Each parent's perception of his/her relationship with children
Each parent's understanding of and sensitivity to any special needs of the children
Each parent's specific plans of the future if custody is awarded
Note whether the parent is focused on the child or instead spends most of the
session attacking /being distracted by other parent
Developmental history of children and casual routine of children
Explore allegations parents making against each other
Assessment of attachment between parents and children (parent-child relationship)
Child's preference
Level of attachment with adult figures, evidence of indoctrination by parents
What does the child believe life would be like with each parent?
Parental alienation
Child's physical and mental health (How do the parents handle this?)
Child's education
Gender issues
Sibling Relationships
Parent's physical/mental health
Parent's work schedules
Parent finances
Styles of parenting and discipline
Conflict resolution
Social support systems
Cultural and ethical issues
Joining of parents and children after child's initial visit
Look for the patterns of interaction: ease of the relationship, signs of anxiety, ability
of the parent to respond to child's lead, patterns of discipline, and approval and
enhancement of the child's self esteem
Interview potential stepparents: ask about relationship with the children, look for
sensitivity to the children's needs and realistic assessments of future problems
Factors in written report:
Which arrangement seems to offer the most stable and permanent situation for the
child?
How has any stated preference of the child been taken into account? Why has the
evaluation agreed or disagreed with preference?
What is the quality of the relationship between the child and each parent?
What is the quality of the relationship between the child and each parent?
How attuned is the child to each parent and how well does each respect the child?
- Dates of Interviews:
o Lynne Allen - 4 sessions alone
o David Allen M.D. - 4 sessions alone
Jane Allen - 2 sessions alone; one session with mother; one session with father
o Joey Allen - 2 sessions alone, one session with mother; one session with father
o Ms. Norma Ross (Dave's friend) - one session
o Ms. Carol Lot (babysitter) - one session
o Dave and Lynne's Lawyers Impression/Pre-Negotiation Instructions
Norma is a 37 year old woman, making a salary of $20,000, and is divorced with two children. She is the President of her children's P.T.A, a girl scout troop leader, and is involved in all activities of her children. As a single parent, she raised two children without an assistance. Norma is a college graduate and has a two-year "lab tech" certificate. Soon afte