Evidence Code Section 730 states: “When it appears to the court, at any time before or during the trial of an action, that expert evidence is or may be required by the court or by any party to the action, the court on its own motion or on motion of any party may appoint one or more experts to investigate, to render a report as may be ordered by the court, and to testify as an expert at the trial of the action relative to the fact or matter as to which the expert evidence is or may be required. The court may fix the compensation for these services, if any, rendered by any person appointed under this section, in addition to any service as a witness, at the amount as seems reasonable to the court.”

Anytime there is a child custody dispute between parents, often times, an expert evaluator is appointed to conduct an evaluation of the issues and gather information and assess the parties involved and to render a report to the court and provide recommendations as to legal and physical custody among other issues as it relates to the custody of children.

This process is relevant in assisting the court in rendering a decision as to which parent should have the primary custody and what visitation schedule should be ordered for the other parent. Although these issues are addressed in Family Law Mediation, a more thorough and detailed evaluation and analysis of the parties and the minors may be needed by the courts or at the request of either party. Of course this process can be time consuming and costly for the parties involved.

If you are in the middle of a custody dispute over your children, contact the experienced family law attorneys at Wallin & Klarich, to protect your rights as a parent. Our attorneys have helped numerous mothers and fathers in asserting and enforcing their rights as parents. Call Wallin & Klarich today at (888) 749-7428.