Custody battles may involve a wide range of legal processes. Judges may consider evidence, hear witness testimony, and even consider the preference of the child. There are many factors that they must consider when evaluating the best interests of the child, and this is why these custody battles can drag on for months or even years in some cases. In Georgia, judges may also consider the results of a psychological custody evaluation when determining how custody should be handled. But what exactly is a psychological custody evaluation, and how might it affect your custody battle?
If you have questions such as these, you might want to get in touch with a child custody attorney in Georgia. Our legal professionals can help you prepare for your upcoming custody battle in the best way possible – whether you are facing a psychological custody evaluation, a prolonged trial, or anything else. It is best to book your consultation as soon as possible to start developing an action plan alongside one of our experienced lawyers.
The Child’s Best Interests
First of all, it is important to realize that when a judge makes a decision about child custody in Georgia, they only consider the best interests of the child. They determine the best interests of the child by evaluating a number of predetermined factors that affect child custody. One of these factors is as follows:
“The judge is authorized to order a psychological custody evaluation of the family or an independent medical evaluation.”
Psychological Custody Evaluations Explained
While you can voluntarily seek a psychological custody evaluation, most parents are faced with this undertaking because the court has ordered them to undergo it. This type of evaluation is overseen by a trained psychologist. These psychologists likely have specialized training in things like child development, family relationships, and other areas related to custody. The goal of the evaluation is to interview all children and both parents in order to determine the mental health of all parties. Once again, the primary goal is to serve the child’s best interests. This means that the evaluator will likely place most of their attention on the child’s unique personality, their specific needs, and their age.
How Does a Psychological Evaluation Affect My Custody Battle?
After the evaluation, the psychologist will likely make recommendations to the parents. The parents can choose to voluntarily implement these recommendations into their parenting plan and their overall custody agreement. In addition, the evaluator will generally prepare some kind of report that will be taken before a judge. If the parents do not choose to implement the recommendations made by the psychologist, the judge may factor in the report when making a final decision about child custody.
Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today
If you have been searching the Georgia area for a qualified, experienced divorce attorney, look no further than Lankford & Moore Law. Over the years, we have worked with numerous parents in the Georgia area, and we know how important it is to continue spending time with your children after the divorce. The truth is that a psychological custody evaluation is only one factor that may affect your custody battle, and there is plenty more to prepare for. Book your consultation to get started today.
