The American Psychological Association’s Guidelines for Child Custody Evaluations in Family Law Proceedings: Implications for the Courts

Authors

Helen T. Brantley
Eric Y. Drogin
Jemour A. Maddux

Date of this Version

2022

Document Type

Article

Citation

Court Review - Volume 58

Comments

Used by permission.

Abstract

Whether they directly preside over such matters or not, all judges are aware that child custody cases are among the most contentious, nerve-wracking, and costly proceedings in our entire legal system. The most aggrieved and well-heeled of litigants are likely to up the ante by enlisting psychologists as expert witnesses—even when the Court has already found it necessary to do so on its own. American Psychological Association (APA) Guidelines exist to encourage best practices for these witnesses, and to help them to avoid commonly encountered pitfalls. This article addresses how the Court can best access, interpret, and reinforce the latest revision of these Guidelines for the benefit of parties, counsel, and judges alike.