection") may be requested by either party in a divorce and custody action or it may be ordered by a judge. A home study is pretty much what it sounds like: an evaluation of a child's place of residence. |
Overturning Parenting Evaluations |
Overturning or invalidating a Parenting Evaluation is a difficult thing to do. If you think that the evaluator is biased or is conducting the evaluation improperly, notify your attorney immediately. |
Preparing For A Custody Trial |
This article was primarily intended for custody evaluators, but the scope and content of the article makes it suitable for anyone who may be involved in a custody evaluation or trial. Read carefully and you may learn quite a bit. |
Psychological Evaluations You Need for Trial |
Psychological evaluations can provide information that increases the accuracy of the decision-making process of the justice system. Attorneys, however, must understand both their usefulness and their limitations. |