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Child Custody Evaluation
"A child's best interest should take precedence. Child-custody
issues are best handled outside of a trial, which can be extremely
detrimental to children. If a child-custody case goes to trial, most
often the victims are the children." - Dr. John E. Northman
Dr. Northman provides an
innovative, specialized custody evaluation procedure to assist with
divorce proceedings. It is thorough, yet moves cases toward rapid
closure. Attorneys who use his services generally report a higher rate
of client satisfaction.
Dr. Northman's approach is
neutral, unbiased, and combines ethics and expertise. He conducts
evaluations only after both parents agree to cooperate in the process.
Dr. Northman can then focus on finding the best solution for the
children which
- decreases the stressful impact on children, who often are pulled in
opposite directions when separate evaluations are sought by each
parent.
- eliminates contradictory expert testimony, which necessitates a
third expert being appointed to "break the tie."
Reducing the likelihood of
contested evaluations, Dr. Northman's recommendations are typically
followed, which benefits both children and parents. Due to the efficacy
of the process, there is resolution with fewer problems, reduced anguish
for children and families, and promotion of amicable
post-divorce visitations and strong parent-child relationships.
In conducting the evaluation, Dr.
Northman
- meets with parents, children and others who are significant in the
children’s lives
- reviews information from schools, day-care centers, physicians,
psychologists, and other health care professionals
- administers psychological tests to aid in assessment
- meets with parents to review his findings and assessment
- prepares a written report for the court including:
- brief
history of family relationships
-
assessment of each parent and parenting capacity
- each
child's relationship with each parent
- issues
specific to each child
-
visitation issues
- if
requested by the court, specific recommendations for
post-divorce parenting plan including:
-
custody
-
visitation
-
referrals for post-divorce interventions (if applicable)
- testifies in court (if necessary).
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For additional information or
a complimentary introductory telephone consultation
regarding child custody evaluation, you may phone Dr.
Northman at (716) 833-5930. |
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