Custody disputes often involve complex questions about the psychological functioning of parents, the developmental and emotional needs of children, the quality of parent-child relationships, and other factors that affect a child’s well-being. Forensic psychologists are uniquely trained to conduct comprehensive, objective evaluations that help answer these questions and assist the court in making informed decisions. Not every case, however, requires the same type of forensic evaluation.
Different parenting-related forensic evaluations are designed to answer different legal and psychological questions and can vary considerably in their purpose, scope, and methodology. Matching the evaluation to the issues before the court helps ensure that the evaluation is sufficiently comprehensive to address the relevant questions without extending into areas that are unnecessary to the court’s decision-making.
At Lowey Psychological Services, our forensic psychologists conduct independent evaluations designed to provide courts and attorneys with clear, well-supported information about the psychological and parenting issues relevant to a case. Each evaluation is tailored to the referral questions and circumstances of the family, with careful attention to objectivity, thoroughness, and the needs of the children involved.
The comparison below provides an overview of the parenting-related evaluations we offer and the primary questions each is intended to address.
| Primary Referral Question: | Evaluation: |
| Are psychological or behavioral factors affecting a parent’s ability to parent? | Individual Psychological Evaluation |
| What custodial arrangement is in the child’s best interests? | Comprehensive Child Custody Evaluation / Parenting Plan Evaluation |
| Does a parent have the capacity to safely and adequately meet the child’s needs? | Parental Capacity Evaluation |
| What is the nature and quality of the child’s relationship with a parent or caregiver? | Bonding Evaluation |
Individual Psychological Evaluations
An individual psychological evaluation is appropriate when the primary referral question concerns a single parent or caregiver and whether psychological, behavioral, or cognitive factors may affect parenting. These evaluations are commonly requested when there are concerns regarding a parent’s mental health, personality characteristics, substance use, cognitive abilities, or other factors that could influence the ability to safely and effectively meet a child’s needs. The findings provide the court with objective information about these concerns and their potential relevance to parenting, assisting the court in making informed decisions that serve the child’s best interests.
At Lowey Psychological Services, our forensic psychologists specialize in comprehensive independent psychological evaluations tailored to the specific questions identified by the court and the unique circumstances of the family.
We recognize the importance of these evaluations and approach the process with the sensitivity, compassion, and attention to detail it requires. The evaluation begins by gathering detailed case information from the referring attorney. This initial consultation allows us to clarify the referral questions, determine the appropriate scope of the evaluation, and ensure that we have the information and access necessary to address the issues identified by the court.
The evaluation typically includes an in-depth clinical interview and mental status examination, comprehensive psychological testing, a detailed review of relevant educational, medical, psychological, and legal records, and collateral interviews with other involved parties. If necessary, we address specific concerns raised by the other parent by offering interviews to that parent. This allows relevant concerns and competing accounts to be considered before conclusions are reached. All collected data is carefully integrated to reach conclusions regarding the parent’s psychological health and the potential impact of any identified psychological factors on their ability to meet the child’s needs.
Following the completion of the assessment, we offer an expert opinion about the parent’s psychological health, the extent to which identified psychological factors may affect parenting, and recommendations for addressing or mitigating any identified areas of concern or risk. Our findings and the basis for our opinions are documented in detailed written reports, and we provide expert testimony when needed.
While an individual psychological evaluation focuses on a single parent or caregiver, some custody disputes require a broader assessment of the entire family system. In those cases, a comprehensive child custody evaluation may be appropriate.
Child Custody Evaluations / Parenting Plan Evaluations
In high-conflict custody disputes, the court may order a comprehensive child custody evaluation or parenting plan evaluation to assist in making decisions regarding custody and parenting time.
Unlike an individual psychological evaluation, which focuses primarily on one parent or caregiver, a custody evaluation directly assesses the children, each parent, the parent-child relationships, relevant family dynamics, and other factors that may affect the children’s well-being. The purpose is to provide the court with an objective, comprehensive assessment of the family system as a whole to assist in determining a parenting arrangement that serves the best interests of the child.
Dr. Nicole Machinski is a forensic psychologist with extensive experience conducting individual psychological evaluations of parents involved in custody disputes. She also accepts appointments to conduct comprehensive child custody evaluations and parenting plan evaluations.
Because these evaluations are conducted pursuant to a court order or stipulation, we encourage attorneys to contact us before the order is finalized. Early consultation allows us to review the intended referral questions and ensure that the order addresses the scope of the evaluation and the procedural matters necessary for the evaluation to proceed efficiently.
Before the Evaluation Begins
Before accepting an appointment, we require the court order or stipulation to clearly address:
- The appointment of the evaluator
- Each party’s financial responsibility for the evaluation fees
- The individuals or entities authorized to receive the final written report
- The specific referral questions the court would like addressed, if applicable
- Any applicable court deadlines
If the order does not identify additional specific referral questions, the evaluation will address the overarching question of custody and parenting time in light of the child’s best interests.
A comprehensive child custody evaluation is forensic, rather than therapeutic, in nature. Dr. Machinski serves as a neutral evaluator, regardless of which party is responsible for the evaluation fee. Her role is to provide the court with an objective, data-informed assessment addressing the questions before the court, rather than to provide treatment or advocate for either parent.
A comprehensive child custody evaluation includes:
- Individual interviews with each parent
- Individual interviews with each child who is developmentally able to participate verbally
- Parent-child observation sessions
- Psychological testing
- Collateral interviews with relevant third parties
- Review of relevant legal, medical, educational, psychological, and other records
Upon completion of the evaluation, Dr. Machinski prepares a detailed written report describing the information considered, her findings, and her recommendations regarding custody and parenting time. She is also available to provide expert testimony regarding her evaluation, findings, and opinions when needed.
