Child Custody Evaluation in Michigan
Comprehensive, court-ordered custody evaluations that assess parenting capacity, parent-child relationships, and the best interests of the child — conducted by Dr. Stacy Nuar, PsyD, LP, a licensed psychologist with specialized custody and parenting evaluation training from Palo Alto University.
What Is a Child Custody Evaluation?
A child custody evaluation is a comprehensive psychological assessment ordered by the court to help judges make informed decisions about custody and parenting time arrangements. When parents cannot agree — or when concerns arise about a child’s safety, wellbeing, or living situation — the court may order an independent evaluation conducted by a qualified forensic psychologist.
At Bright Pine Behavioral Health, custody evaluations are conducted by Dr. Stacy Nuar, PsyD, LP, who holds specialized training in child custody and parenting evaluations from Palo Alto University through the American Academy of Forensic Psychologists. Dr. Nuar’s evaluations are thorough, objective, and structured to meet the evidentiary standards that Michigan family courts expect.
The goal of every custody evaluation is to provide the court with a clear, evidence-based picture of each parent’s capacity, the quality of parent-child relationships, and — most importantly — what arrangement best serves the child’s psychological and developmental needs.
What the Evaluation Includes
Every custody evaluation is tailored to the specifics of the case, but all evaluations include the following core components.
In-Depth Parent Interviews
Each parent participates in a 1–2 hour clinical interview conducted at our West Bloomfield office. These interviews explore parenting history, the parent-child relationship, concerns about the other parent, and each person’s perspective on what arrangement serves the child best.
In-Home Parent-Child Observations
Dr. Nuar conducts a 1–2 hour observation of each parent with the child in a natural setting — typically the parent’s home. These observations assess the quality of the parent-child interaction, the home environment, and each parent’s approach to caregiving in real time.
Psychological Testing (MMPI-3)
Each parent completes the MMPI-3, a standardized psychological instrument that provides objective data on personality functioning, emotional adjustment, and potential concerns relevant to parenting capacity. Results are interpreted alongside the clinical interview and observations.
Child Interviews (Age-Dependent)
Children are interviewed or observed depending on their age and developmental level. Older children may participate in a clinical interview, while younger children (such as toddlers) are observed during parent-child interactions rather than interviewed directly.
Collateral Contacts
When relevant, Dr. Nuar interviews additional individuals — such as teachers, therapists, family members, or other people involved in the child’s life — to gather a fuller picture of the family dynamics and each parent’s functioning. Each collateral contact is typically 1–2 hours.
Document and Record Review
Relevant documents are reviewed as part of the evaluation, including court filings, prior evaluations, school records, medical records, and any other materials submitted by the attorneys or the court. Dr. Nuar may also collaborate with treating therapists when ordered by the court.
Your Forensic Psychologist
Dr. Stacy Nuar, PsyD, LP
Dr. Nuar brings extensive clinical and forensic experience to every evaluation. With a Doctorate of Psychology and specialized training in child custody and parenting evaluations from Palo Alto University through the AAFP, she conducts each assessment with the thoroughness and objectivity that legal proceedings demand.
Dr. Nuar stays current with evolving forensic methodology and ethical standards. Her evaluations are structured to be clear, defensible, and directly useful to attorneys, judges, and the individuals she evaluates.
Who We Work With
Individuals & Families
- Parents involved in custody or parental fitness cases
- Individuals facing court-ordered evaluations
- Immigration applicants needing psychological documentation
- People involved in guardianship or conservatorship proceedings
- Personal injury claimants requiring neuropsychological assessment
Attorneys & Referring Professionals
- Family law attorneys handling custody and parental fitness cases
- Immigration attorneys seeking hardship or asylum evaluations
- Criminal defense attorneys needing competency assessments
- Employers and HR departments requesting fitness for duty evaluations
- Probate attorneys involved in guardianship petitions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a court order for a custody evaluation?
Yes. Child custody evaluations at Bright Pine Behavioral Health require a court order. Once the order is in place, either parent or their attorney can contact our office to get the process started.
How much does a custody evaluation cost?
Custody evaluations are private pay and billed as a flat fee that covers all components of the evaluation — interviews, observations, psychological testing, collateral contacts, document review, and the written report. Specific fee information is provided during your initial consultation with Dr. Nuar.
How long does a custody evaluation take?
The total timeline depends on the complexity of the case, the number of family members and collateral contacts involved, and scheduling. Evaluations unfold across multiple appointments over a period of weeks. Dr. Nuar will provide an estimated timeline during the initial consultation.
Does the evaluator decide custody?
No. Dr. Nuar provides a comprehensive report that includes clinical findings and recommendations, but the judge makes the final custody determination. The evaluation is one piece of evidence the court considers.
What is quasi-judicial immunity?
When a custody evaluation is conducted under a court order, the evaluator is granted quasi-judicial immunity. This means that Dr. Nuar and Bright Pine cannot be sued in connection with the evaluation, provided it is performed in accordance with ethical, psychological, and legal standards.
Will my child be interviewed?
It depends on the child’s age and developmental level. Older children typically participate in a clinical interview, while younger children — such as toddlers — are observed during parent-child interactions rather than interviewed directly.
Can one parent initiate the evaluation without the other’s agreement?
As long as there is a court order in place, the evaluation can proceed. Both parents’ agreement is not required — the court order authorizes the evaluation.
Parental Fitness Evaluation
Evaluations focused on a single parent’s capacity to provide adequate care and safety for their child. Often initiated by CPS or the court.
Learn more →
Guardianship Evaluation
Assessments of cognitive and functional capacity for guardianship proceedings in Michigan probate courts.
Learn more →
Court-Ordered Psychological Evaluation
General psychological evaluations ordered by the court to address mental health status, behavioral functioning, or case disposition.
