What Is a Child Custody Evaluation?

February 20th, 2020 by Tiffany Hughes

For parents of young children going through a divorce, parentage or custody case, issues around parenting time and parental rights can be difficult and emotional. In determining the appropriate parenting time schedule and parenting responsibilities, a Judge in Illinois may order a professional mental evaluation of one or both parents, also known as a 604B evaluation. A 604B evaluation is where a mental health professional will conduct an investigation of each parent’s relationship with the child or children and draft a written report on their findings to be given to the judge.

What Happens During the 604B Evaluation?

Mental health professionals often use different tactics and methods in evaluating a parent, including but not limited to:

• Conducting an interview of each parent;
• Conducting an interview of the minor child or children;
• Interviewing other friends or family members;
• Conducting a “home-study”;
• Reviewing any relevant documents and records; and
• Performing psychological tests.

Is a 604B Evaluation Common?

Child custody evaluations, or 604B evaluations, are sometimes ordered by the Judge in a divorce, parentage or custody case, but are not relatively common. 604B evaluations are typically ordered when there have been accusations between the parties of endangerment of the child or minor children, issues with one of the parent’s decision making during his or her parenting time, or other red flags or reasons for concern. If you have been ordered to undergo a 604B evaluation, you should contact an attorney at The Law Office of Tiffany M Hughes today to discuss your circumstances immediately. Obtaining legal counsel may be imperative in your case.

Contact Us Today

For more information on how the family law attorneys at The Law Office of Tiffany M. Hughes, P.C. can help you through the legal process of custody evaluations in Chicago and its surrounding areas, contact us to schedule your complementary consultation today at 773-893-0228.

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This blog is made available by The Law Office of Tiffany M. Hughes, P.C. for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of Illinois law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this website you understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and The Law Office of Tiffany M. Hughes, P.C.. The website should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in Illinois.  The law changes constantly and we do not go back in time to edit old posts that may be affected by these changes.  If you have any questions about Illinois law, which is the only State this blog and website discusses, please call The Law Office of Tiffany M. Hughes, P.C. for a free consultation and do not draw any legal conclusions without speaking to a competent attorney in Illinois first.