Child Custody Evaluations in Chicago: What are They and When are They Ordered in a Chicago Divorce Case?

Child custody is undoubtedly one of the most challenging, emotional, time consuming, and financially expensive parts of a Chicago divorce case. Indeed, parents of children who were born into the marriage must determine who will have legal custody of the child (the decision-making power on the child’s behalf when it comes to things like education, religion, and medical decisions), and who will have physical custody of the child (who the child will physically live with). When parents who are in the divorce process cannot resolve disputes about legal and physical child custody, a child custody evaluator may need to step in to help determine custody issues. But what exactly are child custody evaluations, and when are they ordered in a Chicago divorce case? To help divorcing individuals in Chicago better understand the child custody evaluation process in Chicago divorces, we address those questions here.

Child Custody Evaluations: What are They in the Context of a Chicago Divorce?

A child custody evaluation (also called a 604.10(b) evaluation) is ordered by a judge presiding over a Chicago divorce case to get a closer look into the dynamics of the family so that he or she can make a determination of child custody in the best interests of the child. As the Circuit Court of Cook County explains, “A 604.10(b) evaluation is a comprehensive investigation and report prepared by a Family Court Services (FCS) evaluator that assesses the needs of children involved in a family court case, and the ability of each parent to meet those needs.”

When is a Child Custody Evaluation Ordered in a Chicago Divorce Case?

Child custody evaluations are ordered in divorce cases in Chicago when parents who are divorcing cannot resolve issues concerning child custody. Using the child custody evaluation, the judge presiding over the couple’s divorce case may make determinations about child custody, such as who the child will live with (physical custody), in the best interests of the child. The Cook County Circuit Court notes that, “When parents are unable to resolve disputes affecting the best interests of their children (including the allocation of parental responsibilities, parenting time, and relocation) prior to a trial, a judge may require the family to participate in a 604.10(b) evaluation.”

In sum, child custody evaluations may be an integral part of the determination of child custody in a Chicago divorce case. Accordingly, if a child custody evaluation has been ordered in your Chicago divorce case, it is best to speak with an experienced Chicago family lawyer about your case.

The experienced Chicago family lawyers at the law firm of Arnoux Sharma Standeford, LLC are here to help Chicago parents with their child custody and family law issues. Do not hesitate to speak to a lawyer about your case today. Contact the experienced Chicago family lawyers at Arnoux Sharma Standeford, LLC and speak to an experienced lawyer about your case now.

Source:

cookcountycourt.org/department/family-court-services/child-custody-evaluations