Mental Health and Custody Evaluations

Custody “battles” are one of the worst parts of a divorce case. Fighting over children, while sometimes a necessity, is expensive, both financially and emotionally. Sometimes, one, or both parents’, mental health is a factor when a court is deciding custody. If you are going through a custody fight, contact the attorneys at Taradash Given, P.C. to help you navigate the different ways mental health issues can come into play.

Types of Mental Health Evaluations

Basically, there are three areas of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act and Illinois Supreme Court Rules that allow for mental health evaluations: a 604.10(b) evaluation; a 604.10(c) evaluation; and a 215 evaluation.

What is a 604.10(b) Evaluation?

Under 604.10 (b) of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, “the court may seek the advice of any professional, whether or not regularly employed by the court, to assist the court in determining the child’s best interests.” The evaluator in this role is the court’s professional. While the parties pay for the evaluation, the evaluator is the court’s witness. This evaluator is supposed to be a neutral and not on either parent’s side. Because the evaluator is the court’s witness, the report can be admitted into evidence without having the evaluator present in court.

This provision of the law allows the court to appoint a custody evaluator when the parents cannot agree on allocating parental responsibilities (formerly “custody” and “visitation”). The evaluator is usually a psychologist or psychiatrist. During this evaluation, the expert will interview the child, the parents and any collaterals he/she deems important. The parents and the child will also undergo a series of tests. At the conclusion of the interviews and testing, the evaluator will issue his/her report and submit it to the court. While judges tend to give considerable consideration and weight to the report, the judge is free to reject the expert’s recommendations.

What is a 604.10(c) Evaluation?

Under 604.10(c) of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, if one of the parents does not agree with the 604.10(b) report, he/she can retain their own expert to conduct another custody evaluation. This person is technically the “hired gun” of the person who retains the expert. The parent who requests this evaluation pays the evaluator’s fees and costs. If this report is in contradiction to the 604.10(b) report, then there will be “dueling” experts at trial.

What is a 215 Evaluation?

Under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 215(a), if a parent’s physical or mental condition is at issue, the court may order the party to submit to a physical or mental examination. This expert can be a psychologist, psychiatrist, sociologist or other licensed professional. The parent who requests this examination is solely responsible for the payment of this expert’s fees and costs.

Under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 215(d), the court may appoint an impartial medical examiner when it appears that this examination will materially aid the court in determining the parenting issues.

Are You Going Through a Custody Battle/Evaluation?

If you are going through a custody battle and the mental and/or physical well being of you or your spouse is at issue, contact the skilled attorneys at Taradash Given, P.C. They have the experience and knowledge to assist and guide you through this difficult process. Click here, or call 312-775-1020 to schedule a free consultation.

Not Happy With Your Attorney?

It happens every day. Clients going through a divorce, or any family law matter, change lawyers during their case. It’s simply a fact of life. Sometimes the lawyer just doesn’t get the intricacies of divorce court or, perhaps, the client and the lawyer just don’t get along.

Frequently Asked Questions

When going through a divorce, most people don’t know what to expect. From the length of the divorce to the cost and everything in between, there are many unknowns. Relax. This is why it is important to have a seasoned Chicago divorce lawyer representing you.

Client Reviews

Excellent lawyer and a good human being - He was fast, he was empathetic, he was sure about what he was doing, got me my divorce very quickly while I was stuck with another lawyer for 6 months. Very courteous and doesn't try to bluff you.

Sid

Dean helped me through one of the worst times of my life. I married my best friend and we had three kids together. After things began to turn for the worst she sought a divorce and began threatening to withhold my children from me. She then kicked me out of our home. This became a nasty divorce and...

Peter

In addition to knowing his stuff, Dean was very supportive during a process that was emotionally difficult. He listened and helped me every step of the way in the divorce process. Dean was very responsive and everything was handled very professionally. Highly recommend.

Angi M.

By far this is the best experience I’ve had! They were considerate of my feelings and misfortune due to my injuries! They always got back to me on the progress of my claim! I would recommend them highly if your looking for a good legal team! Thank you Steve for all your hard work and what you did...

Kimberly W.

I want to express my appreciation for the exceptional work done by Morgan at Taradash Given P.C. She worked day and night negotiating with my former spouse and was a true advocate. Her commitment and dedication to my case did not go unnoticed and I am very grateful for her efforts. Additionally...

Ashley M.

Contact Us

  1. 1 Free Consultation
  2. 2 20 Years of Experience
  3. 3 100% Commited to Clients
Fill out the contact form or call us at (312) 775-1020 to schedule your free consultation.

Leave Us a Message