Virtual Child Custody Evaluations & Social Investigations
My Goal Is to Thoughtfully Address Each Child’s Emotional, Psychological, and Developmental Needs in Custody Decisions.
Family courts sometimes require a comprehensive evaluation to assist in making decisions regarding parental responsibility, timesharing, parenting plans, and other issues affecting a child's best interests. Depending on the jurisdiction, these evaluations may be referred to as child custody evaluations, parenting plan evaluations, or social investigations, but they all serve the same purpose: providing the court with an independent, objective assessment of the family.
As a Certified Child Custody Evaluator, I conduct comprehensive, evidence-based evaluations tailored to the issues identified by the court. Although every case is unique, a typical evaluation may include interviews with parents and children, review of court records and other relevant documents, collateral interviews with individuals who have meaningful knowledge of the family, observation of parent-child interactions, and, when appropriate, psychometric testing or other assessment measures. Information from multiple sources is carefully considered to develop a balanced understanding of the family and the issues before the court.
These evaluations often occur during some of the most difficult periods in a family's life. I approach every case with neutrality, professionalism, and respect for all parties involved. My goal is not to advocate for either parent, but to provide the court with objective, well-supported opinions and recommendations that are grounded in the available evidence and focused on the best interests of the child.
Pricing & Rates
About Our Fees
Initial Retainer: $3,000
Hourly Rate: $195
Replenishment Retainer: $1,500
The initial retainer is an advance payment required before the evaluation begins. Services are billed at the hourly rate and deducted from the retainer. Clients receive periodic invoices reflecting services provided and the remaining retainer balance. Once the initial retainer balance falls below $500, a replenishment retainer is required.
Any unused portion of a replenishment retainer will be refunded upon completion or termination of parenting coordination services, provided all outstanding balances have been paid.
Evaluations are tailored to the needs of each family and may include:
-
Review of court documents and collateral records
-
Interviews with parents, children, and collateral sources
-
Parent-child observations
-
Home visits, when appropriate
-
Psychometric testing
-
Consultation with attorneys
-
Preparation of a comprehensive written report with findings and recommendations
Additional Fees
Court Services: $195 per hour (1-hour minimum)
Routine court-related professional services may include status conferences, case management conferences, scheduling conferences, review hearings not requiring expert testimony, and other non-testimonial court appearances.
Expert Witness Services: $250 per hour (4-hour minimum)
Expert witness services include depositions, testimony, evidentiary hearings, trial appearances, and preparation for testimony. Time exceeding the four-hour minimum will be billed at the expert witness rate.
Travel Fees
In-person home visits and parent-child observations are available within a 150-mile radius of Pensacola, Florida. Travel time is billed at a rate of $150 per hour, plus mileage at the current federal government reimbursement rate. Home visits outside the service area may be conducted virtually or by customized quote.
Unless otherwise ordered by the court or agreed to by the parties, evaluation fees are generally shared equally between the parties.
