What happens in MN custody evaluation?

Investigation: This phase includes interviews with both parents and children of sufficient age; home visits, collateral contact with teachers, doctors and daycare providers; review of personal references, review of court documents, school and/or medical records for the children; and review and/or testing of each …

What happens in a parenting evaluation?

What happens in a parenting evaluation? The job of the parenting evaluator is to make an independent assessment of your child’s family, including both parents, and to make a written recommendation to the court about the best arrangements for your child. Interviewing a few other people at the request of each parent.

What should a custody evaluator tell?

Acknowledge the benefits to your children of having positive relationships with both of their parents. Express your willingness to consider different custody and visitation arrangements, but clearly explain (once, not over and over again) why you prefer one over another.

How is child custody determined in Minnesota?

Generally, in order to have your child custody issues decided by a judge in MN, the child(ren) must have lived in MN with a parent or a person acting as a parent for at least six (6) consecutive months (180 days) before starting the court process. There are exceptions for emergency situations.

What does a parental responsibility evaluator do?

A parental responsibilities Evaluator (“PRE”) has been appointed in your case to complete an investigation and report recommending what is in the best interests of your children. This is a nerve-racking process to say the least.

What are the residency requirements for a custody case in Minnesota?

Residency Requirement Generally, in order to have your child custody issues decided by a judge in Minnesota, the child must have lived in Minnesota with a parent or a person acting as a parent for at least six (6) consecutive months (180 days) before starting the court process.

Where can I find Minnesota Court forms for ex parte custody?

The MN Judicial Branch does not publish forms to ask the court to hear a custody matter on an emergency ex parte basis. You might find sample forms at your local law library, but we strongly encourage you to talk to a lawyer about your situation. Under what circumstances can custody be changed?

What is a delegation of parental authority in Minnesota?

However, if a parent wants to give another adult temporary authority to provide a home for a child and make decisions about the child’s schooling, medical care, etc., the parent may be able to use a non-court form called a Delegation of Parental Authority (DOPA). Use of this form does NOT grant custody of a child under MN law.

What are the qualifications for mediation in contested child custody?

A mediator who performs mediation in contested child custody matters shall meet the following minimum qualifications: (a) knowledge of the court system and the procedures used in contested child custody matters; (b) knowledge of other resources in the community to which the parties to contested child custody matters can be referred for assistance;