A Consideration of Legal Issues in Child Custody Contests

Family Lifestyles: Legal and Psychological Considerations in Determining Post‐separation Parenting Arrangements for Children

“…When a child is approximately 12 years or older, it is likely that the Court will give serious consideration to his or her wishes regarding custody. However, a child's preferences do not necessarily reflect what may be in his or her best interests (Derdeyn, 1976). For example, a child may seek to comfort an apparently disadvantaged parent by preferring custody with that parent, even though the weight of evidence may recommend that custody be awarded to the other parent.…”

Custody evaluations: A critical review.

“…Besides personal bias, working for only one parent likely dictates the evaluator's role. The mental health professional who is paid for the custody evaluation by one family member frequently assumes the role of advocate for that family member (Derdeyn, 1976a). Often the professional is carefully selected by the parent's attorney, and if the expert's opinion does not support the parent's side, the attorney may not request the expert's testimony (Duquette, 1978).…”

Learning the Single-Parent Role

“…The mother has been given the responsibility for continuing to raise the children, and the father has been directed to provide financially for this task through child suppolt and alimony. The role of intermittant visitor has been considered sufficient for his direct relationship with his children (Derdeyn, 1976).…”