The 730 Evaluation: Child Custody

Part III. The Interview and Evaluation

This is our final article in our series about the 730 Evaluation. This one focuses on how to prepare yourself for the process. Here are some tips taken from 'Preparing For Your Custody Evaluation published by The Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, 1992. For copies of their pamphlet please visit afccnet.org.

• Cooperate with your evaluator. Remember the evaluation is to determine the what is in the best interest of your children.
• Separate your marriage problems from your parenting concerns. Do not use this time to complain about the other person or process your divorce, rather verbalize what you think would be best for your child.
• Don't look at the evaluation as a win/lose situation. Children need both parents and have the right to love them both.
• Be open and honest with the evaluator.
• Ask the evaluator for referrals: counseling, reading material, help and classes.
• Keep your appointments, be on time.
• Organize school, health and other information for the evaluation.
• Make notes of questions you might have.

Sometimes bringing a picture of your child and setting it on a nearby surface during conferences helps in keeping the focus on him or her.

Base your life as a parent on the following points and your child will benefit from it, not only as a result of the evaluation but from a healthy childhood.

• Parents have a responsibility to eliminate conflict between them from their child's life.
• Parents must support a relationship with the other parent to help their child do his best.
• Parents must provide a safe and secure home for their child, eliminating emotional turmoil and confusion due to the divorce.
• Parents must attend to their child's changing needs, to grow with them and recognize developmental stages.
• Parents must put their child's needs first, a characteristic of involved parents. They will provide strength and support to their kids in the wake of the tragedy of divorce.