Legal Custody & Physical Placement Evaluations/Studies

If parents are unable to resolve all disputes regarding the placement and custody of their child(ren) in the mediation process, a Family Court Social Worker may be assigned to evaluate the family through conducting interviews, gathering collateral information, and completing direct observations.

In preparation, parents are each required to prepare a Proposed Parenting Plan  to present to the assigned counselor. For more information about the Proposed Parenting Plan see the brochure Parenting Plans in Family Court .

Once the evaluation is concluded, a written recommendation is submitted to all parties to assist the family and the courts in reaching an agreement that serves the best interest of the child(ren).

PARTICIPATION
A Judge or Commissioner makes an order after reviewing the case and deciding it would be helpful.

FEE INFORMATION
See the Fees section for a complete list of FCS fees. The court generally determines which party will pay which portion of the fee, either before payment is made or at a later hearing. If not ordered by the court, each party is generally required to pay half the fee in pending divorce/legal separation actions. In all other actions, the requesting party is generally required to pay.