A child custody evaluation is a process by which the court appoints a mental health professional (such as a psychologist) who evaluates both parents and the child and makes a recommendation to the court regarding custody and visitation arrangements in the best interest of the child. Child custody evaluations are common in divorce and other child custody litigation.
In Kansas, a child custody evaluation is a tool used by courts to assist in making decisions about child custody and visitation arrangements during divorce or custody disputes. The evaluation is conducted by a mental health professional, often a psychologist, who is appointed by the court. This professional will assess the family situation, the parenting capabilities of each parent, and the needs of the child. The evaluator's role is to provide an objective recommendation to the court regarding what custody and visitation arrangement would be in the best interests of the child. The evaluation process may include interviews with the parents and child, home visits, and reviews of relevant documents. The evaluator's report is then used by the court, along with other evidence, to make a final decision on custody and visitation. Kansas statutes and family law govern the specifics of how these evaluations are to be conducted and how much weight they carry in the court's final decision.