{"id":45,"date":"2020-03-25T11:13:31","date_gmt":"2020-03-25T11:13:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/aacsatlanta\/?page_id=45"},"modified":"2026-03-27T23:11:39","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T23:11:39","slug":"child-custody-assessment-georgia","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/aacsatlanta.com\/aacs-atlanta\/child-custody-assessment-georgia\/","title":{"rendered":"Child Custody Assessment in Georgia | Court-Approved Evaluations"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive tt alignnone\" title=\"Child Custody Fitness Assessment\" src=\"..\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/b3.jpg\" alt=\"Child Custody Fitness Assessment\" width=\"600\" height=\"500\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A Child Custody\u00a0 Assessment is a specialized psychological evaluation, typically ordered by a court, used to assess a parent&#8217;s capacity to parent their children. Oftentimes, this evaluation is ordered by a court as part of a termination of parental rights case or to determine a parent&#8217;s ability to assume custody of their children in a custody dispute. Parents involved in DCFS cases are often required to obtain a parental fitness evaluation.\u00a0 It is customary to interview parents, children, and family members separately to gather collateral information while keeping the child&#8217;s well-being as the ultimate priority.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>The Principles of Child Custody Assessment\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An evaluator\u2019s duty is to objectively report findings to the referring agency. Two elements are crucial in this process: first, the clinician must have no therapeutic relationship with the parent being assessed; and second, there is limited scope for HIPAA confidentiality in a forensic evaluation.\u00a0 The forensic tools used for the evaluation depend on the evaluator\u2019s personal training and the client&#8217;s individual needs. The process should take into account all parent-, child-, and family-related factors.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">substance abuse, current and previous involvement in the child welfare facilities, and willingness to cooperate with the other parent in raising the child.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Child-related: Mental health, attachment to each parent, and preferences regarding custody or living arrangements.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Family-related: History of domestic violence, allegations of abuse, and allegations of parental alienation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Court-Ordered Child Custody Assessments in Georgia<\/h3>\n<p>If you are involved in a custody case and need a\u00a0child custody assessment in Georgia, AACS Counseling provides\u00a0court-approved, state-compliant evaluations\u00a0conducted by experienced behavioral health professionals. With\u00a0over 30 years of experience in court-ordered assessments, our team understands the legal standards set by Georgia courts and works closely with attorneys, families, and the judicial system.<\/p>\n<p>Our goal is to provide\u00a0objective, professional, and timely custody evaluations\u00a0that help courts make informed decisions in the child&#8217;s best interest.<\/p>\n<h3>What Is a Child Custody Assessment?<\/h3>\n<p>A\u00a0<strong>child custody assessment<\/strong>\u00a0is a comprehensive evaluation used in family court cases to determine:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Parental fitness<\/li>\n<li>Emotional and psychological stability<\/li>\n<li>Parent-child relationships<\/li>\n<li>Risk factors affecting the child\u2019s well-being<\/li>\n<li>Co-parenting ability<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Courts often require these evaluations in:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Divorce proceedings<\/li>\n<li>Custody disputes<\/li>\n<li>Modification of custody arrangements<\/li>\n<li>Allegations involving abuse, neglect, or substance use<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These assessments are conducted by licensed professionals and must meet\u00a0Georgia court standards.<\/p>\n<h1>Court-Approved Custody Evaluations in Georgia<\/h1>\n<p>AACS Counseling provides\u00a0<strong>court-approved child custody evaluations in Georgia<\/strong>\u00a0that are accepted by:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Family courts<\/li>\n<li>Attorneys<\/li>\n<li>Judges<\/li>\n<li>Guardian ad litem professionals<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Each assessment includes:<\/p>\n<p>Clinical interview<br \/>\nBehavioral and psychological evaluation<br \/>\nReview of relevant history<br \/>\nParenting capacity assessment<br \/>\nWritten report for court submission<\/p>\n<p>Our reports are designed to be\u00a0clear, professional, and aligned with legal requirements, helping support fair and informed custody decisions.<\/p>\n<h3>Virtual Child Custody Assessments (Georgia Statewide)<\/h3>\n<p>AACS Counseling offers\u00a0<strong>virtual child custody assessments across Georgia<\/strong>, allowing clients to complete evaluations from the comfort of their home.<\/p>\n<p>Benefits of virtual services:<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"an1\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/fonts.gstatic.com\/s\/e\/notoemoji\/17.0\/2714\/72.png\" alt=\"\u2714\" data-emoji=\"\u2714\" aria-label=\"\u2714\" \/>\u00a0No travel required<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"an1\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/fonts.gstatic.com\/s\/e\/notoemoji\/17.0\/2714\/72.png\" alt=\"\u2714\" data-emoji=\"\u2714\" aria-label=\"\u2714\" \/>\u00a0Faster scheduling<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"an1\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/fonts.gstatic.com\/s\/e\/notoemoji\/17.0\/2714\/72.png\" alt=\"\u2714\" data-emoji=\"\u2714\" aria-label=\"\u2714\" \/>\u00a0Flexible appointment times<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"an1\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/fonts.gstatic.com\/s\/e\/notoemoji\/17.0\/2714\/72.png\" alt=\"\u2714\" data-emoji=\"\u2714\" aria-label=\"\u2714\" \/>\u00a0Confidential and secure sessions<\/p>\n<p>This is especially helpful for families balancing legal deadlines, work schedules, and childcare responsibilities.<\/p>\n<h3>Why Choose AACS Counseling?<\/h3>\n<p>AACS Counseling is trusted throughout Georgia for\u00a0court-ordered behavioral health evaluations.<\/p>\n<h3>Key Advantages:<\/h3>\n<p><strong>30+ years of experience<\/strong>\u00a0in court-related assessments<br \/>\nCourt-approved evaluations accepted statewide<br \/>\nLicensed and qualified professionals<br \/>\nFast scheduling (same-day or next-day available)<br \/>\nVirtual and in-person options<br \/>\nMultilingual services<\/p>\n<p>We understand the importance of accuracy, neutrality, and professionalism in custody cases.<\/p>\n<h3>Multilingual Custody Evaluation Services<\/h3>\n<p>We provide services in multiple languages to ensure clear communication for all families:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>English<\/li>\n<li>Spanish<\/li>\n<li>Arabic<\/li>\n<li>Armenian<\/li>\n<li>Turkish<\/li>\n<li>Hindi<\/li>\n<li>Ewe<\/li>\n<li>Pulaar<\/li>\n<li>Tagalog<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This allows parents from diverse backgrounds to fully participate in the evaluation process.<\/p>\n<h3>Affordable Custody Assessments &amp; Financing Options<\/h3>\n<p>We understand that custody cases can be financially stressful. That\u2019s why AACS Counseling offers:<\/p>\n<p>Competitive and transparent pricing<br \/>\nFlexible payment options<br \/>\nFinancing plans available<\/p>\n<p>Our goal is to make\u00a0court-approved custody evaluations accessible and affordable\u00a0without compromising quality.<\/p>\n<h2>What to Expect During Your Custody Assessment<\/h2>\n<p><b><i>A typical\u00a0child custody evaluation in Georgia\u00a0includes:<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<h3>1. Initial Interview<\/h3>\n<p>Discussion of family background, custody concerns, and legal requirements.<\/p>\n<h3>2. Parent Evaluation<\/h3>\n<p>Assessment of emotional stability, parenting style, and psychological functioning.<\/p>\n<h3>3. Child Interaction (if applicable)<\/h3>\n<p>Observation of parent-child dynamics.<\/p>\n<h3>4. Review of Records<\/h3>\n<p>Legal documents, medical records, and relevant history.<\/p>\n<h3>5. Final Report<\/h3>\n<p>A written evaluation submitted to the court or attorney.<\/p>\n<p>Most evaluations are completed efficiently to meet court deadlines.<\/p>\n<h3>Related Evaluation Services<\/h3>\n<p>In some custody cases, additional evaluations may be required:<\/p>\n<p>Alcohol and Drug Evaluation<br \/>\n<a class=\"gmail-decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aacscounseling.com\/alcohol-and-drug-evaluation\/\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.aacscounseling.com\/alcohol-and-drug-evaluation\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Substance Abuse Evaluation<br \/>\n<a class=\"gmail-decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aacscounseling.com\/substance-abuse-evaluation\/\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.aacscounseling.com\/substance-abuse-evaluation\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p>These services may be requested if substance use is a factor in the case.<\/p>\n<h3>\u00a0Resources for Child Custody &amp; Family Law<\/h3>\n<p>Georgia Judicial Branch<br \/>\n<a class=\"gmail-decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.georgiacourts.gov\/\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.georgiacourts.gov<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities<br \/>\n<a class=\"gmail-decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/dbhdd.georgia.gov\/\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/dbhdd.georgia.gov<\/a><\/p>\n<p>American Psychological Association (Child Custody Guidelines)<br \/>\n<a class=\"gmail-decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.apa.org\/\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.apa.org<\/a><\/p>\n<p>These resources provide additional guidance on custody evaluations and legal standards.<\/p>\n<h3>Schedule Your Child Custody Assessment in Georgia<\/h3>\n<p>If you need a\u00a0<strong>court-approved child custody assessment in Georgia<\/strong>, it is important to schedule your evaluation as soon as possible to avoid delays in your case.<\/p>\n<p>AACS Counseling provides:<\/p>\n<p>Fast appointments<br \/>\nCourt-compliant reports<br \/>\nProfessional and confidential services\u00a0FAQ \u2013 Child Custody Assessment in Georgia<\/p>\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<h3>1. What is a child custody assessment in Georgia?<\/h3>\n<p>A child custody assessment is a court-ordered evaluation used to determine a parent&#8217;s fitness and the child&#8217;s best interests in custody cases.<\/p>\n<h3>2. Who conducts custody evaluations in Georgia?<\/h3>\n<p>Licensed behavioral health professionals conduct custody evaluations that meet court and state requirements.<\/p>\n<h3>3. Are custody evaluations court-approved?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes, evaluations conducted by qualified professionals are accepted by Georgia courts.<\/p>\n<h3>4. How long does a custody evaluation take?<\/h3>\n<p>Most evaluations take several sessions, depending on the complexity of the case.<\/p>\n<h3>5. Can custody assessments be done virtually?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes, virtual custody assessments are available statewide.<br \/>\n<a class=\"gmail-decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aacscounseling.com\/virtual-mental-health-assessment\/\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.aacscounseling.com\/virtual-mental-health-assessment\/<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>6. What does a custody evaluator look for?<\/h3>\n<p>Evaluators assess parental fitness, emotional stability, and the child\u2019s well-being.<\/p>\n<h3>7. Is a custody evaluation required for divorce?<\/h3>\n<p>Not always, but courts may require one in contested custody cases.<\/p>\n<h3>8. How much does a custody evaluation cost in Georgia?<\/h3>\n<p>Costs vary, but affordable options and financing plans are available.<\/p>\n<h3>9. Are payment plans available?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes, flexible financing options are often offered to help families manage costs.<\/p>\n<h3>10. How do I schedule a custody evaluation?<\/h3>\n<p>You can schedule directly online or by contacting a provider.<br \/>\n<a class=\"gmail-decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aacscounseling.com\/\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.aacscounseling.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>11. What happens during a custody assessment?<\/h3>\n<p>The process includes interviews, observations, and a written report for the court.<\/p>\n<h3>12. Are custody evaluations confidential?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes, they are confidential, but they are shared with the court when required.<\/p>\n<h3>13. Do both parents need to participate?<\/h3>\n<p>Typically, both parents are involved unless the court directs otherwise.<\/p>\n<h3>14. Can children be interviewed?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes, depending on age and court requirements.<\/p>\n<h3>15. What is included in the final report?<\/h3>\n<p>The report includes findings, observations, and recommendations.<\/p>\n<h3>16. Can custody evaluations impact court decisions?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes, they often play a key role in custody rulings.<\/p>\n<h3>17. What if one parent refuses evaluation?<\/h3>\n<p>The court may enforce compliance or make decisions accordingly.<\/p>\n<h3>18. How long does it take to receive results?<\/h3>\n<p>Reports are usually completed shortly after evaluation.<\/p>\n<h3>19. Are virtual evaluations accepted by courts?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes, many courts accept virtual evaluations conducted by licensed professionals.<\/p>\n<h3>20. What qualifications should an evaluator have?<\/h3>\n<p>They should be licensed and experienced in behavioral health and court evaluations.<\/p>\n<h3>21. What factors influence custody decisions?<\/h3>\n<p>Courts consider stability, parenting ability, and the child\u2019s best interests.<\/p>\n<h3>22. Can substance abuse affect custody?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes, substance use may impact custody decisions.<\/p>\n<h3>23. Do I need additional evaluations?<\/h3>\n<p>Sometimes courts require substance abuse or mental health evaluations.<\/p>\n<p>Alcohol and Drug Evaluation<br \/>\n<a class=\"gmail-decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aacscounseling.com\/alcohol-and-drug-evaluation\/\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.aacscounseling.com\/alcohol-and-drug-evaluation\/<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>24. What is a mental health evaluation for custody?<\/h3>\n<p>It assesses psychological stability and parenting capability.<\/p>\n<h3>25. Can custody evaluations be expedited?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes, fast scheduling is often available.<\/p>\n<h3>26. Do custody evaluators provide recommendations?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes, recommendations are included in the report.<\/p>\n<h3>27. Are evaluations neutral?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes, they are objective and unbiased.<\/p>\n<h3>28. Can attorneys request evaluations?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes, attorneys often request them.<\/p>\n<h3>29. Is this required for all custody cases?<\/h3>\n<p>No, only when ordered by the court or requested by attorneys.<\/p>\n<h3>30. What is the goal of a custody evaluation?<\/h3>\n<p>To determine the best interest of the child.<\/p>\n<h3>31. Are custody evaluations stressful?<\/h3>\n<p>They can be, but professionals guide clients through the process.<\/p>\n<h3>32. Can I prepare for the evaluation?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes, by being honest and providing accurate information.<\/p>\n<h3>33. What documents are needed?<\/h3>\n<p>Court orders and relevant records.<\/p>\n<h3>34. Are evaluations different for high-conflict cases?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes, they may be more detailed.<\/p>\n<h3>35. Can evaluations include home visits?<\/h3>\n<p>Sometimes, depending on requirements.<\/p>\n<h3>36. What external guidelines are used?<\/h3>\n<p>Evaluators follow professional and legal standards.<\/p>\n<p>American Psychological Association<br \/>\n<a class=\"gmail-decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.apa.org\/\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.apa.org<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>37. What state agencies oversee behavioral health?<\/h3>\n<p>Georgia Department of Behavioral Health<br \/>\n<a class=\"gmail-decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/dbhdd.georgia.gov\/\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/dbhdd.georgia.gov<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>38. Are there federal mental health resources?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes.<\/p>\n<p>SAMHSA<br \/>\n<a class=\"gmail-decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.samhsa.gov\/\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.samhsa.gov<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>39. Can custody evaluations affect visitation?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes, they may influence visitation decisions.<\/p>\n<h3>40. How do I get started?<\/h3>\n<p>Schedule your evaluation:<br \/>\n<a class=\"gmail-decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aacscounseling.com\/\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.aacscounseling.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"an1\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/fonts.gstatic.com\/s\/e\/notoemoji\/17.0\/1f4de\/72.png\" alt=\"\ud83d\udcde\" data-emoji=\"\ud83d\udcde\" aria-label=\"\ud83d\udcde\" \/>\u00a0Call now to schedule your evaluation<br \/>\nor visit:<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"gmail-decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aacscounseling.com\/\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.aacscounseling.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here is a link to APA.org for further assistance in understanding the importance of DFCS Assessments <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.apa.org\/practice\/guidelines\/child-protection\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.apa.org\/practice\/guidelines\/child-protection<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A Child Custody\u00a0 Assessment is a specialized psychological evaluation, typically ordered by a court, used to assess a parent&#8217;s capacity to parent their children. Oftentimes, this evaluation is ordered by a court as part of a termination of parental rights case or to determine a parent&#8217;s ability to assume custody of their children in a &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/aacsatlanta.com\/aacs-atlanta\/child-custody-assessment-georgia\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Child Custody Assessment in Georgia | Court-Approved Evaluations&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"yst_prominent_words":[135],"class_list":["post-45","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/aacsatlanta.com\/aacs-atlanta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/45","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/aacsatlanta.com\/aacs-atlanta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/aacsatlanta.com\/aacs-atlanta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aacsatlanta.com\/aacs-atlanta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aacsatlanta.com\/aacs-atlanta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=45"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/aacsatlanta.com\/aacs-atlanta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/45\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/aacsatlanta.com\/aacs-atlanta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=45"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aacsatlanta.com\/aacs-atlanta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=45"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}