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 West Virginia, a child custody evaluation is a tool used by the courts to assist in determining the best interests of the child in custody and visitation matters. This process typically involves a court-appointed mental health professional, such as a psychologist, who conducts a thorough assessment of the family situation, including the parenting abilities of each parent, the child's needs, and the parent-child relationships. The evaluator will often interview both parents, the child, and sometimes other individuals who have a significant relationship with the child, such as teachers or relatives. They may also review documents and observe interactions between the parents and the child. The evaluator's findings are compiled into a report, which includes recommendations for custody and visitation arrangements. The court may consider this report when making its final decision on custody and visitation issues. It's important to note that while the evaluator's recommendations can be influential, the final decision always rests with the court, which will prioritize the child's best interests.