The California evidence code allows a court to appoint an expert to investigate, report, and testify about issues relevant to the divorce case. In family law, it often refers to a custody evaluation to determine the best interest of the minor child<\/strong>. However, it can also refer to other issues that may be presented in the action. An expert may be appointed any time a court believes that an expert could assist the court. However, it is not an automatic appointmen<\/strong>t. A party who would like to hire an expert on behalf of both parties may be able to petition the court to appoint an expert.<\/p>\n If you need help filing a petition to family court, contact us at 949-716-2102<\/a> to get in touch with our Laguna Hills family law attorney<\/a> at Trevino Law to get legal help with your custody evaluation today.<\/p>\n In a custody evaluation, a therapist investigates the family to determine what type of custody arrangement<\/a> <\/strong>would be in the best interest of the children. In most investigations, the investigator interviews the parents and the children. In addition, the investigator may interview extended family members, teachers, instructors, etc<\/strong>. Sometimes the therapist may administer tests for the family.<\/p>\n If you need help preparing for your evaluation, our compassionate Laguna Hills CA child custody and family lawyer can provide legal assistance and representation throughout your custody 730 evaluation. Call us today at 949-716-2102<\/a> to get in touch with our family law attorney serving Laguna Hills, CA and more areas in California!<\/p>\n The investigator may prepare a written, confidential report<\/strong> for the court of his or her evaluation. If a written report is required, then the report shall be filed with the clerk of the court and served to the parties or their attorneys<\/strong>. These reports are highly confidential and cannot be disclosed to third parties<\/strong>. Disclosure can result in sanctions against the parties.<\/p>\n To become a court-appointed evaluator, the evaluator must complete the domestic violence and child abuse training program<\/strong> as well as meet the qualifications of Family Code section 3110.5<\/a>. A court evaluator shall declare under penalty of perjury that he or she meets all of the education, experience, and training requirements and that he or she possesses a license in good standing. Family Code Section 3110 states that a court-appointed investigator can be a probation officer, domestic relations investigator, or court-appointed evaluator directed by the court to conduct an investigation.<\/p>\n All evaluators must use similar interview, assessment, and testing procedures that are consistent with generally accepted clinical, forensic, scientific, diagnostic, or medical standards. Evaluators must inform each adult party of the purpose, nature, and method of the evaluation.<\/strong><\/p>\n Each party has the right to call the investigator into court and conduct cross-examination. No statement, either written or oral, or other conduct shall be considered a waiver by either party of the right to cross-examination<\/strong> unless the statement or conduct occurs after the report has been received by the party (Family Code section 3115).<\/p>\n If you’re going through a custody evaluation in California, our trusted custody attorney in Laguna Hills, CA<\/a> can assist in petitioning the family court or hiring an expert for your child’s custody evaluation case. Schedule a consultation with us by calling 949-716-2102<\/a> or filling out a contact form<\/a> to start protecting your child’s best interests today<\/strong>!<\/p>\n California Family Code Section 3110<\/strong><\/p>\n As used in this chapter, \u201ccourt-appointed investigator\u201d<\/strong> means a probation officer, domestic relations investigator, or court-appointed evaluator directed by the court to conduct an investigation pursuant to this chapter.<\/p>\n
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Get Legal Help With Your California Custody Evaluation Today!<\/h2>\n
California Family Code Sections<\/h2>\n