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The
Custody Investigation Unit
In
family court cases, the judge makes the final decision as
to who will receive primary custody of the child(ren) and
determines visitation privileges, based on "findings
of fact" (information about the family involved in the case).
However, when judges need additional information, he/she may
choose to order the case to be evaluated through the Court's
Custody Investigations Unit. The purpose of the Unit
is to coordinate, monitor and assign these cases to consultants
(licensed mental health professionals) who perform home studies/social
investigations and make recommendations to the judge on child
custody and/or visitation matters. The Custody Investigation
Unit also ensures that the judge and parties in the case (or
their attorneys) receive the report on a timely basis.
Frequently
Asked Questions
Custody Investigations
Unit
What
happens during a home study?
Home
studies include, but are not limited to:
-
Evaluation
of the home environment
-
Separate
meeting with each party to discuss family issues
-
Checking
with schools for information on the child's attendance,
behavior and other factors.
-
Criminal
background checks
The
judge in my case ordered a home study. How do I prepare for
this?
Please
have any written information that you think the Custody Investigator
should review on hand at the interview. Also, if there are
people you feel are objective and could offer insight, such
as pediatricians, babysitters or teachers, have their names
and contact numbers available for the investigator.
How much do
home studies cost and who pays the fee?
The
total cost is $425. The judge decides how to split this
fee between parents or can reduce or waive it upon his or
her own discretion.
What happens
after the home study is completed?
The
Custody Investigator prepares a final report, making recommendations
to the Family Court judge on child custody and/or visitation
privileges. The report is sent to the judge and parties in
the case (or their attorneys). Typically, a hearing before
the judge is then scheduled to determine what is in the best
interest of the child and the appropriate order is issued.
How long does
it take for the final report on the home study to be completed?
Reports
are usually issued within 30 days of the judge's order for
home study evaluation and full payment of the fee is made.
Who do I contact
if I have any other questions?
For
further questions, you may contact Rose Campbell at (305)
349-5932.
If I am a person
with a disability and need assistance, who do I contact?
If
you are a person with a disability and need assistance to
appear in court or participate in a court program or service,
please contact:
Please
contact ADA
Coordinator, at:
| Voice
Mail: |
(305)
349-7175 |
| TDD: |
(305)
349-7174 |
| Fax
No:. |
(305)
349-7355 |
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