When a custody evaluator is chosen and the client starts the process of a custody study, the attorney tries to have a few meetings with the client before they meet with the evaluator where they just sort of prepare them and pump them up about going through the evaluation process. The parent must paint a picture for the evaluator of how they take care of their children – a day in the life, really let the evaluator hear about how close the client is bonded to the children and what kinds of things he or she does to take care of them on a daily basis.
In terms of people that would be writing letters or talking with the custody evaluator, clients should pick neutral people. If it’s your mom, dad, or sister, those people are biased towards you and they’re not going to have as much weight as somebody like the basketball coach, teacher, neighbour who was neighbour with both of you, or long-time friend who was friends with both of you. Those people, if they’re going to side with you and say really good things about you and/or negative things about the other parent, they’re going to be much more impactful because they’re not your best friend or your mom or your dad, they’re a neutral person.
Laura Schantz is a family law attorney and mediator practicing in Beaverton, Oregon. To learn more about Laura Schantz and her firm, Schantz Law P.C., visit www.oregondivorceattorney.com.
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