What To Expect When Meeting With a CCES Evaluator
If you’ve been ordered to undergo a meeting with a CCES evaluator, you’re probably feeling a bit nervous. What happens during the interview? What kinds of questions will the evaluator ask you?
Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C. explains the Bucks County CCES meeting process and what to expect during your interview below.
What Is CCES?
CCES stands for “Court Conciliation and Evaluation Service.” Its main goal is to help parents create a parenting plan that is in the child’s best interest. If parents can’t agree on a parenting plan, CCES will create one for them based on the evaluation.
CCES takes place over six to eight sessions. In addition to the evaluation, CCES sessions can include co-parenting counseling and education.
The Custody Evaluation Process
The CCES process begins with a referral and ends with the creation of a parenting plan following interviews, document review, and court recommendations.
CCES Referral and Form Completion
Either the Custody Master or judge assigned to your case can submit a referral for CCES. You and the child’s other parent must fill out the Referral Form and Consent and Waiver Form. Once you’ve submitted the forms, you’ll have to pay your portion of the CCES fee within 14 days.
CCES Evaluator Assignment
After submitting forms and paying the fee, you’ll have a CCES evaluator assigned to your case. If there is a mutual preference, parties can select up to three names from the CCES evaluator list.
Evaluator assignment is based on:
- The evaluator’s caseload
- No conflicts of interest
- The parties’ geographical area
- Mutual preference
Individual and Joint Interviews
First, the CCES evaluator will meet with you and the child’s other parent individually. During the meeting, you can discuss the history of the custody case and any issues you have regarding the current parenting plan. Bring documents that you want the evaluator to review to this meeting.
After meeting with both parents separately, there will be a joint meeting. This meeting allows the evaluator to see how the parents interact with each other. The evaluator watches:
- Body language
- How each parent speaks about the other
- Consistency in their stories
Next, the evaluator will meet with the children if they’re of an appropriate age. The evaluator may also want to interview grandparents, stepparents, or other parties that spend a lot of time with the children.
Document Review
Lastly, the evaluator will review all relevant documents, which may include medical records, school transcripts, text messages, etc. They will then create a clinical report with a recommendation on how to resolve the disputes between parents. Depending on the evaluator’s caseload, it can take several months for them to finish their report.
If the parents can’t reach an agreement after reviewing the report, they may file a motion for a hearing with a judge.
Our Attorneys Can Help You Create the Right Co-Parenting Plan
Do you need advice on preparing for your meeting with a CCES evaluator? Considering trying mediation? Reach out to Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C. at (215) 752-6200 to schedule a consultation.
