Social Investigation
Social Investigations, formerly called custody evaluations, assess each parent’s ability to meet their children’s best interests.
A social investigation includes:
- Visits to the homes of each caregiver
- Observations of each child with each adult in parenting role
- Screening for domestic violence and abuse; all allegations are investigated and/or reported to the Child Abuse hotline
- Contact with others living in each home
- Contact with relevant professionals, such as teachers, doctors and employers
- Interviews with objective character references submitted by each parent
- Background checks of relevant police and court records
- Findings of related cases, when identified
- Completion of relevant surveys and questionnaires as requested by the social investigator
- Psychometric assessment to determine the presence of mental health disorders, likelihood of abuse, substance use, etc.
- Presentation of facts to the court, addressing all the pertinent details relevant to a child’s best interest, and addressing parental responsibility and time-sharing arrangements as requested.
Dr. Riley and her team have conducted hundreds of social investigations, acting as an impartial neutral party to provide recommendations to the Court.
Social Investigation Fees
A $10,000 retainer is required for a Social Investigation and covers the first 40 hours of professional services. The Court may order the parties to divide the cost of the investigation or may require one party to be responsible for the fees.
If the investigation requires more than 40 hours, additional time is billed at $225 per hour in 15-minute increments. Any balance due for services beyond the initial 40 hours must be paid in full before the investigation is completed and the final report is released.
The time required to complete a Social Investigation varies depending on the complexity of the case, number of children involved, volume of records, collateral contacts, psychological testing or assessment needs, and other case-specific factors. The $10,000 retainer is not a fixed fee or guarantee of the total cost of the investigation.
Final Report and Recommendations
At the conclusion of the investigation, the investigator will prepare a written report detailing the findings of the investigation and providing recommendations to the Court regarding the parenting plan and other matters within the scope of the Court's appointment.
The report and recommendations are provided to assist the Court in determining a parenting plan that serves the best interests of the child(ren). The investigator does not make the final decision regarding the parenting plan; that authority remains with the Court.
A court order must be provided in order to begin the process and all fees are paid in advance.
If you have questions regarding the role of social investigations in family court proceedings, please contact us.
Expert Testimony and Deposition Fees
Expert testimony: Social Investigation fees do not include depositions or expert witness testimony. Dr. Riley may not be called as a percipient witness, only as an expert witness. Please call our office for fees. Fees will apply if Dr. Riley testifies for one minute, 7 hours, or not at all. Fees must be paid at least 10 business days before the court date. The fees are not refundable if Dr. Riley receives less than 72 hours' notice to cancel or change the dates of testimony. By mutual agreement, Dr. Riley will accept a subpoena by email or fax: 866-384-3669. If Dr. Riley must travel more than one hour from the courthouse, there will be an additional travel fee. For depositions, the same terms of payment and refund apply.
You can reach Tracy Riley Counseling and JAX Hypnosis by phone at 904-704-2527 or by email through our website’s secured, confidential contact page .
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