A graduate of Trinity College of Graduate Studies, Dr. Miriam Galindo holds a doctor of psychology and is a licensed clinical psychologist. Dr. Miriam Galindo leverages her training and experience to treat clients at her private practice in Irvine, California, where she has more than a decade of experience conducting child custody evaluations.
In California, parents who are going through a divorce must sometimes undergo a 730 Custody Evaluation. Ordered by a judge, this evaluation is conducted by a psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker, or a family and marriage therapist to assess the parenting practices and mental health of one or both of the parties.
Judges in California order this evaluation to determine custody and visitation arrangements for the child in cases involving child abuse or substance abuse, as well as mental health issues. Other reasons for the evaluation include the intention of one parent to leave the state or simply a disagreement over custody arrangements. Either party may also request an evaluation by agreement and by filing a stipulation with the court.
While in some cases both parties agree when choosing an evaluator, in other cases, the judge either chooses an evaluator or allows the parents to submit a list of qualified evaluators from which he or she will choose. Following the evaluation, the evaluator submits a report to the court and both parties. If either of the parties disagrees with the report, he or she has the right to rebut the findings, in which case the court may consult with a second evaluator regarding the validity of the findings.
Although the evaluator offers valuable information in custody cases, it is the judge who dictates custody arrangements on the basis of the report, among other matters that determine what is in the best interest of the child.
In California, parents who are going through a divorce must sometimes undergo a 730 Custody Evaluation. Ordered by a judge, this evaluation is conducted by a psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker, or a family and marriage therapist to assess the parenting practices and mental health of one or both of the parties.
Judges in California order this evaluation to determine custody and visitation arrangements for the child in cases involving child abuse or substance abuse, as well as mental health issues. Other reasons for the evaluation include the intention of one parent to leave the state or simply a disagreement over custody arrangements. Either party may also request an evaluation by agreement and by filing a stipulation with the court.
While in some cases both parties agree when choosing an evaluator, in other cases, the judge either chooses an evaluator or allows the parents to submit a list of qualified evaluators from which he or she will choose. Following the evaluation, the evaluator submits a report to the court and both parties. If either of the parties disagrees with the report, he or she has the right to rebut the findings, in which case the court may consult with a second evaluator regarding the validity of the findings.
Although the evaluator offers valuable information in custody cases, it is the judge who dictates custody arrangements on the basis of the report, among other matters that determine what is in the best interest of the child.
