Custody in Divorce. A 730 Evaluation - Your Family under Magnifying Glass

When we talking about custody in divorce, a 730 evaluation is very important. In the state of California, a 730 evaluation represents a deep study and analysis of a family, spouses and children, and the relationship in the family in the context of a child custody in divorce and/or visitation dispute. A 730 evaluation is also called a child custody evaluation or child custody investigation. 730 evaluations are usual in California and the number “730” refers to the California Evidence Code Section 730 under which it is ordered.

730 evaluation is very important when the court must decide who will get custody in divorce. Here is the shorten content of the 730 evaluation:

When it is reviewed in the court, at any time before or during the trial of a process, that expert evidence is required by the court or by any party of the process, the court at its own discretion or at discretion of any party may direct one or more experts to investigate and make the report that may be ordered by the court, and to testify as an expert at the trial of the action relative to the fact or occasion as to which the expert evidence may be needed. The court may fix the compensation for these services, if any, rendered by any party appointed under this section, in addition to any service as a witness, at the amount that seems reasonable to the court. Nothing in this section will be construed to permit a person to perform any act for which a license is required unless the person holds the suitable license to legally perform this act.

In the custody in divorce process a 730 evaluation is usually conducted by a "child custody evaluator,” also called a 730 evaluator or custody in divorce evaluator. The 730 evaluator will carry out the investigation and examine the family. So he or she can make a 730 evaluation report as evidence to help the court find the best possible arrangement that reflects the best interest of the child that is a target of a custody in divorce process. The 730 evaluation report may be written or oral and the child custody evaluator may be called to cross-examined or testify at trial.

A 730 evaluation is usually ordered on a specific occasion and within high-conflict or complicated child custody in divorce cases where expert evidence is needed. Before agreeing to a 730 evaluation you should discuss your case with a divorce attorney in your area. This will help you understand if a 730 evaluation is the right choice for you and your child.