Child Custody and Access Assessment

A custody and access assessment is used by the Court to help determine the needs and interests of the child and what parenting arrangement can best meet those needs. This assessment is completed by an impartial Psychologist who has the best interest of the child as the focus of the evaluation. Typically, the assessment involves interviews with both parents, administration of psychological tests, the viewing of a parent-child play session, interviews with collateral contacts (i.e., teachers, friends, family), a formal report and a review session.

Procedure

Guidelines for Psychological Assessments, including Custody and Access Assessments have been developed by governing and regulatory bodies in Asia and North America and are followed by the Psychologist at The Counselling Place. In conducting such a specialised assessment as required in a Custody and Access Assessment, our Psychologist utilizes a multi-method of information gathering. This involves using a variety of assessment techniques including, but not limited to the following: psychological testing, observation, interviews of parents, children and collateral contacts and review of relevant documentation. Generally, the procedure for a situation involving two parents with one or more children will be as follows:

  1. The Custody and Access Assessment is requested by either parent or their legal representative. Occasionally, one of the lawyers may file a motion with the courts in order to ensure that both parties undergo the evaluation. This initial contact will be via email and The Counselling Place administrative staff will assist in setting up appointments and answering general enquiries.
  2. Each parent will be interviewed separately in order to obtain clinical histories and other relevant information. Each interview will last 1 to 2 hours.
  3. Each parent will be administered psychological tests. These tests are scientifically validated and proven useful in Custody and Access cases. The amount of time needed to complete the four formal psychological tests will range from 2 to 4 hours.
  4. The children (depending on their ages) will be interviewed. Children will be seen alone initially, and if appropriate with their sibling(s). Indirect questioning will be used in order gather information in a developmentally appropriate and sensitive manner.
  5. The children will be observed with each parent during a “play” session. The parent and child (ren) will be observed for 1 hour. This observation will be conducted by a Counsellor/Psychologist.
  6. If appropriate, behaviour rating scales will be filled out by the child(ren) and teachers.
  7. Each parent will provide three references. These references (called collateral contacts) can from a variety of sources (i.e., family friends, colleagues, medical doctors). These collateral contacts will be contacted by the Psychologist via email or telephone and asked specific, standardized questions. In addition to the email or telephone contact, each parent may submit a written testimony from each reference.
  8. All relevant legal information provided by the parents or their legal counsel will be reviewed.
  9. All information gathered by the Psychologist will be included in a formal assessment report that will be presented at a review session.
  10. Please note that due to the length and complexity of these assessments, they can take 4 to 8 weeks to complete.

Fee

$4200

Additional cost

If the Psychologist is called to testify in court, the cost is $300.00 per hour (this includes time spent traveling to and from the courthouse). Cost of travel is also billable.

If additional testing is required (i.e., cognitive ability or IQ), there will be an hourly charge of $200.00 per hour plus the cost of tests. The minimum charge for a cognitive ability test is 4 hours.