A child custody evaluation is a formal investigation ordered by a judge to assess each parent’s mental health, parenting practices, and overall ability to meet the child’s needs. In California, this process is often called a “730 Evaluation,” named after Evidence Code § 730, which allows the court to appoint experts to provide information.
The evaluator—a mental health professional such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or licensed social worker—conducts interviews, home visits, and psychological testing when appropriate. They then prepare a report for the court, recommending a custody and visitation arrangement based on what they believe is in the child’s best interests.
Custody evaluations are typically ordered when there are serious concerns about a parent’s ability to care for their child or when parents are locked in a high-conflict custody dispute. A child custody evaluation may be used in cases involving:
If you’re facing any of these issues, working with a lawyer for child custody evaluations can help you understand your options and prepare for what’s ahead.
The evaluator may be appointed by the judge or agreed upon by both parties. However, all evaluators must meet specific qualifications outlined in California Family Code § 3110, including specialized training in child development, psychology, and domestic violence dynamics. Only licensed psychologists can administer formal psychological tests, though marriage and family therapists or social workers may conduct broader evaluations.
If given the chance to choose the evaluator, your custody evaluation attorney can help you select a professional known for their fairness and thoroughness.
The evaluation process typically unfolds over several weeks or months and may include:
The evaluator collects and reviews all this information to create a report with their findings and recommendations.
Parents are often nervous about what child custody evaluation questions might arise. Evaluators typically ask about:
Your responses, the evaluator’s observations, and supporting documentation will all be factored into the final recommendation.
While timelines can vary, a typical 730 evaluation may take two to four months to complete. More complex cases—especially those involving allegations of abuse or multiple evaluators—may take longer. Once the evaluation is complete, the report is submitted to the court and both parties’ attorneys, usually at least 10 days before the next hearing.
Our child custody attorneys in Los Angeles can help keep your case on track and ensure all necessary steps are completed efficiently.
The evaluator’s report includes a summary of the investigation, findings, and a recommended parenting plan. Judges take these recommendations seriously, but they are not automatically binding.
If both parents accept the report, it may be submitted into evidence and used to finalize a custody arrangement. If there is disagreement, each party may:
If you disagree with the report, your lawyer can challenge any weaknesses in the evaluator’s methods or conclusions and advocate for a more favorable outcome.
You have the right to contest the report, especially if you believe the evaluator made errors or relied on incomplete information. Your custody evaluation lawyer can:
California law allows for oversight and accountability in the evaluation process, particularly when your parental rights are at stake.
Yes. In cases involving serious allegations of child abuse, sexual abuse, or domestic violence, the evaluation becomes more extensive. The evaluator may consult child welfare agencies, law enforcement, and therapists and may request physical or psychological examinations of the child.
Evaluators are trained to identify risk factors and recommend safeguards like supervised visitation or limited contact if needed. If you’ve been falsely accused, it’s essential to have a custody evaluation attorney on your side to make sure your side of the story is fully presented.
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A custody evaluation (also known as a 730 evaluation) is a forensic assessment of a family’s dynamics conducted by a neutral mental health professional. The purpose is to provide the court with an informed recommendation about custody and parenting time.
Most evaluations take between two and four months, but more complicated cases can last longer depending on the issues involved and the evaluator’s availability.
Be honest and cooperative, maintain a child-focused mindset, and avoid speaking negatively about the other parent. An attorney can help you prepare for interviews and gather supporting documents.
Sometimes. In some cases, both parents can agree on an evaluator, or the judge may ask for input before selecting one. Your attorney can help you suggest a qualified evaluator with a good reputation.
Yes. The evaluator will usually meet with your child, especially if the child is old enough to express preferences or provide insight into the family environment.