General Methods to Assess Best Interest of the Child For Custody Matters in Minnesota

Sometimes a neutral third-party can be helpful for Courts in Minnesota when determining custody and parenting time matters (especially in high-conflict matters). A neutral third-party may interview the parties (parents), the child(ren), and other individuals involved in the regular care of the child(ren) such as doctors, therapists, teachers, etc.

A neutral third-party may provide a detailed report to the parties and the Court outlining their recommendations for custody and parenting time that consider the best interest of the child. Below is a short list and description of the types of helpful processes a neutral may be involved in.

1.      Custody Evaluation – a complex process resulting in a complete report assessing the best interest of the child along with recommendations for the parties’ and the Court’s consideration. The parties generally have an opportunity to review the report and try to resolve the case before going to trial.

 2.      Parent Time Evaluation – another process resulting in a complete report assessing a parenting schedule (parenting time) that is deemed in the best interest of the child.

 3.      Parenting Time Expeditor is a neutral third party who helps resolve disputes related to parenting time between parties when a court has previously issued an order.

Parents can reach agreements without going through the expense of hiring a neutral third party or going through the court.

For further information, please contact us at 612-444-6445 or by email at tiffany@dustlawoffice.com