Custody evaluation is defined by the Texas Family Code as “an evaluative process in a contested case through which information, opinions, recommendations, and answers to specific questions asked by the court made by made regarding conservatorship of a child, including the terms and conditions of conservatorship, possession of or access to the child, including the terms and conditions of possession or access or any other issue affecting the best interest of a child and made to the court, the parties to the suit, the parties attorneys, and any other person appointed under this chapter by the court in the suit. [Texas Family Code Section 107.101(1)].
Custody evaluations are ordered by the Court in connection with a divorce, request to change conservatorship, or other suit affecting a parent-child relationship. A custody evaluation involves home visits, interviews of parents, interviews of children (both the subjects of the suit and other children living in the home) observation of parents and children interacting with one another, background checks, and many other elements that are defined by law. Custody evaluations can be requested a party but can also be ordered by a judge without a request from either party. If you have questions about the legal issues involved, consult an attorney who practices family law.
While the Texas Family Code outlines the requirements for an evaluation and the qualifications of an evaluator, In Bexar County, the Domestic Relations Office, located on the third floor of the Bexar County Courthouse, maintains a list of custody evaluators who have already been determined to have met the qualifications and are therefore approved to provide services in the Bexar County Courts. The surrounding counties may or may not maintain a specific list, but those who are listed on the Bexar County Evaluators List meet (or exceed) the criteria outlined in the Texas Family Code and are qualified to provide custody evaluations in any county in Texas. Cherie Shulter provides custody evaluations in Bexar and surrounding counties on a limited basis. She also provides oversight for the following providers who are also on the Bexar County Evaluators List: Corrina Espinosa Herrera, LPC-S, Bexar County Evaluator Number 1134; Lillian Little, LMSW Bexar County Evaluator Number 1634; and Elvira Marquez, LPC Bexar County Evaluator Number 1419.
Click here for a copy of the Bexar County Domestic Relations Office’s list of custody evaluators can be accessed
Those interested in having Cherie, Corrina, Lillian, or Elvira ordered to provide a custody evaluation may contact our office directly at 210-822-2600 or may contact the Bexar County Domestic Relations office at 210-335-1242 or visit their website at: https://www.bexar.org/3186/Domestic-Relations-Office
Click here for evaluators and fee listing