2 new questions preparing for evaluations

[SITLYNNE]

You are like a pit bull, you dig your teeth into something and you won't let go, even if it is a paperbag.

The evaluator wants dad's concerns and facts, many of which may not be of current interest and the evaluator will decide what they need more informaiton on. By best interst of the child I mean just that, focus on what positive things dad provides for his child, you don't want him to be speachless when the evaluator says, " Let's not talk about mom so much, I will interview her also, please tell me about you and your son. What is your relationship like....?"

Call me a pit bull if you must, but this is very important so dad isn't letting go of anything.
Thanks for the info on what the evaluator wants from dad.

 

[casa]

I suggested a GAL because it would have more expeditiously addressed the best interest of the child than an evaluation. It appears that your intent with the evaluation is to bash mom 1st and then something about the best welfare of the child after that. The GAL represents the child. How cold is it there now. What have you done? What has dad done about that? A GAL would have already addressed that. See the difference? What is the evaluator going to ask when dad brings up the fact that the hurricane damage is not repaired and he has done nothing? What you are directing at mom can also bite dad.

The reason I was confused re; whether a GAL had been appointed is that very reason...it's unusual to bypass a GAL, CASA or Minor's attorney and go straight to an evaluation (which is more costly usually)

 

[SITLYNNE]

I personally believe GALs are very helpful...and evaluations are 'typically' more expensive than a GAL. I assumed there was a GAL. Who is the evaluator? (PhD, SW??)

www.deltabravo.net has a few articles re; parenting evaluations and helpful points/information.

My opinion (others may or may not agree) is that Dad should follow the evaluator'ss direction. Have any relevant documents/files/affidavits/declarations filed prior to any hearings. Anything above/beyond that, the evaluator will ask for specifically. Some evaluators do parenting surveys etc. which will address the Dad's strengths/weakness', or the evaluator will just ask Dad at one of their meetings. What the evaluator will do, depends on what their credentials are and what the state guidelines require for them to be a custody evaluator. Different specifications depending on what their training/degree is.

The evaluator is a PhD and is a member of PACE ( I believe that is correct). I did a search on the delta site about choosing a known/good evaluator. He was court appointed.

 

[SITLYNNE]

And it's not too late for Dad to salvage a relationship with this girl...in fact, sounds like she needs support now more than ever. I hope he isn't giving up on her- regardless of the legal rights he does or does not have re; her as his 'daughter'.

They still have a good relationship, they just keep it quite for now because of the situation. He has and does still let her know he will always be there without stepping on moms toes. He will never give up on her and sometimes blames himself for the problems she is having, wishing he would have been able to stay and help guide her.

 

[rmet4nzkx]

The reason I was confused re; whether a GAL had been appointed is that very reason...it's unusual to bypass a GAL, CASA or Minor's attorney and go straight to an evaluation (which is more costly usually)

Of course an evaluation is more expensive than starting with the GAL, Which I pointed out many threads ago but was dismissed by OP because it doesn't serve their goals. What can I say

 

[SITLYNNE]

I suggested a GAL because it would have more expeditiously addressed the best interest of the child than an evaluation. It appears that your intent with the evaluation is to bash mom 1st and then something about the best welfare of the child after that. The GAL represents the child. How cold is it there now. What have you done? What has dad done about that? A GAL would have already addressed that. See the difference? What is the evaluator going to ask when dad brings up the fact that the hurricane damage is not repaired and he has done nothing? What you are directing at mom can also bite dad.

It is still about 55 to 60 degrees during the day and down in the 40's at night. It only got that cold last week. "I" have not done anything. It's not up to me. Dad called the housing authority and they did nothing. Dad then called his attorney and he still told dad not to call, let the evaluator take care of it. Had mom paid on time, instead of waiting 2 1/2 weeks after the due date, evaluations might be almost complete. The court would have to appoint a GAL, correct? They did not. Dad can't hire the GAL, correct? What else should dad have done except what his attorney directed him to do about the hurricane damage? What did mom do to fix it? NOTHING.

 

[rmet4nzkx]

They still have a good relationship, they just keep it quite for now because of the situation. He has and does still let her know he will always be there without stepping on moms toes. He will never give up on her and sometimes blames himself for the problems she is having, wishing he would have been able to stay and help guide her.

Then why on earth does does he want to dig into her school record and use that to make a point? Many teenagers get in trouble at school, even some of the members here have had very serious problems with their teenaged children and retained custody.