Thorough Parenting Allocation Evaluations Offered by Chapin & Russell
Divorcing parents with children do not always agree on the best form of custody or visitation for their children. When they cannot agree, they may petition the court to order an outside, objective psychologist to provide a child custody evaluation currently referred to as a Parenting Allocation Evaluation. This evaluation is designed to determine the children’s best interests based on Illinois law. Once completed, a report is written that summarizes all of the collected information, provides conclusions as outlined in Part IV Child Custody of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution Act and offers recommendations for custody, visitation and treatment of any identified psychological or family-related problems. If you require such an evaluation for your family, allow Chapin & Russell Associates to lend a hand.
Why Do You Need a Parenting Allocation Evaluation?
As mentioned, child custody evaluations are often ordered due to parents’ inability to agree on custody and visitation rights for their children. However, disagreement between parents isn’t the only reason a child custody evaluation might be necessary. For example, you or a judge can request an evaluation if one or both parents are contending with:
- Substance Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Parents Moving Out of State
- Children with Special Needs
- Mental Illness (The Parents or Children)
- Questionable Parenting Practices
What Does a Parenting Allocation Evaluation Involve?
While a divorce can be stressful enough, child custody evaluations can add another level of complexity to your legal separation. Thankfully, Chapin & Russell strives to provide an evaluation that is as thorough and stress-free as possible. The time it takes to complete a Parenting Allocation Evaluation depends on a number of factors including the size of the family and will have your evaluator conducting:
- Interviews with each child and parent, individually
- Observation of both parent’s interaction with each child
- Psychological testing on the family
- Possible interviews with friends, relatives, teachers, doctors, and other individuals close to your family
Once an evaluation is complete, your evaluator will write a full report, review the results with you, and then submit the report to the judge and/or your attorneys. The involved parties will use the report’s findings to make an informed decision about parental allocation, parental responsibilities, visitation times, etc.
Call Today
Ensure any child custody evaluation you participate in is performed with care and accuracy. Allow Chapin & Russell Associates to assist with your parental allocation evaluation in Peoria IL. To learn how we can help or schedule an appointment for our other counseling services, call 309-681-5850. We are located at 3020 W Willow Knolls Dr, Suite 2, Peoria, IL 61614. We offer telehealth and general counseling services for clients in Peoria, East Peoria, Dunlap, Washington, and communities throughout Central Illinois.
