Prohibits courts from ordering an evaluation of a party or child or allowing into evidence a forensic report created by a forensic evaluator on a party or child to assist such court in a child custody or visitation determination.
Summary
Bill A00532 seeks to amend the domestic relations law and the family court act by prohibiting courts from ordering or allowing forensic evaluations and reports to be used as evidence in custody or visitation proceedings. Specifically, it defines a 'forensic report' as any evaluation prepared by a forensic evaluator that includes recommendations or conclusions regarding child custody or visitation. The bill aims to eliminate the influence of such evaluations in family court decisions, thereby streamlining the custody process and potentially reducing conflict between parties.
Impact
If enacted, this bill would significantly alter the landscape of custody and visitation proceedings in New York by removing forensic evaluations from consideration. This change could affect how courts make determinations regarding child custody, potentially leading to a reliance on other forms of evidence and testimony. Additionally, it may impact the roles of forensic evaluators and mental health professionals in family law cases, as their evaluations would no longer hold weight in court.
Sentiment
The general sentiment surrounding Bill A00532 appears to be mixed, with some advocates supporting the removal of forensic evaluations as a means to reduce conflict and streamline custody decisions, while others express concern that this could undermine the thoroughness of evaluations that provide important insights into the best interests of the child.
Contention
Notable points of contention include the debate over the necessity and reliability of forensic evaluations in custody cases. Proponents of the bill argue that these evaluations can lead to unnecessary complications and adversarial dynamics, while opponents contend that they provide essential information that can help courts make informed decisions regarding the welfare of children involved in custody disputes.
Same As
Prohibits courts from ordering an evaluation of a party or child or allowing into evidence a forensic report created by a forensic evaluator on a party or child to assist such court in a child custody or visitation determination.
Prohibits courts from ordering an evaluation of a party or child or allowing into evidence a forensic report created by a forensic evaluator on a party or child to assist such court in a child custody or visitation determination.
Prohibits courts from ordering an evaluation of a party or child or allowing into evidence a forensic report created by a forensic evaluator on a party or child to assist such court in a child custody or visitation determination.
Relates to mandatory training of a forensic evaluator in relation to court ordered forensic evaluations involving child custody and visitation when the child is living out-of-state and is farther than one hundred miles from the New York state border; relates to training in the prevention and intervention of domestic violence required for forensic investigators.
Relates to mandatory training of a forensic evaluator in relation to court ordered forensic evaluations involving child custody and visitation when the child is living out-of-state and is farther than one hundred miles from the New York state border; relates to training in the prevention and intervention of domestic violence required for forensic investigators.
Relating to the qualifications, communications, and recordkeeping of a child custody evaluator and the admissibility of a child custody evaluation under certain circumstances.
Prohibits forensic child custody evaluators who have been terminated for cause from appearing as an expert witness in family court custody and visitation proceedings.
Prohibits forensic child custody evaluators who have been terminated for cause from appearing as an expert witness in family court custody and visitation proceedings.