Parenting/Custody Investigations/Evaluations

Are you facing the possibility of a parenting investigation in your custody case and feeling unsure about what to expect? A lawyer from Parvey, Larson, and McLean, PLLC, can provide the answers you need and help you prepare with confidence. Our custody attorneys have extensive experience with parenting investigations in Minnesota and North Dakota, and we’re here to protect your rights every step of the way.

Contact us today to arrange an initial consultation. Let us stand by your side throughout the process and help you focus on what matters most—your relationship with your child.

When Are Parenting Investigations Necessary?

When parents cannot agree on custody or parenting time arrangements in Minnesota or North Dakota, a parenting investigation can help. Either the court or one of the parents can ask for an investigation. Judges can also order them if parents bring unresolved disputes to court.

A parenting investigation can give the court the detailed information it needs to make decisions that focus on what works best for the child. Many parents also use these investigations to support settlements without going to trial.

What a Parenting/Custody Investigation Involves

A parenting investigation includes several steps. To start, an investigator will interview each parent separately. In most cases, they will also speak with the children, if they are old enough. The investigator might visit the parents’ homes and watch how each parent interacts with the child. They might also speak with teachers, doctors, and other adults who know the child.

Investigators sometimes ask each parent to provide the names of references and give permission to access school and medical records. These steps help the investigator get a full picture of each parent’s role in the child’s life. Their ultimate goal is to understand what will support the child’s well-being, and ultimately make recommendations to the court regarding schedules and other parenting plan provisions.

Who Conducts Parenting/Custody Investigations?

Many investigators work in family law or child development. Some are family law attorneys, but that is not required.

The investigator’s job is to stay neutral, gather facts, and report what they find. If the case goes to court, the investigator may testify. They do not take sides or speak for either parent. They focus only on what works best for the child.

The Role of the Investigator’s Report

At the end of the investigation, the custody investigator writes a detailed report. This report includes facts about both parents, the child’s needs, and what the investigator observed. It also includes a recommendation about custody and parenting time. The report does not decide the case, but many judges rely on it when making decisions.

Parents and their lawyers get copies of the report before their court dates. If a parent disagrees with the report, they can raise concerns during the hearing. The report often helps parents settle their case without going to trial. It can also give the judge a thorough background before hearing arguments.

How Courts Use Parenting Investigation Results

The court uses the investigator’s report as one of many factors in its decision-making process. Judges review the report along with other evidence from both parents. The report helps the court learn about the child’s needs, the home environments, and each parent’s ability to care for the child.

Judges can ask questions about the report or call the investigator to testify. Parents may also ask the investigator questions during the hearing. The judge does not have to follow the recommendation in the report, but they often consider it carefully. The court’s goal is to create a plan that supports the child’s health, safety, and stability. The investigation helps the judge make a well-informed decision.

The Best Interests of the Child

Courts in both Minnesota and North Dakota use the “best interests of the child” standard to guide decisions about custody and parenting time. Judges rely on this standard to determine what type of arrangement will support the child’s physical, emotional, mental, and developmental needs. While the two states use slightly different language and categories, many of the core ideas overlap. Here are some key factors courts consider when determining what custody arrangement is in the child’s best interests:

The child’s physical, emotional, cultural, spiritual, and developmental needs
Each parent’s ability to meet those needs now and in the future
Each parent’s involvement in the child’s care and daily life
Each parent’s ability to provide a stable, safe, and nurturing home
The strength of the child’s bond with each parent
The child’s relationships with siblings and other people in their lives
The effect of changing the child’s home, school, or community
Each parent’s ability to support the child’s relationship with the other parent
Each parent’s willingness to cooperate and share information about the child
Any history or pattern of domestic abuse, violence, or false claims thereof
Any physical, mental health, or substance use issues that affect parenting
The presence of others in the home who impact the child’s well-being
The child’s reasonable preference, if the child is mature enough to express one
Any other relevant factor that could affect the child’s safety or well-being

Costs and Payment Responsibilities

Parents usually share the cost of a parenting investigation. The total cost depends on the investigator’s rates and how long the process takes. Some courts divide the fee evenly, while others adjust based on each parent’s income. Your lawyer can explain what to expect and what to request if you need help paying.

The Potential Benefits of a Parenting Investigation

It’s common to feel concerned about the prospect of a parenting investigation, but this process can bring out facts that might not come up in court. It allows someone neutral to look at both homes, talk to people who know your family, and give the court a thorough and clear view of your child’s life. That information often leads to better parenting plans.

Some parents find that the report helps them reach an agreement before trial, which can save time, reduce tension, and help both parents focus on the child’s needs. Even when parents don’t agree, courts can use these reports to make better decisions for the child’s care and routine.

How Our Attorneys Can Help You Prepare

At Parvey, Larson, and McLean, PLLC, our family law attorneys can guide you through every part of the parenting investigation process. We can explain what to expect, how to prepare for interviews, and which documents to gather. We also protect your rights throughout the investigation. If the investigator requests references or home visits, we can help you respond.

Once the report is ready, we can review it with you and discuss how it might affect your case. If necessary, we can raise concerns with the court on your behalf. Our goal is to help you present a clear and honest picture of your role in your child’s life.

Contact a Custody Lawyer Today

If you think a parenting investigation may be in your future, now is the time to get clear legal guidance. The decisions made during this process can shape your parenting plan and your future with your child. Parvey, Larson, and McLean, PLLC, helps parents understand their options and prepare for what’s ahead. Contact us now to get started with your initial consultation and learn more about how we can support you.