Preparing for a Custody Evaluation
A guide for parents in Indiana family court cases
If the court has ordered a custody evaluation in your case, you probably have questions, and you may feel anxious. That is normal. This page explains how the process works, what to tell your children, and what happens when the report is done.
Dr. Lombard serves as a neutral evaluator for the court. He does not work for either parent. His job is to gather information carefully and fairly so the court can make the decision that best serves your child. Both parents go through the same steps and are treated with the same respect.
How an evaluation starts
A custody evaluation begins with a court order, not a phone call from one parent. In Indiana, a parent or the child’s custodian can ask the court to order one, and the judge decides (IC 31-17-2-12). It usually starts in one of two ways:
Court appointment. The judge orders an evaluation and names Dr. Lombard as the evaluator.
Agreed referral. Both parents, through their attorneys, agree to use Dr. Lombard, and the agreement is entered as a court order.
If you are a parent, start with your attorney. Dr. Lombard cannot begin an evaluation at the request of only one parent, because that would compromise his neutrality. Your attorney can contact the office to confirm availability and discuss the order.
Once the signed order and the retainer are received, the office contacts both parents to schedule the first appointments.
What happens during the evaluation
The evaluation uses several sources of information, so no single conversation or test decides the outcome. Most families can expect these steps:
Getting started. Each parent receives a plain-language explanation of how the evaluation works, what it covers, and who will receive the report.
Parent interviews. You meet with Dr. Lombard on your own, usually more than once, to talk about your child’s history, needs and daily routines.
Questionnaires and testing, where needed. Standard psychological measures are used only when they relate to the court’s questions.
Parent-and-child observations. Dr. Lombard sees each parent with the child in his office. Home visits are arranged only when there is a specific need.
Child interviews. Children are spoken with in ways that fit their age. They are never asked to choose between parents.
Records and other contacts. School, medical and counseling records may be reviewed, and people such as teachers or pediatricians may be contacted with your written permission.
The written report. Dr. Lombard explains what he learned, how he learned it, and how it bears on the court’s questions.
What to tell your child
Keep it short, calm and honest, and say the same thing in both homes if you can. Children do best when they hear that the adults are handling the big decisions.
For younger children (about 4 to 8)
“You’re going to meet a man named Dr. Lombard. His job is to get to know our family so the grown-ups can make good plans for you. You might play or talk with him. You don’t have to do anything special, and you can’t get anything wrong.”
For older children and teens
“The court asked Dr. Lombard to help figure out a schedule that works for our family. He’ll want to hear about your life, school and what matters to you. You can be honest. You won’t be asked to pick between us, and the decision isn’t yours to make.”
Please avoid
Telling your child what to say, or asking afterward what they said.
Promising that the evaluation will lead to a particular outcome.
Describing the other parent’s concerns or the court case in detail.
Making the appointment feel like a test or a reward.
What to bring and how to prepare
You don’t need to prepare a case. The most helpful thing you can do is be honest, on time, and focused on your child.
Have ready
A photo ID and the completed intake forms sent by the office.
Names and contact details for your child’s school, pediatrician and any counselors.
Signed releases, so records can be requested promptly.
A short list of your child’s activities, routines and any special needs.
Copies of documents the office specifically asks for. Please wait to be asked before sending records.
Helpful habits
Keep appointments and return forms quickly. Delays are the most common reason evaluations take longer.
Speak about the other parent respectfully, even when you disagree.
Share concerns factually: what happened, when, and how it affected your child.
Keep following current court orders and parenting time while the evaluation is under way.
Timeline and cost
Most evaluations are finished in about 2 to 4 months from the signed court order and retainer. The timeline depends on how many family members are involved, how many records need review, and how quickly appointments and releases are completed.
Evaluations are conducted on a $12,000 retainer. The court order, or the parents’ agreement, usually says how the cost is divided between the parents. Please ask your attorney how your order handles payment. Because the evaluation is for the court, it is not billed to health insurance.
If the court’s question is narrow, a shorter option may fit. A Brief Focused Assessment answers one to three specific questions at lower cost, and a Parenting Time Evaluation addresses only the schedule. Your attorney can raise these options with the court.
After the report
The report goes to the court and to the attorneys, or directly to a parent who doesn’t have an attorney. Under Indiana law, the report must be provided at least 10 days before the hearing, along with access to the underlying file and the names of people the evaluator consulted (IC 31-17-2-12).
The judge makes the decision. The report is one important piece of evidence. The court weighs it alongside everything else presented in the case.
If you disagree with the report, talk with your attorney. Either parent can call Dr. Lombard to testify and question him about his methods and conclusions, and Indiana law protects that right. Please don’t contact Dr. Lombard directly to dispute findings. Questions about the report go through the attorneys and the court so both parents are treated the same way.
Common questions
Can I call and schedule an evaluation myself?
No. A custody evaluation starts with a court order or an agreement between both parents’ attorneys. Your attorney can contact the office for you.
Can Dr. Lombard also be our family’s therapist?
No. An evaluator must stay neutral toward everyone, while a therapist supports a client. Dr. Lombard does not counsel anyone in a case he is evaluating, and he does not evaluate anyone he has treated.
Is what I say confidential?
Not in the way therapy is. Information gathered during the evaluation may appear in the report to the court. This is explained in writing before you begin.
Can I bring someone with me?
Yes. A support person is welcome to come with you but must wait in the lobby, because interviews are one-on-one. Please don’t bring the other parent’s family members or new partners to your child’s appointments unless the office asks.
Will my child have to testify?
The evaluation is designed so that children share their views in a safe, private setting instead of in a courtroom. Whether a child testifies is up to the court.
What if there are safety concerns?
Tell your attorney and share specific facts during your interview. If a child is in immediate danger, call 911. Concerns about child abuse can be reported to the Indiana DCS Hotline at 1-800-800-5556.
Questions about scheduling?
A custody evaluation can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to have everything figured out before it begins. Show up, be honest, and keep your child at the center. If you or your attorney have questions about scheduling or the process, contact the office or call (260) 459-2900.