What Is a Parental Responsibility Evaluator?
Determining the most appropriate custody or parental responsibility arrangement in the face of a Broomfield divorce is often emotional and can be full of conflict. In these cases, the courts may assign a parental responsibility evaluator to determine a division of responsibility in the best interest of your child. This appointment can make many parents concerned for the outcome, and while no one can guarantee an outcome, working with a Broomfield child custody lawyer with Danielsen Westhoff, PC, can help ease the process.
When You May Work with a Parental Responsibility Evaluator
Colorado family courts do not typically assign a parental responsibility evaluator (PRE) without a specific reason. However, if the parents are having a particularly difficult time coming to an agreement regarding parenting time or decision-making, the courts may appoint a parental responsibility evaluator. In Colorado, this person is a licensed mental health clinician who is overseen by the state court administrator.
A parental responsibility evaluator aims to gain an overall understanding of the family dynamics and their impact on the children. This includes a parent’s ability to provide a safe, loving, and consistent environment for the child.
Working with a PRE can cause anxiety, but it offers the opportunity to show that you are an appropriate parent. However, this does not mean you shouldn’t be careful about how to engage. Working with an attorney can help you prepare for what to expect and identify the type of information the evaluator is seeking. Their recommendations can significantly impact the judge’s ruling, so cooperating with them can help the courts rule in your favor.
What to Expect When Working with a Parental Responsibility Evaluator
Typically, they will begin the process by providing you with paperwork and questionnaires to gain a better understanding of who you are, how you interact with your child, and your parenting style. They will conduct a face-to-face interview with you, the other parent, and the involved children. The evaluator may also speak with other children or adults living in the home to gain a complete picture of the child’s life and relationship with each parent. Some of what you can expect from the evaluation include:
- Cognitive functioning
- Parental fitness
- Bonding assessment
- Personality inventories
- Individual interviews
- Joint interviews with the other parent, your child, or your current romantic partner
- Speaking with personal references
The PRE may also review previous medical or clinical records to inform their recommendations. These evaluations enable the assessor to identify the strengths and challenges of each parent in meeting their child’s needs.
Preparing to Work with a Parental Responsibility Evaluator
It can be tempting to get defensive when someone comes into your life to judge what kind of parent you are. However, it is critical to cooperate with them as much as possible. Answer their questions directly and honestly without providing extra information they did not specifically request.
You may have the opportunity to provide additional information that can help them in the evaluation. This can be a helpful part of the process. However, it is critical to speak with your Broomfield family law attorney to make sure the evidence you submit doesn’t hurt your case.