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What Experts Can Help Me with My Custody Case, or Divorce?

Are you in the middle of an Orlando, Florida custody case, or custody issue in an Orlando, Florida divorce case? Are you concerned that the other parent has issues that the court should address? What can you do? You can motion the court to retain an expert on your case. What expert should you retain? What are the costs to retain such experts?

You can request Guardian ad litem, a social investigation, a custody evaluation, a psychological evaluation on the other party, or a drug evaluation on the other party. However, there are certain criteria you must allege in your motion.

There are certain criteria you must establish at a hearing depending on what you are requesting the court to order. Your order should also include, the name of the evaluators you want to be appointed by the court; and who will pay for the evaluation. You may ask the court to have the opposing party pay the cost, you may ask to split the costs, or you may volunteer to pay for the costs of the evaluation.

For example, to obtain a psychological evaluation on the other party, you must show: the condition that is subject of the requested examination is in controversy. Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.360(a)(1). You must show good cause-that the mental state of the other party, even though in controversy, cannot adequately be evidenced without the assistance of expert medical testimony.

To obtain an order on a social investigation, you must show: the parenting plan or time-sharing plan is in controversy.

To obtain a drug evaluation, you must allege: that the other party has an alcohol or drug addiction and that the evaluation is necessary to establish that they have such addiction. You allege that the evaluation is necessary to determine if parameters on visitation may be necessary until the other party receives the treatment necessary to safely timeshare unsupervised with the child.

Guardian ad litem looks out for the best interest of the child. They charge $200 to $300 per hour and will want a retainer. Some Guardian ad litem may work on a sliding scale.

The cost for a social investigation in the Orlando, Florida can range between $4,000.00 to $10,000.00 depending on which expert you use for the evaluation. FS 61.20 is the statute regarding social investigation. You can read that statute to learn more regarding social investigations.

Guardian ad litem is an attorney that makes a recommendation to the court regarding what is in the best interest of the child.

If you have more questions regarding an Orlando Marital and Family Law matter, you may call Ann Marie Giordano Gilden at Ann Marie Giordano Gilden, P.A. at 407-732-7620 and set an initial consultation.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not form an attorney client privilege.