In most states when there is a custody dispute, the Court appoints a custody evaluator. That evaluator may work for Court Services or may be a private individual.

In a "Custody Evaluation" an evaluator meets with the parties and evaluates the custody issues based on the factors for determining custody that are spelled out by state statutes.

Once the custody evaluation is complete the evaluator submits a report to the Court which will recommend a custody and visitation schedule that the evaluator believes is in the child's best interests.

This report is a critical element of your case.

Although custody studies may be challenged in court, many Judge's defer to the recommendations of the evaluator because, unlike the parties, they are deemed to be an independent witness without any personal Interest in the outcome. As a result, how you relate your case to the evaluator is very important.