Child Custody Evaluations

Although custody evaluations are not mandatory in every custody case, the court may order a report from a neutral party in those cases that are contested. The neutral party is called a custody evaluator, a neutral party assigned to investigate the circumstances of the family to determine a custody and parenting time schedule that is in the best interest of the children.

The process may take up to six months to complete, during which the custody evaluator meets with the parents separately two or three times, with the children in the parents' homes and separately in the evaluator's office. In addition, the court or evaluator may require a psychological evaluation of the parents or children and may order release of medical and psychological records of the children and parents. It may involve a drug and alcohol assessment of the parents, a criminal background check of the parents, day care and school records and information from collateral sources.

The investigation is very thorough and the timing depends a great deal on how quickly the parents comply with requests for information. Following the investigation, Ms. Krieg will complete a preliminary report that addresses the “best interest” factors under Minnesota Statute § 518.17. This is an analysis based upon all the information gathered during investigation phase.

While every custody evaluation is different, the phases of the assessment generally take the following time:


  • Parental interviews: 2-3 with each parent, totaling up to 6 hours
  • Childrens' Interviews: 1 hour with each child, and 1 hour with children in each parent's home
  • Phone contact with the children's day care provider and teachers, counselors and physicians
  • Phone contact with other adults with a close relationship with the children
  • Phone contact with collateral sources identified by the parents
  • Criminal background check of each parent
  • Review of the parents' psychological evaluations
  • Review of the parents' drug and alcohol assessments
  • Reviewing the parents' and children's medical and psychologic and therapeutic records
  • Any other information pertinent to determining the children's best interest with respect to custody
  • Drafting the initial report and presenting it to the attorneys of record, which takes many hours of review and preparation, followed by actual drafting

Fees are charged at an hourly rate of $250.00 and an initial retainer of $4,000.00 is required before any work will be started. Once the retainer is depleted to $1,000.00, a refresh of $2,000 is required, and no work will be provided if the retainer is depleted at any time during the process.

Finally, if you have an attorney, collaborate with him or her on legal strategy and for discussion of the information needed to be provided by the parties.

If interested in this service please refer to the contact page