What Is a 730 Evaluation?

Child custody disputes are emotional and messy, but they don’t have to be quite so horrible. If you hire a child custody attorney, you will have on your side someone who understands California custody laws and can guide you through this difficult process—every step of the way.

Even when custody and visitation agreements seem impossible, a family lawyer from the Law Office of Laurence J. Brock can help. When you can’t come to an agreement or there is some question regarding the best interests of your child, a judge may order a 730 evaluation.

What is a 730 evaluation? It’s a court-ordered child custody evaluation to determine the best custody solution for the child of divorcing or separating parents. The evaluator will decide what the proper custody arrangement should be.

Factors Considered in a 730 Evaluation

In California, the 730 evaluation is usually ordered by the judge when information has been brought to his or her attention regarding the wellbeing of the child. If a parent wishes for a 730 evaluation to be conducted, the parent can have a lawyer request that the judge order one.

An evaluation can be ordered for one of several reasons, including the parents being unable to reach an agreement on their own, one or both of the parents’ mental stability being called into question, and others.

Some of the factors the evaluator will consider when making a decision regarding custody of the child include the following:

• Mental health issues
• Substance abuse concerns
• Questions about possible child abuse
• Questionable parenting practices
• One parent wanting to move out of state despite the other parent’s objections
• Parents being unable to agree on a custody arrangement

Who Is Assigned to Evaluate?

After a judge has ordered a 730 evaluation, he or she must also choose an evaluator. The evaluator can be chosen from a list presented by the attorneys of both parties, or the parents may already have an evaluator in mind.

The evaluator must be one of the following:

• Psychologist
• Psychiatrist
• Licensed social worker
• Marriage and family therapist

Contact a Family Lawyer

If you need help with a child custody dispute, your family lawyer can help you reach a fair custody agreement. We are experienced, caring lawyers who have practiced family law for over twenty-five years. Fill out the form below or call 909-466-7661 for a free consultation at the Law Office of Laurence J. Brock.