AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standards

Family law advocates know where to turn for expertise in addressing economic controversies in divorces. Typically, lawyers seek expert advice with auditing financial records, valuing residential and commercial real estate, and actuarially determining the value of deferred assets like pension benefits. In many instances, the economic expert draws from accounting standards, real estate valuation standards and well-established actuarial standards. Some valuation determinations become controversial, with disputes over interpreting the data collected. Nonetheless, the valuation principles are usually well established in the particular financial field. Compare this with the guidance sought in child custody litigation when the courts consider input from custody evaluators. What are the standards for the custody expert? Do courts across the United States rely on established psychological standards? Now, the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) has approved the Child Custody Evaluation Standards to provide the guidance that judges, attorneys and families across the country should embrace.