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 Ohio, a child custody evaluation is a tool used by courts to assist in making decisions about child custody and visitation arrangements during divorce or other custody-related litigation. The evaluation is conducted by a court-appointed mental health professional, such as a psychologist, who assesses the family situation, the parenting abilities of both parents, and the needs of the child. The evaluator's role is to provide the court with information and recommendations that focus on the best interests of the child, which is the primary consideration in Ohio custody cases. The evaluation process may include interviews with the parents and child, home visits, and reviews of relevant documents. The evaluator's report is then submitted to the court and may be used to guide the court's decision on custody and visitation arrangements. It's important to note that while the evaluator's recommendations are influential, the final decision on custody rests with the court.