Arnelle Strand, P.A.

What is a Parenting Plan Recommendation?
Who Performs the Evaluation?

When parents cannot agree on the time sharing arrangement, the court would require a "Child Custody Evaluation" which is now called a "Parenting Plan Recommendation".    When parents cannot resolve disputes regarding the children, prior to trial, the Judge  may require the family to participate in an evaluation so that a parenting plan recommendation may be made to the Court.  A psychologist is appointed by the court to develop a Parenting Plan Recommendation, taking into consideration the relationship between a child (or children) and the parents, and creating a time sharing plan for the the family based on their observations.  This recommendation provides information  about the family to help the Judge reach a decision that will be in the best interests of the children.

The psychologist is presumed to be acting in good faith when recommendations have been reached under standards that a reasonable psychologist would use to develop a parenting plan.  The psychologist meets with the parents and the children, does psychological testing, speaks with third parties, and reviews medical records, school records, and any other information the psychologist deems necessary to reach his or her recommendation.

What is a Parenting Plan Recommendation?

A parenting plan recommendation, formerly known as a custody evaluation is:

* an objective assessment of the needs of the children and each parent's ability to meet those needs.

*  concerned with the strengths and weaknesses of each parent.

*  directed toward helping the family make positive adjustments to divorce.

* attentive to past events, present resources and future needs of the family.

* focused on he "BEST INTERESTS" of the children.

A parenting plan recommendation DOES NOT:

*  determine fault or blame for the divorce

*  take one parent's side over the other.

Who Performs the Evaluation?

A psychologist appointed by the Court to develop  a parent plan recommendation in a dissolution of marriage, a case of domestic violence, or a paternity matter involving the relationship of a child and a parent, including  time-sharing of children,is assumed to be acting in good faith if the psychologist's recommendation has been reached under standards that a reasonable psychologist would use to develop a parenting plan recommendation.

The evaluators have been trained in the divorce process and its effects on families, as well as child development issues and the needs of children.

The pyschologist's job is to assist the court in determining a parenting plan in the best in of the children.  The psychologist will make an objective assessment of the needs of the children and will not be an advocate for either parent.