What does a child custody investigator look for?
A child custody investigator, also known as a custody evaluator, is a professional who is hired to assess and provide recommendations regarding child custody arrangements. When conducting an investigation, a custody evaluator will typically look for several key factors to determine what is in the best interest of the child. These factors may include:
1. The child's relationship with each parent: The investigator will assess the bond between the child and each parent, including the quality of the relationship, the level of involvement of each parent, and the child's attachment to each parent.
2. The mental and physical health of the parents: The investigator will assess the physical and mental health of each parent, including any history of substance abuse, domestic violence, or mental health issues.
3. The living arrangements of each parent: The investigator will examine the living arrangements of each parent, including the quality of the home environment, the child's access to food, clothing, and other necessities, and the child's overall safety.
4. The child's preferences: If the child is old enough to express their preferences, the investigator will take these into consideration when making their recommendations.
5. The ability of each parent to provide for the child's needs: The investigator will assess each parent's ability to provide for the child's physical, emotional, and developmental needs, including their ability to provide appropriate discipline, education, and healthcare.
Overall, a child custody investigator will evaluate many different factors to determine what is in the best interest of the child and make recommendations to the court or involved parties based on their findings.