Going through a divorce is never easy, especially when children are involved. That’s why New Mexico courts may appoint a custody evaluator to help determine custody arrangements for the children. A custody evaluator is a mental health professional who works to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each parent and the children involved. In this article, we’ll dive into the role of a custody evaluator in a New Mexico divorce.
What Does A Custody Evaluator Assess?
A custody evaluator’s main goal is to determine the best interests of the child or children involved. To achieve this, the evaluator may assess all or some of the following factors:
- Each parent’s mental and emotional health
- Each parent’s living situation
- The child’s relationship with each parent
- The child’s educational and medical needs
- Each parent’s willingness and ability to cooperate and communicate with each other
How Does The Evaluation Process Work?
The custody evaluation process usually takes several weeks to complete and involves a variety of steps. It typically includes interviews with the parents and children, home visits, and psychological testing. The evaluator may also speak with teachers, doctors, and other individuals who have knowledge of the family’s situation. After finalizing the evaluation, the evaluator will submit a report to the court.
What Factors Do Courts Consider When Making Custody Decisions?
When deciding on custody arrangements, the court will consider many different factors, including:
- Each parent’s relationship with the child
- Each parent’s mental and emotional health
- Each parent’s ability to provide for the child’s best interests
- Any history of domestic violence or substance abuse
- The child’s preference, if age appropriate
What Happens After The Evaluation?
Once the custody evaluator has submitted their report, the court will hold a hearing to consider the report’s findings and other evidence provided by both parties. At the hearing, the judge will consider all the evidence and make a ruling about custody arrangements based on what is in the best interests of the child or children involved.
Final Thoughts
Having a custody evaluator involved in a New Mexico divorce case can be helpful in determining the best interests of the child. The evaluator’s role is to provide an unbiased assessment of the family’s dynamics and help create a custody arrangement that is in the child’s best interests. If you’re going through a divorce or custody battle and have questions about the role of a custody evaluator, it’s essential to speak with an experienced family law attorney who can guide you through the process.