Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some frequently asked questions separated by topic. If you don't see an answer to your question, please don't hesitate to reach out!
Questions about Child Custody Evaluations
How long does a child custody evaluation take?
Though probably not the answer you want to hear (or read), it depends. Most evaluations take approximately 6 months from the date Dr. Axelson begins your case, defined by the date of your Zoom orientation. For cases that are highly litigious (you've been to court a LOT), with several children (more than 3), several adults (both parents remarried or adults living in the home), several siblings (children not part of the lawsuit but still living in the home with the children of the suit), etc., your evaluation could take a little longer - but not always! For a better idea in your specific case, it's best to give us a call so that we can quote you a specific timeframe if it's outside of the typical 6 months.
How can I get a custody evaluation for my case?
Custody evaluations must be court ordered - this means a Judge has to sign an order appointing Dr. Axelson to perform your evaluation. If you are in need of a sample order, please email our office and we'll be happy to help. Dr. Axelson cannot perform a child custody evaluation without a court order.
How soon can you start an evaluation?
A few things have to happen before Dr. Axelson can begin a new evaluation. First, we need the court order. Second, we need the intake paperwork returned from both parties. Last, we need each party to pay their initial fee. We have to have all three of these things (from both parties when applicable) before a case can be placed on our waiting list. The average amount of time a case spends on our waiting list is four to six weeks, but this can fluctuate. For a better idea of how long our waiting list currently is, give us a call.
What does the process of a child custody evaluation look like?
It is important to note that each case is different, and while Dr. Axelson approaches each case the same, your timeline may be different due to extenuating circumstances. The answer below is a general overview of Dr. Axelson's process.
Once your case is bumped up from our waiting list to our active case list, you and the other party will be scheduled for an orientation. At that orientation, Dr. Axelson will discuss with you in detail what to expect in the coming months. CCEs include interviews of all adult parties (including parents, step-parents, adults living with the children, etc.) and children in a case, even siblings of the child(ren) in the lawsuit or other unrelated children who live in your home. There is also a comprehensive records retrieval process requiring parties to sign releases to share their information with Dr. Axelson directly from the facilities and agencies involved with your family. Once appointments have been conducted and records have been received, Dr. Axelson will perform a home visit with each family. She will schedule this in advance, and everyone who lives in your home part-time or full-time must be present. Dr. Axelson will interview the children at your home. However, there are some special circumstances in which she will interview children at her office. After the home visit, Dr. Axelson will schedule your final interview. Dr. Axelson typically completes her report within three to four weeks of your final interview.
Does Dr. Axelson offer virtual appointments for out-of-town cases?
Yes! Though the home visit must be conducted in person, Dr. Axelson can host any other appointment virtually.
How much is a child custody evaluation?
We understand - child custody evaluations are an investment for families. Prices for evaluations vary depending on the circumstances of your case (location, number of people living in your home, number of children, etc.). To discuss prices for your specific case, please contact our office.
Evaluation fees are not due all at once. In most cases, the cost of evaluations is split equally between the parties, so each party pays 50%. Because we only require half of the fee to be placed on our waiting list, this means each party needs to pay 25% of the cost up front. The remainder of the fee is due prior to the home visit, so you'll have a few months between payments.
Do I have to contact Dr. Axelson before having her appointed as an evaluator?
No! You do not have to contact our office or Dr. Axelson to get approval prior to having her appointed. Simply send the order over to our office manager via email once the Judge has signed it, and we'll get started setting up your file and intake paperwork.