CUSTODY INVESTIGATIONS

 

When there is a dispute about which parent should have physical custody of the children our Court will generally order one of two types of custody investigations to be done by the Court Mediator/Evaluator. The Evaluator will make a recommendation to the court regarding physical custody and other aspects of the timeshare plan. The two types of custody investigation are as follows:

 

Family Code Section 3111 Custody Investigation: Fees for this investigation are $400.00 per person. This process generally takes three to four months from the time fees are paid by both parties. The investigation includes a home visit, interviews with parents and with minors, if age appropriate. Other collateral contacts are made at the discretion of the Evaluator.

 

Fast Track Custody Investigation: Fees for this investigation are $100.00 per person. This process generally takes six to eight weeks from the time fees are paid by both parties. The investigation does not include a home visit. There are interviews with parents and with minors, if age appropriate. Other collateral contacts are made at the discretion of the Evaluator.