Question:

I want to modify custody due to my ex-wife’s mental and emotional instability that is dramatically affecting my children, but cannot afford the roughly $4,000 it costs for evaluations. Is there a way around the steep cost of psychological testing for my children?

Answer:

Most jurisdictions and/or courts have a system for lower income families attempting this type of modification. It is typically state or locality funded and will offer psychological testing, social studies or counseling on a sliding scale for families that cannot afford the traditional method. I would start with an online search for this method of dispute resolution services to locate these facilities.

Furthermore, some insurance plans will pay for counseling or psychological testing. If your fiancé has access to the child and the rights to take him/her/them to appointments such as these, then by all means, do so. Start taking the children regularly to begin a paper trail of the issues surrounding mom’s care. These documents can later be used and produced to the court to indicate the problems the children are facing while staying with mom.

Remember, I am unable to provide you with anything more than divorce tips for men, so please consult a domestic litigation attorney in your area to obtain specific advice as to the laws in your state and how they impact your potential case.

To arrange an initial consultation to discuss divorce rights for men with a Cordell & Cordell attorney, contact Cordell & Cordell.