Custody Evaluations in Utah: What Parents Need to Know

This article is written by Barbara Ramos-Cryer of Beehive Family Services, a Utah-based provider of custody evaluations and family court services.

Custody disputes can be one of the most stressful aspects of divorce or separation. When parents are unable to reach an agreement regarding custody or parent-time, Utah courts may order a custody evaluation to assist the court in determining what arrangement serves the best interest of the child.

The goal is to help parents, attorneys, and professionals understand how custody evaluations work in Utah, including evaluator qualifications, typical costs, timelines, and the evaluation process.

What Is a Custody Evaluation in Utah?

A custody evaluation is a comprehensive, court-involved assessment conducted by a neutral, qualified mental health professional. The evaluator gathers and analyzes information about the parents, the child(ren), and family dynamics to provide recommendations to the court regarding:

• Legal custody (decision-making authority)

• Physical custody (residential arrangements)

• Parent-time schedules

• Additional considerations relevant to the child’s welfare

Custody evaluations are most commonly ordered in high-conflict cases, cases involving allegations of abuse or neglect, or when parents demonstrate difficulty co-parenting.

Custody Evaluator Requirements in Utah

Utah has specific statutory and court rule requirements governing who may conduct custody evaluations. Evaluators must meet professional, ethical, and educational standards to ensure evaluations are reliable and legally sound.

Custody Evaluators Must Typically:

• Hold an active Utah license as a mental health professional (psychologist, clinical social worker, marriage and family therapist, or psychiatrist)

• Have specialized training in custody evaluations, child development, family systems, and domestic violence

• Demonstrate knowledge of Utah custody statutes and best-interest factors

• Maintain ongoing continuing education related to family law and custody matters

• Conduct evaluations in accordance with professional ethical guidelines and court expectations

Courts may appoint an evaluator directly or approve an evaluator agreed upon by both parties.

The Custody Evaluation Process in Utah

Although each evaluation is tailored to the family, most Utah custody evaluations follow a structured, multi-step process.

1. Court Order or Stipulation

A custody evaluation is ordered by the court or initiated by agreement of the parties during litigation.

2. Intake and Informed Consent

Parents receive written information outlining the evaluator’s role, scope of the evaluation, confidentiality limitations, fees, and expectations.

3. Parent Interviews

Each parent participates in individual interviews addressing parenting history, family dynamics, co-parenting abilities, and concerns relevant to the child’s best interest.

4. Child Interviews

Children are interviewed when developmentally appropriate. The purpose is not to have children choose between parents, but to understand their experiences and needs.

5. Parent-Child Observations

Evaluators observe each parent interacting with the child to assess parenting skills, emotional attunement, boundaries, and responsiveness.

6. Record Review

Evaluators commonly review:

• Court pleadings and affidavits

• School and academic records

• Medical or mental health records (when relevant)

• Parenting plans, communications, and other court-approved documentation

7. Collateral Contacts

With proper authorization, the evaluator may consult with teachers, therapists, medical providers, or other professionals involved in the child’s life.

8. Psychological Testing (If Applicable)

In some cases, standardized psychological assessments may be administered to provide additional clinical information.

9. Written Custody Evaluation Report

The evaluator prepares a detailed written report summarizing findings and providing custody and parent-time recommendations to the court.

How Long Does a Custody Evaluation Take in Utah?

The duration of a custody evaluation depends on the complexity of the case, availability of the parties, and the scope of services ordered.

Typical timelines include:

• 2–4 months for relatively straightforward cases

• 4–6 months or longer for high-conflict or complex matters

Delays may occur due to scheduling challenges, incomplete documentation, or the need for additional assessment.

Cost of Custody Evaluations in Utah

Custody evaluations represent a significant financial investment due to the time-intensive and specialized nature of the work.

Typical Cost Ranges:

• $3,000–$8,000 for standard custody evaluations

• $10,000 or more for complex, high-conflict, or expanded evaluations

The court typically orders parents to share the cost, though allocation may vary based on income, circumstances, or judicial discretion.

Factors Considered in Utah Custody Evaluations

Custody evaluators assess factors outlined in Utah law, all of which relate to the best interest of the child, including:

• Each parent’s ability to meet the child’s physical, emotional, and developmental needs

• The quality and history of the parent-child relationship

• Parenting skills, judgment, and consistency

• Willingness and ability to support the child’s relationship with the other parent

• History of domestic violence, abuse, neglect, or substance use

• Stability of each parent’s home environment

• Co-parenting and communication abilities

No single factor determines the outcome; evaluators consider the totality of the circumstances.

How to Prepare for a Custody Evaluation

Parents participating in a custody evaluation are encouraged to:

• Be honest, respectful, and cooperative throughout the process

• Focus on the child’s needs rather than parental conflict

• Comply with court orders and temporary parenting arrangements

• Communicate professionally with the evaluator

• Avoid involving or coaching children regarding the evaluation or litigation

• 
  

Custody Evaluations at Beehive Family Services

Beehive Family Services, led by Barbara Ramos-Cryer, provides custody evaluations in Utah with a focus on professionalism, neutrality, and child-centered decision-making. Evaluations are conducted in accordance with Utah court standards and ethical guidelines, with the goal of assisting the court in making informed custody determinations.

If you are an attorney seeking a qualified custody evaluator, or a parent who has been ordered to participate in a custody evaluation, Beehive Family Services can provide clear guidance and professional services throughout the process. You can read more about our costs and process here. Some custody evaluations are offered at a sliding scale fee with household income verification.

To schedule a consultation or learn more about custody evaluations at Beehive Family Services, please contact our office directly.

Contact Us

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Individuals should consult with a qualified family law attorney regarding their specific legal matter.