WPC ԇ_\( r7M!j* эokUgÞ̩AK9+Hq<6@_ȀnMY!;"%]i-qlh^MByn TB7'j!\cW,}sHPF6LavlLGxm>8R4Ǽ$ʳ-CglCH`:DM&0<&sy׃53!w 3G䂊\IA@N1&sY\Ć"P8zO rӜ`\8QkwhC"S2O]T;#~?`2<1h8 I `t߻6,/=aiy˿۾Ekmb':+"d[23l[A#UAN % 0( w/ 43 G V mX 1uo 0D 0[(  u 0DMe  0N 0lU HUUP 0cP 0D7MUHeUHB9_M!!UH oToUHBt Bt A Qtt 0Du 0Dv 0DFv D 5v D1v Bvb wUHwU>cw 72w 1iwwǥUH BMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMpj 0DکSend with eFax Messenger Plus,,,,,,,,0x9 Z6Times New Roman RegularX($5*3|xU3#37=CIQYag1.a.i.(1)(a)(i)1)a)($$  0  (3$ !    0  .  $    1    _ XXԀSeemyexpandeddiscussionsoftheparadigmshiftin2  ChildrensLawyersinCalifornia:Balancing  CompetingPoliciesandValuesRegardingQuestionsofEthics,34FamilyandConciliationCourts x Review256302(_April,1996_)andLifeStories,DoctrinesandDecisionmaking:ThreeHighCourts < ConfronttheMoveawayDilemma,35FamilyandConciliationCourtsReview439458(_September, P 1996_)#  2Ө#.  )  _cXX.C:\My Documents\AFCC Conference\CD\Articles\Family Portraits The Modern Art of Parenting Plan Evaluations.wpdC:\MyDocuments\AFCCConference\CD\Articles\FamilyPortraitsTheModernArtofParentingPlanEvaluations.wpd/  #XbXc+#(3$ !   >$"Small Circle"0  ((3$ !      0  | Z0Sanvito Light Italica\ Z8Minion Condensed Regular(;3$2#  0  .3  0    *"  _XtXXXXXtAddressthepsychological  ramificationsofdroppingchildren (( offatthecurbascomparedto PP escortingthemtothedoor.Should xx eitherparentbepermittedtoenter  theothershome?Explainwhat  behavioristypicalofchildrenat  suchtransitionsandhowparents  mightrespondmost_supportively_.#XtXJ##XbXXXt+#(#$  0     сLevel 1Level 2Level 3Level 4Level 5Level 1Level 2Level 3Level 4Level 5Level 1Level 2Level 3Level 4Level 5Level 1Level 2Level 3Level 4Level 5~+ Z0Sanvito Light Italic  *"  _XbXXX X  XXb#  +#$ Considertheimpactofthe  reportoneachaudience.Ifthe (( reportisperceivedastooharshor PP critical,aparentmayfeel xx compelledtofightforhisorher  goodnameandselfrespect.Sucha  reportwillnotserveatherapeutic  purposeorpromotesettlement.  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Bdz.Qd~KjZ(2^ d.tժ&Bz hQ1d V2  dt0DDي3=+Q7tCҌDx3r7Bittޗxtx/O@Q=="/":C@hQf  bEuQP2l3!42 0G359:o):B%}aN[Q=qKgStNkқ-:+edWūN059:oR: bQp<SgQxal1F:#4-tV̯ܶ&);19J/ռt2IƔtܺt6]@hQZz;;):F@Y'ւF<rQxvhY?Ѻл ݺܸthxhM`7t>9 9w"ʺxo; !ɂe pe 8e $*{e pL.e 5!R"0DEF&FEQdpPptpdtOpCdG͹td3GtH3Ge << EC$U"% IKIJ\lUڹ,vΟx4J#")!6NJ("%lAǻߪ͡Σ&'01ʣ6:/X| U0@3r  QN9q  p  8  $*{ 6x!R }"0@p@8@$*{@5X!R ]"0dTHJJ]etinK#3kx\3#2 WΕ0Att1|NJ 203!MD<cpL.^Ap^A8^A$*{^ApL.^A5!R"0U9:x 9@CH9?pDTIH$GYJpFyYt̪{^8L,{ʉc|htAVC.AmmMw!vtBEM'(x_QpJppJ8pJ$*{pJ5!R"0r?8T>%0GN'%]f1΍x32Fuxzo!A*p(7$6(rxTU0Ax҃!4 f@bĪ89LB l$Qo8ta,_)z`<I tH! ;|~zBNһ2te8   1dtNr pu8u$*{uL.6{!R"0<< fTI3X7AGiQFo@Л5x~+%%҈-ǿEһyi$6;'y=9,TaxjxB[(SC>2>GD-꫾dIjJ*Ax > HwfmN9qd pd 8d $*{d6z!R"0:p:8$*{:̓:5"z!R'"0DTDFj=QtQQ5tG7?4(պFҪ>8AH?5tBtyұ#rtP{ L.\r p\r 8\r $*{\r L.\r6z!R"0 Z5 %!R5 ;^"0DTJGmBZVV:NtvhZ+&@3ҹ  t?+'A}6%+\WSPEҴ#\Ec"- pc"- 8c"- $*{c"-6z!R"0$ 8TK&<Q1΂x 5*0t3c,6  d?ހ$ݕ0Atҥ~xSD16H]$ 6({!R-"0MY$PFR$~+ Z0Sanvito Light Italic  *"  _ XX Yourevaluationwillalsobefar  moreusefulifyoudiscussthe (( strengthsandrisksassociatedwith PP eachoftherequestsmadebythe xx parents,andwithsomeoftheother  alternativesyouconsidered.Often  judgeswillsubstitutetheirownpet  provisionsforyours.Anticipatethe  needforalloftheparticipants @ @  (parents,lawyersandjudge)to h h  participateincraftingthefinal   order.Givethemclear   explanationsofthekindof   balancingyoudidindecidingwhat   torecommend.Theymaynotagree 00 withyou,butatleastavariant XX resultwillnotbebasedon  ignoranceorfailuretorecognize  implicationsandpotential  consequences.# J#  #XbX +##XbXXXb#~+ Z0Sanvito Light Italic d)*+,.C<<CLevel 1Level 2Level 3Level 4Level 5(3$ !  (3$ !  ($$   1  '''')!dxdx//)! dxdxP PdPage ~D Z0Sanvito Light Italic, Z&Navarro Regular i)$35;AGMU]c1I.A.1.a.(1)(a)i)a)  *"  _ XX8  X Indiscussingthe big  issues,telluswhoraisedthe (( concernandwhatyoudidtocheck PP itout.Telluswhatfactswere xx importanttoyouinreachinga  conclusionaboutthisissueand  why.Telluswhatconcernseach  parentvoicedandwhetheryou  decidedthoseconcernswere_well @ @  founded_.Ifyouareableto,giveus h h  aprognosis.Canweexpect   change?Whatwouldbenecessary   tobringthischangeabout?Whats   theprobability?Whatmight   increasetheodds?# 8J##XbX +#~+ Z0Sanvito Light Italic!<*   *"  _ XX    X Theexperienceofbeingeval  uated_isterrifying_.Thestakesare (( enormous.Nomatterhowthor PP ough,anevaluationisultimatelya xx reductionofahumanbeingtoa  somewhatdistortedcartoon.None  ofthelensesthroughwhichweas  sessfamiliesandtheirmembers  canencompassthewhole.Aparent @ @  ishyperawareofthefactthatoth h h  ers,mostsignificantlyaformer   mate,willbepouringovereach   word,waitingtosay Aha!Par   ents(andotherconsumersofevalu   ations)searchfranticallyforan 00 explanationoftheoutcome.Their XX Аguessesareoftenwildlyoffthe  mark.# J##XbX +#ԀXtXXXbXXtMostoften,theysimplify  theiranalysisandreducetheir  Аanalysistogender.# ##XbX # _ XXA  *  Anddoyoureallytrustmeto  explaintomyclientwhat ((  narcissisticpersonalitydisorder, PP  enmeshed,or _parentified_ xx childmeans,muchlesswhat  implicationseachhasfordecisions  abouttheparentingplan?Idbet  youdbemorecomfortable  providingthatinformation @ @  yourself.Ipromise,inturn,notto h h  assumeyouknowtheintricaciesof   theHagueConvention.(Ido   expect,however,thatyoullbe   familiarwithalloftheimplications   ofourstateslatestrulingson 00 move_aways_,forexample.Ifyou XX arent,yourreportwillbefarless  valuable,andcoulddo  unintentionalharm.)# A/##XbX #~+ Z0Sanvito Light Italic  *"  _*W'Xddd Xdd Xdd X,dd ,dd ,dd ,dd ,dd ,dd ,dd ,dd +   ,S,,XX  dd #XbX,,S,#cXXbZٴcMom. 'dd 'Tues. 'dd 'Wed. 'dd 'Thurs. 'dd 'Fri 'dd 'Sat. 'dd 'Sun#cZٴ2#.#XbXc#,S,,XXb dd #XbX,,S,#cXXbWeek   One#XbXc#  dd   XXb    Lynnfrom   startof xx  school" @@ overnight      Daniel  fromstart xx of @@ school"  overnight ' 'Both  children xx fromstart @@ ofschool ' 'Both  children 'xx 'Both  children#XbX s# xx  XXbWeekTwo#XbX  #  ,,  XXb Both ,, children   untilstart ! ofschool  " Lynnfrom ,,# startof $ school" % overnight#XbX l# XXb  &   ,,' Daniel ,,( fromstart ) of * school" + overnight#XbX # XXb L L ,   ,,-   ,,. #XbX z # ,,/    *"  _ XXD Thechallengeistoallocate  decisionmakingresponsibilities,so (( astomaximizeeachparents PP positiveinvolvementwithout xx creatingimpasses,fostering  warfare,avoidingimportant  decisionsbecausetheycantface  eachotherormakingbad  decisions.Thedetailswilldifferfor @ @  eachfamily.Whichdecisionsmust h h  bejoint,andwhich_caneachmake_   alone?Howmuchconsultationand   collaborationshouldberequired?   Howwillenrichmentactivitiesbe   chosen?Shouldoneparenthave 00 mostofthecontrol?Shouldone XX chooseschoolsandtheother  choosedoctors?Isoneparentso  uninvolvedthatjointlegal  authoritywouldbecosmetic?# DJ##XbX +#~+ Z0Sanvito Light Italic)!dxdx6b$Triangle0 ''''?Single Blue!dxdx _ *"  _XbXXX X #XbXXXb+#XtXXXbXXtNegotiationtheoryteachesus  thatpeoplearefarmorelikelyto (( abidebyrulestheyhelpcreate. PP Parentsaremorelikelytoaccepta xx parentingplaniftheycanhavea  handinnegotiatingtheterms.We  cometoyou,notforaprescription,  butforparameters.Areportwhich  tiestheanalysistothetermsofthe @ @  parentingplanisafarbettertool h h  fornegotiation,mediationand   litigation.#XtX##XbXXXty# _UXtXXX *   X UXUXtOneofthecentralissuesin  anyparentingplanistheextentto (( whichparentscanexpecttoeither PP coparentcollaborativelyorto xx parallelparentpeacefully8Tellus  abouttolerance,reactivity,impulse  control,_oversensitivity_Ԁtoimplied  criticism.Willeveryphonecallbe  anopportunitytopushtheother @ @  parentsbuttons?Willanewmate h h  bethreatenedbytoomuch   interactionbetweenformermates   orarethestepparentsabletotalk   withoneanotherandworkthings   outthatwouldsendtheparents 00 intoWorldWarIII?Willthekids XX spendtheirlivesasdiplomatsor  spies,navigatingbetweentwo  hostileworldsanddevelopinga  bitter,cynical,distrustfulworld  view?#UXtXUV##XbXXUXt#~+ Z0Sanvito Light Italic'''';Single ReddxdTABLE A  +#  _[XTXXX  [ X[XTSampleTimeshareChartForDadsTimeWith7YearOldTwins  #[XTX [Y#['X[XT5outofevery14overnightswithDad,  DanielgetshelpfromDadonThursdaysforFridaySpellingTests \\ AllTransitionsAreatSchool#u['+#.#XbXu#ԄrAZ"Arial RegularrAZ"Arial Regular  $    2    _ XXԀ  Whenmydaughterwaslittle,carridesofteninvolvedsingingalongwithtapes,countingitemswesaw  outsidethecarwindows(shecountedpinetreesonthedrivetopreschoolandIcountedcrows).Nowthatshesa x teenager,manyofourmostimportantconversationstakeplaceenroutetoschoolorplayrehearsals.Thatsthe @ timewhenourattentionisfocusedoneachother,andwetalkaboutrelationships,decisions,thingsthatmakeus X laughandthemeaningoflife.Illmissitwhenshelearnstodrive.#  t# 4_ XXa  *   X Isthisparentingplanbased  uponanyassumptionsthatthe (( distancebetweenparentalhomes PP willnot_increase._ԀFigureoutwhat xx thegreatestdistanceofseparation  whichwouldbepossiblewithout  makingtheplaninfeasible,and  recommendgeographiclimitations.  Pleasediscuss,inconsiderable @ @  detail,whatimpactgreater h h  distanceswillhaveonthechilds   lifeandrelationships.# a/##XbX #~+ Z0Sanvito Light Italic  d f ~'  _uXXLeslieEllenShear1997(3$ !  !  _  lXXR$l08bXdd8p,  }րFramingFamilyPortraitsfortheNewParadigm#lR$k##XbXlL#XtXXXbR$XXt:#lR$w##XbXl#,JXXb  #XbX,J#XtXXXbR$XXtTheModernArtofParentingPlanEvaluations#lR$S##XbXlr#  @XbXXXb DearForensicExpert:     q(!-;+'h|< `Ejx tt $hq  Imalawyerformom,dad,thechildoranotherfamilymemberlitigating_child_Ԁcustody. n ^ Mostlikelyyouhavecomeintothiscaseatmysuggestion.Imayhavenegotiatedastipulation Z J appointingyou,askedthejudgetoappointyou,orretainedyouandaskedthejudgetorequirethe F 6  (#(#(#(#otherfamilymemberstobeassessedby 2" you.Thinkofmeasaconsumerofyour   product.      Youarethepainterofafamily l\  portrait.Yourprofessionhasdeveloped XH  traditionalformatsforforensicreports, D4  andyouprobablyfindafamiliarstruc 0  turecomfortable.Butthoseof_usewho   view_Ԁyourportraitsoftenfindthemcon  fusing.Wehavetousethemtohelpus  makemanycomplex,important,and  highlyemotionallyladendecisions.Our  Аchoiceswillshapelives.Weareunlikely  justtoacceptyourrecommendationsin  theirentirety.Wewanttounderstand  whatyouthoughtwasimportant,and |l  (#(#(#(#whyitwasimportant.Ifweknowthat,wecanformanintelligentjudgmentaboutwhetherto hX followallorsomeofyoursuggestions.Wecanthinkofalternativesoradaptationsthatmight TD servethesamepurposes.Wecanlearnsomethingthatcancarryovertothenextsituation,orthe @0 nextfamily.Wecanunderstandwhetherandwhensomeaspectofyourrecommendedplanshould ,  bechangedinthefuture. !   Whatifyouorganizedreportsaroundthecomponentsofaparentingplan?Whenparents z"j disagreeabouthowtheresponsibilitiesforraisingchildrenshouldbeallocated,thetask(in f#V  negotiation,mediation,evaluation,andlitigation)istoissueanordersettingforththetermsofa R$B! detailedparentingplan.Shouldntthereportsorganizationreflectthattask? >%."   Ihopeyoullalsothinkofmeasacollaboratorinthequesttofigureoutwhatparenting & $ planwillbestmeetthisfamilysneeds.Myclientsinterestis,ofcourse,toensurethatthe '|!% childrengrowupwholeandhealthy.Heorshemayhavesomestrongideasabouthowtobring x(h"& thatabout,butwevecometoyoutocheckoutthevalidityofthoseideas.WhileImanadvocate d)T#' forwhateverdecisionsmyclientmakeswhenIactoutsidetheveilofattorneyclientprivilege, P*@$(  whenImalonewithmyclientIcanbeapowerfulinfluence.MyclientisbestservedifImake <+,%) _sureyougetaccesstoalltheimportantinformation,andifIaskyoutothinkthroughthemost  importantquestionsfacingthefamily.Keepmeintheloop.     Ialsohavetomakeyouawareofthecomplexlegalconsequencesondownthelineasa ^N resultofvariousparentingplans.Forexample,inCalifornia,everyparentingplaninfluencessuch J : diverseissuesastheabilityofaparenttoseekmodificationinyearsahead,abilityofaparentto 6 & seekemployment,taxation,whichhealthinsurerprovidesprimarycoverage,theamountof "  support,theuseofthefamilyresidence,liabilityforachildstorts,whatstateorcountrywillhave   jurisdictioninthefuture,andwhichanalyticalframeworkcourtsmustapplyifoneparentlater   wantstomove.CaliforniasSupremeCourthasstronglysuggestedthatlabelsmatter.Thusthe    sameparentingschedulelabeled jointcustodycouldtriggercompletelydifferentmodification   andmoveawayanalysisthatifitwaslabeled primaryparent, residentialandnonresidential   parentor custodyand visitation.Yourrecommendationswillhaveseriousunintended   consequencesifyouarentalerttosuchissues.     WhenIbegantopracticefamilylawin1976,thesecaseswerecalledcustodybattles,and   theendresultwasaonetimechoicebetweenthetwoparents.Overthepast20yearswehave   livedthroughaparadigmshift.Whilesomepeoplestillusetheoldframeofreference,theleaders  amongmentalhealthprofessionals,judgesandlawyersseethesecasesasparentingplandisputes.  Theendresultisadetailedallocationofparentalresponsibilities,andguidelinesforbehavior.The  newparadigm  #  1      ׀requiresthatweframeourtasksverydifferently.Whileinmystate,theSupreme  Courtisstillapplyingtheoldparadigmtosomefamilies,trialcourtsandintermediateappellate p courtshavemadetheparadigmshift.Theyseeaparentingplanasallocatingdimensionsof l\ parentalrightsandresponsibilities.Theyarecomingtorecognizetheneedforadaptationover XH timetoreflectchangesinthechildrensneedsandtheparentalcapacitiestomeetthoseneeds,as D4 wellasexternalchangessuchasremarriage,newemploymentorschoolschedules,etc. 0    Asanattorneyforoneoftheparents,orthechild,Iseethereportfirst.Imustinterpret  thisreporttotheultimatedecisionmakersinthecase"theparentsandthejudge. ~n   Families,lawyers,mediatorsandjudgeswillusethereporttocraftaparentingplan.Itwill  alsohelpusbetterunderstandthefamilyandusethoseinsightsinanattempttochangeunproduc   tiveordestructiveattitudesandbehaviors.Itseemstomethatifyoukeptthosepurposesinmind, !  yourreportswouldlookcompletelydifferent.Asthearchitectsteachus,formfollowsfunction. "!   Evaluationreportsaretypicallyorganizedastheywereunderthefadingparadigm.Ifthe $# taskofthecourtistochoosebetweentwoparents,reportswhichprovideapsychologicalportrait $$ ofeachparentandsomeincidentalinformationaboutthechildaremosthelpful.Ifthetaskofthe %% courtistosortbetweencompetingpicturesoftruthinabattleofallegationsandcrossallega & &  (#(#(#(#tions,thenreportssummarizingthedatafrom  variouswitnessesandrecordsaremostvalu  able.Neitherofthosearethetaskunderthe  emerging parentingplanparadigm.Aswe  movefromfightingcustodybattlestodevel   opingparentingplans,itseemstomethatyou   shouldfeelcompelledtodiscardyouroldfor   mat.Doesntitfeelconfining?Doesitreally  t letyouexplainwhatalternativeswouldbe p ` bestforthisfamilyandwhy?Ifyoudidso, \L  whatotherchangeswouldflowfromthenew H8  organization?Wouldyouranalyticalprocess 4$  change?Wouldthekindsofdatasought    Аchange?Wouldtheunderstandingofthe    Аreader(parents,lawyersandjudge)change?    (#(# k(Q-5%!h p `E<ttT TXk߰  Neitherofthetwotraditionalformats  helpmeunderstandwhatweightyougaveto   eachitemofdatareported.Neitherformat  explainsthesignificanceofthedata,orthe  connectionbetweenthedataandtherecom  mendations.Ialmostneverseeareport  whichcomparesandcontraststwoormore  possiblesolutions.  k(:-5%!h pF `E$<ttT \k  Negotiationtheoryteachesusthat  peoplearefarmorelikelytoabidebyrules  theyhelpcreate.Parentsaremorelikelyto   acceptaparentingplaniftheycanhavea !  handinnegotiatingtheterms.Wecometo "! you,notforaprescription,butforparame #" ters.Areportwhichtiestheanalysistothe |$l# termsoftheparentingplanisafarbettertool h%X$ fornegotiation,mediationandlitigation. T&D %   Theexperienceofbeingevaluatedis '!' terrifying.Thestakesareenormous.Nomat ("( terhowthorough,anevaluationisultimately )~#) areductionofahumanbeingtoasomewhat z*j$* distortedcartoon.Noneofthelensesthroughf+V%+ p,    whichweassessfamiliesandtheirmemberscanencompassthewhole.Aparentishyperawareof  thefactthatothers,mostsignificantlyaformermate,willbepouringovereachword,waitingto  say Aha!Parents(andotherconsumersofevaluations)searchfranticallyforanexplanationof  theoutcome.Theirguessesareoftenwildlyoffthemark.Mostoften,theysimplyreducetheir  analysistogender.Theymaynotlikethatexplanation,butatleastitisunderstandable.     Ineverletaclientreadareportalone.Rather,Ischeduleadebriefingsession,withsome "  followupconversation.However,thereisagreatdealtoassimilate.Thedifficultyisexacerbated   becausetheformatofthereportdoesnotmakeexplicitthelinksbetweentheinformation   reportedandtherecommendationsmade.Asyouwriteyourreport,takeamomenttoenvisiona    parentingreadinganddiscussingitwithmeinmyoffice,thejudgereadingitthenightbeforea   hearing,andeachlawyerdecidingwhattoemphasizeinnegotiationsandlitigation.     Forexample,manyreportssummarizeallallegationsandconcernsvoicedbytheparents,    childrenandcollateralwitnesses.Typically,suchreportsincludelittleanalysis.TimeaftertimeI    haveseenaparty,lawyerorjudgeassumethattheevaluatorfoundsuchanallegationbothtrue   andsignificantbecauseitwasincludedinthereport.Ifthereisanopportunityforinquiry,you   usuallysaythatyouincludedthatfact,notbecauseitinfluencedtheoutcome,butsothattheparty  wouldfeelheard,andnoonecouldcomplainthatyoufailedtoconsideraparticularfactor  concern.Unfortunately,havingalawyeraskfollowupquestionsinformally,byletter,by  depositionorincourtisaluxurythatmanyfamiliescantafford.Sometimesthecourtstimetable  makesitimpossible.Whycantthereporttelluswhatdataisimportant,whatisntandwhy?In p additiontoknowingwhatyouconsidered,weneedtoknowwhatweightyougaveit,andwhat l\ portionofyourrecommendedparentingplanitaffects. XH   WhenIveaskedthisquestion,evaluatorstellmethatjudgescomplainaboutthelengthof  reports,andthatsuchanalysiswouldaddmanypages.Imnotsurethatstrue.Infact,Impretty  muchconvincedthatifyoupresentedthedata,analysisandrecommendationsdifferently,your  reportswouldbefarclearer,andabitshorter.Icanthelpwonderingwhetheryouwouldfind,as ~n youbegantoorganizeyourreportaroundthecomponentsoftheparentingplan,thatyour jZ  methodologyandanalysiswouldevolveaswell. V F _ (((#(#k(?-3#h 0 `E<ttT(k_  Also,rememberthatfewofuswho   useyourreportaretrainedinyourtermsof  art.Pleasedontuseanytechnicallanguage  withoutdefinitionsandexplanationsofsignifi  cancetotheissuesinourcase.Ivepickedup   quiteabitalongtheway,butmaybemycol   leagueorthejudgehasnot.Anddoyoure   allytrustmetoexplaintomyclientwhat  t А narcissisticpersonalitydisorder, en p ` meshed,or _parentified_Ԁchildmeans,much \L  lesswhatimplicationseachhasfordecisions H8  abouttheparentingplan?Idbetyoudbe 4$  morecomfortableprovidingthatinformation    yourself.Ipromise,inturn,nottoassumeyou    knowtheintricaciesoftheHagueConvention.   (Idoexpect,however,thatyoullbefamiliar   withalloftheimplicationsofourstateslatest  rulingsonmove_aways_,forexample.Ifyou  arent,yourreportwillbefarlessvaluable,  andcoulddounintentionalharm.)Someeval  uatorsattachaglossary,whichisextremely p helpful.Othersattachalistofthevarioustests l\ andstructuredinterviewstheyuse,andabrief XH explanationofeach.Thisisalsoveryhelpful. D4   Developarelationshipwithacustody  lawyerinwhicheachofyouconsultswith,   (#(#((andeducatestheother.Insomecommunities,interdisciplinarystudygroupsmeetmonthly.Take ~n continuingeducationclassesaimedatlawyers.Understandtheprinciplesofdueprocess,andthe jZ proceduresfollowedinthiscourthouseforcustodycases. V F   Inmanycases,aparentingplanbeginswithsomefactualfindingswhichprovidea ! touchstonefordeterminingifthereareanysignificantchangesinthefuture.Yourreportshould "  helpusthinkthroughwhichfactsareimportant.Forexample,iftheagesofthechildrenorthe #! distancebetweenparentalhomeswereimportanttoyourrecommendations,pleasesayso. |$l"   Thecomponentsofaparentingplanareencompassedinafewcategories: %$ Nb  NbB0    InformationexchangeandcommunicationbetweenparentsNbBB݌@'0!&(#(# Ќ  Nb  NbC0    DecisionmakingauthorityNbCC݌,("'(#(# Ќ  Nb  Nb@D0    Timesharescheduleofdaily_caretaking_ԀresponsibilityNb@D[D݌)#((#(# Ќ  Nb  Nb!E0    Holidays,vacationsandspecialdaysNb!E2#  1  .3  0    Greetingtheotherparentpolitely.3>k݌#"(#(# Ќ  "3"  3*2#  2  .3  0    Whomaybepresent.3*W݌$$(#(# Ќ  "3"  32#  3  .3  0    Limitingconversationtopleasantriesandreservingalladultinformationexchanges, T&D & requestsandrecriminationstosettingswherethechildrenarenotpresent.33݌@'0!'(#(# Ќ  "3"  32#  4  .3  0    Howlongaparentmustwaitbeforetheexchangeisforfeited(untilthenextdayorthe (") nextscheduledtransition?)?3݌)~#*(#(# Ќ  "3"  3Ԫ2#  5  .3  0    Exchanginglogbooksorotheritems.3Ԫ݌*$,(#(# Ќ  "3"  32#  6  .3  0    Transitionalobjects.3݌R,B&.(#(# Ќ  "3"  32#  7  .3  0    Movementoftoys,clothing,bikes,petsorotheritemsbetweenhouseholds.3ˬ݌(#(# Ќ  "3"  32#  8  .3  0    Safetyconcernssuchascarseats,seatbelts,safetransportation.Parentswhohave rb historiesofaccidents,alcoholuseordrugusemightberequiredtohaveavaliddrivers ^N licensebeforetransportingchildren.Shouldaparentwithahistoryofalcoholabusehave J : togothepoliceorhighwaypatrolforabreathorbloodtestupontheotherparents 6 & request?3ޭ݌" (#(# Ќ    Addressthepsychologicalramificationsofdroppingchildrenoffatthecurbascompared  t toescortingthemtothedoor.Shouldeitherparentbepermittedtoentertheothershome? p `  Explainwhatbehavioristypicalofchildrenatsuchtransitionsandhowparentsmightrespond \L  most_supportively_. H8    Ifyourecommendthataparentstimewiththechildrenbemonitored,pleasetelluswhat   risksconcernyouandhowthemonitorcanbestprotectagainstthoserisks.Isthemonitorto   protectthechildfromsomespecifickindofconductorhazard?Isthemonitortoprotectaparent r  againstfalseallegations?Whoshould,andshouldnotbe,amonitor?Canaparticularfriendor n^  familymemberrecognizedangertothechildandbewillingtocompromisetheirrelationshipwith ZJ theparenttoprotectthechild?Whatkindofloyaltystruggleswithinthefamilywouldbesetinto F6 playbytheuseofanonprofessionalmonitor?Ontheotherhand,wouldgrandmaspresencebe 2" morenaturalandcomfortablethanaprofessionalmonitor?Whatresponsibilitydoesthemonitor  havetoshareinformationwitheachparent?Isthemonitorintendedforsafetypurposesorisheor   sheservingadualroleasaparentingcoach?Canthemonitorsetlimitsonactivitiesordestina  tions?    Whatmessagewillthechildinferfromthepresenceofamonitor?Howshouldthe D4 monitorbeexplainedtothechild?Mustthemonitorbecontinuouslyinearshotandsight?Does 0  themonitorhavethepowertoterminateavisit,and,ifso,underwhatcircumstances.Underwhat   circumstancesshouldthemonitoringorderbewithdrawnorreviewed?    Incasesofalienationorreintroductionofanabsentparent,shouldthefirstcontactstake jZ placeinatherapistsoffice?Shouldtherebeastagedreintroductionwithgradualincreasesintime V F spenttogether? B!2    Iflongdistancetravelisinvolved,pleasethinkthroughallofthedetails.Whatinformation "" mustthedistantparentsharewiththeprimaryresidenceparentpriortoandduringthetrip?Must ## childcarearrangements,extendedstayswithrelativesorfriends,daycampenrollmentorother |$l$ plansbemutuallyagreedupon?Musttheabsentparentprovidename,addressandtelephone h%X% number?Isthechildoldenoughtoflyalone(developmentallyandperairlinepolicy}?Isthechild T&D & comfortableflyingaloneormustanadultaccompanyhim?Shouldtravelbescheduledonlyfor @'0!' certaintimesofdayortoensurearrivalbackacertainnumberofdaysbeforeschoolresumesora ,("(  certainnumberofhoursbeforebedtime? )#)   ,JXXb& v  OtherProvisionsWhichContributetotheSuccessofthePlan#XbX,J#      Whatelsewillbeessentialorhelpfultothesuccessofthisparentingplan?Whatrecom  mendationstoyoumakeaboutphoneaccess(andwhy?).Isthereaneedforcounselingor'v  parentingclassesforoneorbothparents?Ifso,pleasemakesureyouarefamiliarwithlocallaws  v concerningtheCourtspowertoordersuchtherapy.Setforththegoalsofthe recommendation, r b thedurationoftheprogram,theskillsandexpertiserequiredofthetherapist,etc.Makevery b R concreterecommendationsconcerningtheroleofthetherapistinreporting,ornotreportingto N > thecourt.Includeamechanismbywhichtheparentattendingmustprovideproofofattendance. : *  $$(#(#  Appointmentofachildstherapistalso   requiresadetaileddiscussion.Whatisthe x  purposeofsuchtherapy?Isthereaparticular td  modalitythatwouldbepreferable?Howfre `P  quentshouldthesessionsbe?Howlong(ei L<  therintermsoftimeorachievementofspe 8(  cificgoals)shouldthetreatmentcontinue. $ Explainhowimportantitisforthetherapistto  establishandmaintainrelationshipswithboth  parents.Toensurethis,providethatinforma  tionshouldbedisclosedtoboth,thatthey  shouldtaketurnsbringingthechildrentother  apy,andthattheparents,stepparentsand  siblingsshouldorshouldnotparticipateatthe  invitationofthetherapist.Iusuallydraftor t derswhichpreventthetherapistfromfiling p` declarationswiththecourtormakingrecom \L mendationstothecourtconcerningthe H8  (#(#$$parentingplan.Thoseordersspecificallyprovidethatthetherapistmayshareinformation, 4$ impressionsandobservationswithanycourtappointedcustodyevaluator.     Bespecificabouttheroleofthementalhealthprofessional.Areyousuggestingindividual !r psychotherapy , jointsessionstolearncommunicationnegotiationdecisionmakingskills, n"^  treatmentforthechild,mediationorappointmentofaParentingPlanCoordinator(specialmaster ^#N! whoarbitratesongoingdisputes). J$:" k(`-5 %!h p `E<ttT $1X k  Donthesitatetomakesomespecificreferrals.Ifthereareexistingmentalhealth %$ professionalsworkingwiththefamilyexplainwhythoserelationshipsshouldbepreservedorwhy & % thefamilymightbebetterservedbyafreshstartoranewapproach?Istheprofessionalperceived 't!& byoneparentasalignedwiththeother?Doestheprofessionalhaveenoughexpertiseinthe p(`"' specificissuesofthecase?Ifcommunitymentalhealthagenciesaretobeused,provideinforma \)L#(  tionaboutaccess,availability,expertiseandcosts. H*8$)   Isthisparentingplanbaseduponanyassumptionsthatthedistancebetweenparental   homeswillnotincrease.Figureoutwhatthegreatestdistanceofseparationwhichwouldbe  possiblewithoutmakingtheplaninfeasible,andrecommendgeographiclimitations.Please  discuss,inconsiderabledetail,whatimpactgreaterdistanceswillhaveonthechildslifeand  relationships.      ,JXXbMechanismforReviewandAdaptation#XbX,Jf#  "  Z  Fewparentingplansshouldbesetinstone.Asfamilieschange,childrenmatureandlife   proceeds,whatshouldtriggerareviewofthisplan?Areyourecommendinganyautomaticfuture    changes?Willareviewevaluationberequired?ShouldtherebeongoingmediationoraParenting   PlanCoordinator?Aretherebehavioralgoals(forparentorchild)uponwhicheithercontinuation t  ofthisplanorabuiltinmodificationdepend? p`    Ifyouhavetolduswhatfactswereimportantforeachoftheissuesabove,youwillhave   givenusaroadmapforwhatchangesmighttriggeramodification.     ,JXXbBeMindfulofMultipleAudiences#XbX,J#        Yourreportislikelytobereviewedbyparentsandstepparents,lawyers,consultants,  mediators,andthejudge.Eachaudiencehasdifferingdegreesofbackground,insight,understand  ingoftheimplicationsofcertainstatements,etc.Forthemostpart,youshouldassumevirtually  nopsychologicalknowledgeonthepartofyourreadersandexplaineverythingextremelyclearly. r Evenifyoubelievethatthereportwascommissionedbyaparticularjudicialofficer,thecasemay n^ bereassignedbeforeahearing. ZJ   Considertheimpactofthereportoneachaudience.Ifthereportisperceivedastooharsh  orcritical,aparentmayfeelcompelledtofightforhisorhergoodnameandselfrespect.Sucha  reportwillnotserveatherapeuticpurposeorpromotesettlement.Rather,theparentwillfeel  driventodiscredityou,andwillgivenocredencetothereport.If,ontheotherhand,thereportis p writteninamoregentlefashion.thelawyersandjudgesmayunderestimatetheseriousnessofthe l\ concernsyouidentify. X H   Thebestpathistobeclear,honestandrespectful.Acknowledgedirectlyeachparents !! Аstrengthsandlimitations.Aparentwhofeelsappreciatedbyyouwillbemorelikelytoconsider "" Аwhetheryourcriticismsandsuggestionshavemerit.Explaintheprobableconsequencesforthe ## childrenofparticularactions,behaviorsorcourtorders. ~$n$   Understandthat,althoughyoumaychoosetodeemphasizestatementsmadetoyouby %& thechildren,orcollateralsources,thatyoumustdisclosethosestatementsifyourrecordsarere & ' quested,youtestifyincourtoryourdepositionistaken.Dontpromisesecrecy,becausethe '!( parentsareentitledtounderstandallofthefactsuponwhichsuchanimportantdecisionwas (") based.Youwouldntwantanybackdoorinformationtoinfluenceadecisionwhichshapedthe )#* entirefutureofyourfamily.Youdwantanopportunitytocommentuponorinterpretsuch |*l$+ information. h+X%, k(-5 %!h p `E <httTE k  Givesomespecificdirectivesaboutlimitingaccesstocopiesofthereport.Parentsshould  haveunlimitedaccesstothereportsintheirattorneys,therapists,andconsultingmentalhealth  professionalsoffices.Theyshouldbespecificallyrestrainedfromprovidingaccesstothereport  topersonsotherthanthoseprofessionals(and,perhaps,stepparentsorotheradultscentrallyin  volved).     Alsogivesomespecificdirectionaboutwhatthechildrenshouldbetold(orpermittedto "  overhear)aboutyourreport,analysisandrecommendations.Explaintheconsequencesforthe   childrenifthoserecommendationsareignored.     Ifyouhavespecificconcerns,flagthemforcounsel,familiesandthecourt.Explaintothe \L  lawyerstheimportanceofadebriefingsession,andinterpretationofthereportbythelawyer H8  and/oramentalhealthprofessional.Someyearsago,Ibroughtamotherintomyofficetoreada 4$  report.Thateveningshewasadmittedtoanemergencywardafterasuicideattempt.Afewdays    later,theteenagerhadrunaway,anticipatingimplementationofthereportsrecommendationsfor    aresidentialtreatmentprogram.Thinkthroughhowtobalancesafetyconcernswiththeparents   righttoknowtheinformationintheevaluationandtopreparetoaddressthoseissuesinnegotia   tion,mediationandlitigation.Thereportwillbeofnobenefittoanyoneifittriggerssuicide,   (#(#(#(#violence,arunawayoranabduction.     ,JXXbConclusion #XbX,J#      Forensicchildcustodyevaluationsare  commissionedbecausetheparties,counsel,  mediator,and/ortheCourtwantassistancein  developingaparentingplan.Manylawyersdo p notdevoteasubstantialamountoftheirprac l\ ticetochildcustodyissues,andlackpsycho XH logicalsophistication.Dependinguponthe D4 jurisdiction,thejudgemightneverhaveprac 0  ticedfamilylawatall,andmayknownothing   aboutchilddevelopment.Theparents,no ! matterhowsophisticated,aresubjecttodis !  tortionoftheirunderstandingbecauseoftheir "! ownegoneedsandpassionatebeliefinthe #" justiceoftheirrespectiveviewpoints.Ifthe $# evaluationreportexplicitlytieseachitemof %$ data,andeachanalysistotheconcreterecom & % mendations,thereisfarlessriskofmisunder |'l!& standing.Moreover,changesincircumstance h(X"' orrequeststovaryparticularsoftheorder T)D#( fromspecificrecommendationscanbe @*0$) Аassessedwithintheframeworkofthedataand ,+%*  (#(#(#(#analysisyouhavedeveloped. ,&+   Yourevaluationwillalsobefarmoreusefulifyoudiscussthestrengthsandrisks  associatedwitheachoftherequestsmadebytheparents,andwithsomeoftheotheralternatives  youconsidered.Oftenjudgeswillsubstitutetheirownpetprovisionsforyours.Anticipatethe  needforalloftheparticipants(parents,lawyersandjudge)toparticipateincraftingthefinal  order.Givethemclearexplanationsofthekindofbalancingyoudidindecidingwhattorecom   mend.Theymaynotagreewithyou,butatleastavariantresultwillnotbebasedonignoranceor   failuretorecognizeimplicationsandpotentialconsequences.Usethereportasanopportunityto   educatethefamily,thelawyers,andthejudge.Theinsightstheygainfromyouwillbenefitthis  t familyinothersituationsandwillcarryovertoothercasesthatdontgetevaluated. p ` i(%-3 #h 0 `E<ttT ( i (((#(#  Finally,itiscriticaltounderstandthe   currentcalendarpracticesofyourlocalcourt.   Youhavenodoubtspentbetweenthreeand   twelvemonthsstudyingthefamily.ifyoudid   ntobservethemovermorethanabriefperiod r  oftime,youmaynotbeabletodistinguish n^  whatistypicalor_characterological_Ԁfromwhat ZJ issituational.Ifyouhavetakenalargeperiod F6 oftimetocompletethereport,somechanges 2" mayhavebecomeimpracticalbecausethe  childrenhavebecomewellsettledintheirnew   home,schoolorcommunity.Atthispointthe  delayitselfforcesyoutobalancethebenefits  oftheotherarrangementwiththecostsoflost  continuity.    Pleaserecommendthattheparentsand   theircounselbegivenatleasttwoweeksto  assimilateandanalyzethereportbeforebeing  expectedtonegotiate,mediateorlitigate.  Evenforaparty favoredbytherecommen   dations,readingthereportistraumatic.Ifyou ! wereactingasatherapist,youdhopethe "  parentgainedinsightovertimeandwouldnot #! expectinstantenlightenmentandacceptance. |$l" Fewofushavesufficientselfknowledgeto h%X# fullyanticipateandaccepthowwemaybe T&D $ seenwhendissectedinthisfashion.Thereis @'0!%  (#(#((nosubstituteforenoughtimetoreadthereport,discussit,reflectonit,readitagain,consult ,("& otherprofessionalsandaskquestions.Parents,havingcomethisfar,shouldnotberushedintothe )#' decisionmakingprocess.Iftheyare,toomanycaseswillgototrial.Thelawyersandjudgemay *#(  notfullyappreciatehowimportantthistimeis.Addastockparagraphtoyourwordprocessor. *$)   Delayisequallytroubling.Manyreportsarepartially,orentirelyobsoletebecauseofdelay   betweenthetimeofassessmentandtimeofhearing.Dontassumethatthecourtwillautomati  callydosomethingtopreventthis.ManyFamilyCourtjudgeshavelittlespecialtrainingor  experience.Insomejurisdictions,judgeshearmanytypesofcases.Inothers,theyrotateinand  outoftheFamilyCourtassignment.CourtresourcesarenotallocatedtoFamilyLawDepart   mentsinproportiontothenumber,complexityorimportanceofthematterstheyconsider.Evenif   ahearingdatehasbeenset,dontassumethatitwontberescheduled.Caseloadsareextraordi   narilyheavyandhearingtimeispreciousandrationedoutasfamilylawfilingsincrease,theissues  t becomemorecomplexandnewcourtroomsarenotassigned.Ifthereisurgencytotheimplemen p ` tationofyourrecommendations,statethisfirmly,clearly,andwithreasonsonthefirstpageofthe \L  report.Thisgivesthelawyersachancetoaskacourttospeciallysetahearingormakeemer H8  gencyinterimorders.Ifyoudontfindanyurgentneedforneworderstobeimplemented, 4$  recommendthatafewweeksbeforethehearingisconducted,youhaveachancetoupdateyour    report.Sometimesonlyphonecallstotheparentswillberequired.Othertimes,moreinvestiga    tionwillbenecessary.Themorespecificyouareaboutwhatisneeded,themorelikelyitistobe   provided.     Thanksforconsideringthesesuggestions.Ihopeyoulltakethechallengeandtry F6 restructuringyourreportsinthewaysIenvision.Ilookforwardtoworkingwithyoutoassist 2" families,andexplorewhatwouldbebestforchildrenandtheirfamilies.  Sincerely,  p LeslieEllenShear    ThispaperoriginallyappearedinChildren,DivorceandCustody:LawyersandPsychologists   WorkingTogether(AContinuingEducationConferencebytheAmericanBarAssociationSection !  ofFamilyLawandtheAmericanPsychologicalAssociation),April1720,1997,LosAngeles