Court Conciliation and Child Custody Evaluations

Court conciliation is a structured, neutral process intended to help parents address parenting-time, decision-making, and communication concerns. The goal is to assist parents in clarifying disputed issues, identifying areas of agreement, and developing practical solutions that support children’s stability and well-being.

Conciliation may include meetings with parents, review of relevant information, and child-focused considerations as appropriate to the referral. The process emphasizes respectful communication, problem-solving, and realistic parenting arrangements tailored to the family’s circumstances.

Child custody evaluations provide the court with a comprehensive, organized assessment of factors relevant to custody and parenting-time determinations. Evaluations are conducted in response to specific referral questions and follow a methodical, neutral approach.

The evaluation process may include parent interviews, review of records, behavioral observations, collateral contacts when authorized, and other structured methods appropriate to the case. Findings are analyzed and presented in a clear written report designed to assist the court in understanding family dynamics, parent-child relationships, and relevant considerations affecting children.

Court-involved services begin with a review of the court order or referral questions to clarify scope, expectations, timelines, and fees. Participants are informed of the role of the evaluator or conciliator, limits of confidentiality, and the nature of the process.

Information is gathered in a manner consistent with the referral and applicable standards. The focus remains on addressing the court’s questions and highlighting factors relevant to children’s needs, functioning, and developmental considerations. When included in the referral, recommendations are practical, child-centered, and clearly tied to the evaluation findings.

Court conciliation and child custody evaluations are not psychotherapy. These services are evaluative and/or facilitative in nature and are conducted for the purpose of assisting the court or resolving court-related parenting issues. Limits of confidentiality and the handling of information are explained in writing prior to the start of services.

Court conciliation and child custody evaluation services at MindWell Counseling Services are conducted in accordance with the guidelines and best practices of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC). These guidelines provide a nationally recognized framework for neutrality, role clarity, ethical practice, and child-focused decision-making in court-involved family matters.

The evaluator adheres to AFCC standards related to informed consent, limits of confidentiality, professional boundaries, data gathering, documentation, and reporting. Services are designed to assist the court by addressing the specific referral questions and by presenting information in a clear, balanced, and organized manner.

Christiana Silcox is a member of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC) and is committed to maintaining professional competence and integrity in the provision of court-involved family services.