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Minnesota Child Custody Evaluations

Last updated on April 1, 2025

Child custody cases are some of the most complex and emotional family law and divorce matters. In contested child custody cases, where the parents cannot come to agreeable terms on their custody arrangement, the court may order a child custody evaluation to investigate the custodial situation of each parent.

At Hill Crabb, LLC, our Edina custody lawyers can help parents navigate this process and know what to expect from the evaluations.

Understanding Child Custody Evaluations

Minnesota’s child custody evaluations can be conducted at the request of a parent during child custody proceedings. The court will order an investigation and a report on the child’s custodial arrangements, which generally involve:

Interviewing each parent
Interviewing children who are old enough
Interviewing personal family references such as other family members and close friends
Interviewing witnesses of the family’s lifestyle such as teachers, day care providers, primary care providers and others
Home visits
Reviewing relevant documents such as family court files, school records and criminal records

Once the investigator has completed their evaluation, they are required to prepare a thorough report on their findings and their recommendations to give to the court. The court may mail the report to each spouse’s counsel at least 10 days before the next hearing.

The evaluation process can be stressful for parents. It’s best to cooperate with the investigation and work with the evaluator. Answer their questions honestly during interviews and prepare for home visits by presenting a clean and tidy environment, and dressing appropriately.

How Long Does A Custody Evaluation Take?

Custody evaluations can take anywhere from three months to a year to complete. It depends on each family’s unique circumstances and the investigator’s evaluation process. Interviewing witnesses and conducting home visits can take time to organize and schedule, as does reviewing and analyzing all the collected information for a report.

Who Pays For The Evaluation?

In Minnesota, the court will order the cost of the evaluation to be paid in part or full by either or both parties involved in the case. If the parties are unable to pay for the evaluation, it may be covered by the county welfare agency or department of court services that conducts the evaluation. The cost of the evaluation depends on various factors such as the length of the investigation and the overall complexity of the case.

Guiding You Through The Minnesota Child Custody Evaluation Process

If you’re going through custody proceedings and the court has ordered an evaluation, don’t stress. We will help you prepare and navigate this process with confidence.

Call us today at 763-443-7196 to schedule a free consultation or email us online.