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CRITIQUE OF CHILD CUSTODY EVALUATIONS BY THE LEGAL PROFESSION
Author(s) -
Bow James N.,
Quinnell Francella A.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
family court review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.171
H-Index - 4
eISSN - 1744-1617
pISSN - 1531-2445
DOI - 10.1111/j.174-1617.2004.tb00637.x
Subject(s) - child custody , objectivity (philosophy) , psychology , legal profession , family court , law , social psychology , political science , criminology , philosophy , epistemology
This study explored the congruency between child custody evaluations and the needs of the legal profession. One hundred twenty‐one judges and attorneys were surveyed. In general, both groups expressed similar attitudes and beliefs. Findings indicated that court‐ordered evaluations were most useful, and objectivity was paramount. Judges and attorneys also expressed a need for improvements in child custody reports, particularly greater child focus, provision of custody and visitation recommendations, discussion of legal criteria, and timely completion of evaluations. It is hoped that the findings will inform professional practice and help evaluators better serve the needs of the family court.