Child custody practice has evolved over the past 35 years. The present article will review the past history, current status, and future of this practice area. A thorough review of child custody survey research will be presented, as well as applicable ethical standards and forensic/child custody guidelines. This suggests the field has advanced with established forensic procedures and methods. It is further proposed that a standard of practice has been established through child custody and forensic guidelines, the APA Ethics Code, scholarly publications, survey research findings, and evaluators' increased understanding of forensic issues (i.e., psycho-legal basis for the evaluation and admissibility criteria), which should benefit the profession, legal community, and families.
Public Significance StatementA standard of practice for child custody evaluations has been established through the development of child custody and forensic guidelines, APA Ethics Code, scholarly publications, 35 years of survey research findings, and evaluators' increased understanding of forensic issues.
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