Home Studies In Separate States

[greatdad2]

 A home study was ordered by the other parent. We live in one state and the other parent and our child lives in another. Does the person who does the home study have to come to where we live or can they find someone local to do our half of the home study. We were also informed this could cost up to 4500 dollars! Is the cost of the home study split between the parents?

[MixedBag]

Usually the cost is ordered split by the judge.

And that is published in an order.

are you really far apart when you say two different states?

Maybe others can address their experience when it was long distance.

And yes, $4500.....

[mistoffolees]

> A home study was ordered by the other parent. We live in one
>state and the other parent and our child lives in another.
>Does the person who does the home study have to come to where
>we live or can they find someone local to do our half of the
>home study. We were also informed this could cost up to 4500
>dollars! Is the cost of the home study split between the
>parents?

I would insist that the same person do the home study on both homes. Otherwise, there's no way to ensure that you're getting a fair evaluation.

The other questions have already been answered.

[wendl]

Usually they split the cost of the home study, sometime one party gets to foot the entire bill.

If this is not address in the order then  I would talk to the attorney and have it spelled out in the order.

**These are my opinions, they are not legal advice**

[mistoffolees]

>Usually they split the cost of the home study, sometime one
>party gets to foot the entire bill.
>
>If this is not address in the order then  I would talk to the
>attorney and have it spelled out in the order.
>
>**These are my opinions, they are not legal advice**


In some states, there may be a judicial standard. For example, in my state, it's typically done one of two ways:
a. The study is paid for out of marital assets if the divorce is still pending
or
b. The parties pay as a percentage of income. That is, if one person has 30% of the combined income, they pay 30%.

But it should have been spelled out in the order as you indicated.