Custody Evaluations

Upon appointment by the court, retired attorney Vincent Vitale provides custody evaluations to
the court in custody disputes. Vincent has substantial experience working with families that have
experienced domestic violence and/or substance abuse issues.

A report generally discusses the following:

1. Family History – Current living arrangements - employment

2. Scope of Evaluation
- Records reviewed
- People interviewed
- Other pertinent information

3. The parties’ wishes

4. Custody Criteria:
Caring for the Children
- Children’s physical and emotional needs
- Physical and emotional danger
- Stability of home
- Plans for the children
- Cooperation between parents
- Parenting skills
- Primary caregiver

Maintaining Family Relationships
- Children’s preference
- Siblings
- Geographic proximity
- Promoting relationships between children and other party
- False report of child abuse
- International child abductions

Parental Fitness
- Present fitness and recent past conduct
- Drug and alcohol abuse
- Domestic violence

Generally, the evaluator meets with the parents separately and then with each parent and the children together. Depending on the age of the children, the evaluator may also meet with the children alone. The evaluator will meet with additional adults who have significant contact with the children such as family members, teachers, counselors, and church members. If there are unusual health issues facing the parents or children, the evaluator may also meet with health professionals.
In some cases, the court may also appoint a mental health care professional to perform a psychological evaluation, in which case the evaluator will also consult with the psychologist. The final report is presented to the court and the parties’ attorneys. Occasionally the custody evaluator may testify at trial.

A report generally considers facts such as the parents’ ability to cooperate, the wishes of the children, parenting skills, whether there is a primary caregiver, geographic proximity and whether any child has special needs. Also relevant are questions about parental fitness, such as any history of substance abuse or domestic violence.

If you would like more information to schedule at appointment for Custody Evaluation please email us at contact@heathcounseling.com