Custody Evaluation

Custody Evaluations are often sought when two caretakers are unable to decide and agree on a parenting plan. In some cases a judge may order two caretakers to undergo an evaluation in order to provide feedback to them in understanding the issues and if there are any concerns that are being left unaddressed. Before jumping into a Custody Evaluation, consider an Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE) in a case to make sure it is a best fit. ENE’s can save significant time and money. Examples of issues that may present to warrant a custody evaluation are high conflict parenting styles, allegations of domestic violence, intimate partner violence, child abuse, refusal to see or have contact with one caretaker, a move out of state, or a change in developmental level of the child. Some times concerns related to parental “fit”ness enter the process and the judicial parties require guidance to the validity of allegations or a caretakers ability to co-parent. Custody Evaluations are typically not recommended unless all other options have failed. Evaluations require a $5000 retainer for Iowa based cases, and $6500 for interstate cases, evaluations may cost up to $7-10000 once complete depending on the needs of the case, not including depositions and testimony. A reduced fee is offered for caretakers who are on public assistance (parent on Medicaid, SNAP, etc.). I must be licensed in the state of jurisdiction and the state(s), if more than one, of where the parents reside. Some states do allow temporary exceptions across borders. 

Child and Family Reporter (CFR)

More  recently in court actions a neutral third party is appointed by the court to evaluate and share information on the family to the court on the dynamics, cooperation, coparenting, and concerns a family may be facing related to ongoing litigation. The scope of the CFR  is limited and is not a custody evaluation, and does not engage in courtroom examination of others, and can be called as a witness in hearings and court proceedings. In limited situations a CFR may be asked to provide recommendations. Any trained mental health professional or attorney may act as a CFR. CFR’s have become more common versus a Guardian ad Litem  (GAL) which is required to be an attorney in Iowa, and is able to question the parties and witnesses during a legal proceeding and submit exhibits. The roles of both of these neutral child advocates in the court are much more expansive that this, but overall this is their focus. Child and Family Reporter rates are the same as the Family Integration Service Evaluation Fees, and currently are only offered in the State of Iowa. 

“Reunification Services”

Family Integration Therapy Services

AFCC NCJFCJ Joint Statement

When resist-refuse dynamics between a parent and child of any form happens, whether for self protective concerns due to abuse or by caretaker coercion, it creates a significant divide filled with contradicting fears, anxiety, abandonment, and questions of self worth. “Reunification” or better called Family Integration Therapy Services (FITS) are typically required when a child resists contact for any reason. Estrangement is present when there is little to no contact in a six month time frame. Sometimes these services are voluntary without a court agreement, short term, and limited to a few sessions to address underlying hurts and concerns that are a typical divorce reaction by a child. They may also be highly involved and complex services that may take a significant time-frame to complete if there is a history of coercive influence by a caretaker, or confirmed and legitimate reasons for a child’s self protectiveness.

Due to the wide range of underlying root issues and a need to establish safety for the child in their relationships with both caregivers, an evaluation is required. This evaluation will dive in to both caretakers history, family dynamics, brain health, and other social factors that are present. The reason this is required is due to Kayden’s Law. Kayden’s Law has been included in the Violence Against Women’s Act in the United States. Kayden’s Law restricts abusive reunification practices and promotes required training for both judges, attorney’s and clinicians performing custody and court involved services. Kayden’s Law does pose some hurdles and has pieces that many court involved therapy professionals do not agree with, it is a standard for how to practice within the court system and with family therapy. While Kayden’s Law is highly controversial, it is a reality in many states laws and a requirement for court cases.

Evaluations based in Iowa are $1250 per caretaker, $750 for the primary or a single child, and $500 for each additional child. Out of State Evaluations are $1750 per caretakers, $1050 for the primary or single child, $700 for each additional child. Services out of the State of Iowa require special legal consultation and liability requirements. Travel fees are separate if required for the evaluation and services. Both caretakers are required to participate in services. Evaluations are available with a reduced fee for the caretaker who may be on a public assistance program.

Once an evaluation has been completed to confirm safety for the child(ren), evaluate the needs and concerns in the family dynamic, and set goals, insurance might be eligible for ongoing therapy services to address the underlying issues.

Coparenting Coordination

Co-parenting Coordination services are typically a form of ongoing support when parents struggle to be in ongoing conflict and are not able to agree on parenting decisions. Co-parent Coordinators act as an ongoing “mediation” focused role to help make decisions, maintain an outside neutral perspective,  and provide guidance and education related to the decisions made. It is common that these individuals are often attorneys, however there are a handful of mental health professionals who act in this role as well. This is often most appropriate for a mental health professional to act as a Co-parent Coordinator when special needs with a family exist or struggle with high conflict. Trained Mental Health professionals can add knowledge and insight to the why behind parenting conflict and help the caretakers understand needs the child has they may not be aware of or have insight to. Co-parent Coordination services are not therapy services and will not fix the underlying issues, the family will need Family Integration Therapy Services to address this. Co-Parent Coordination is a monitoring and decision making role for the family to aid the court and prevent unnecessary filings and litigation that creates increased conflict for the children involved and adds to trauma in the family system. A Co-Parent Coordinator cannot act in both a therapy and advisor role for the family. They should always remain two separate professionals. 

Expert Testimony

Sometimes in a case in juvenile or family court expert testimony is needed to help educate the court and any number of possible interventions, alternative outcomes, or to help address a family dynamic. Courts and Judges are not experts in mental health. In fact depending on the State and rules for judge appointments to family and juvenile courts, judges may never have handled a family law case and are trying to navigate the intricate and delicate issues of a family court case. Expert Testimony can be provided in any state, is not a clinical service, and depending on the court may be provided via virtual testimony or may be required to be in person. An expert will testify in a case as a neutral professional and depending on the issue will sometimes conduct a paper review of limited facts or issues in a case for research and preparation. Areas that are commonly sought out for expert testimony in family court are: Challenging current custody orders, Challenging the recommendations of a professional on a case, Education of issues for the Court, Addressing ethical best practices with childhood attachment, “reunification”, and mental health disorders. These services are consultative and educational and are not used for clinical diagnosis, treatment, or therapy services under the court. With a growing issue of estrangement and allegations of Parental Alienation, Expert’s are in growing demand to help weed through junk science and help inform the court of what is in the best interest of the child and family. Expert Testimony starts at $350 per hour. A minimum of four hours for Iowa and virtual testimony ($1400). Payment is required in advance and is non-refundable. Expert Testimony for on-site out of state cases require 10 hours minimum ($3500) plus travel and accommodation (Average of $1000-2000 additional expense depending on the location). Some expert services may cost up to $500 per hour or more for special circumstances. All expenses are required to be paid in advance. I do offer a 1 hour joint consultation with counsel prior to being retained on a case to allow both parties legal counsel the opportunity to agree and confirm services.