Custody Evaluations

New York has recently been exposed to a resurgence of doubt regarding the usefulness of evaluations performed by mental health professionals (MHPs) in custody matters. In debates certain to affect the national family law community, the criticism questions the scientific validity of recommendations and observations that these professionals are called upon to make, asking whether the experts, in fact, have the expertise to participate meaningfully in the process. This article responds to some of the criticism by seeking to clarify the role that MHPs play.

20 minute read March 30, 2005 at 08:28 AM
By
Robert Z. Dobrish
Custody Evaluations

As stated in the article by Timothy M. Tippins (infra, p. 1), New York has recently been exposed to a resurgence of doubt regarding the usefulness of evaluations performed by mental health professionals (MHPs) in custody matters.

This premium content is locked for LawJournalNewsletters subscribers only

ENJOY UNLIMITED ACCESS TO THE SINGLE SOURCE OF OBJECTIVE LEGAL ANALYSIS, PRACTICAL INSIGHTS, AND NEWS IN LawJournalNewsletters

  • Stay current on the latest information, rulings, regulations, and trends
  • Includes practical, must-have information on copyrights, royalties, AI, and more
  • Tap into expert guidance from top entertainment lawyers and experts
Subscribe Now

Already have an account? Sign In Now

For enterprise-wide or corporate access, please contact Customer Service at [email protected] or call 1-877-256-2473.

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2026 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

Continue Reading

Why Modern Law Firms Are Rethinking Technology Investment Strategy

Law firms are shifting toward financing strategies that allow them to invest in growth while increasing flexibility, liquidity and long-term planning discipline. The conversation is no longer simply about acquiring equipment. It is about building a financial structure that supports continuous operational growth.

July 02, 2026

The Home MRI Paradox

Why advanced AI will change legal practice without making lawyers obsolete.The future value of lawyers will come less from generating first drafts and more from knowing how to choose, feed, test and deploy professional systems in a way that serves the client’s strategy.

June 30, 2026

AI Is Forcing a Leadership Reset

Companies are no longer judging leaders on what they have already done. They are judging them on whether they can lead what is coming next. And what is coming next demands exactly the quality that defined the Oregon Trail generation: the ability to navigate genuine transformation, not just manage through disruption.

June 30, 2026
Centellic Logo

© Copyright 2026 ALM Global, LLC trading as Centellic.

Advertise with Us Customer Support Terms of Service