A Critical Review of Child Custody Evaluation Reports

This study examined 52 child custody reports drafted by doctoral-level psychologists from across the United States to determine (a) the nature, scope, and quality of the evaluation process as reflected in report content; (b) the degree to which practice as documented in reports is congruent with practice as described by survey data, and (c) the manner in which evaluation results are communicated to the court. In general, the findings suggest that evaluation procedures identified in reports are consistent with those described in past survey research and with custody guidelines. Evaluations tend to be court ordered, comprehensive, and well written. Ways in which reports can be improved were identified.