How Should I Prepare for a Custody Evaluation in Illinois?

 Posted on February 25, 2026 in Child Custody

If you are going through a custody dispute in Illinois, the court may order a custody evaluation. Imagining an unknown person talking to you and your child or coming into your home can be very anxiety-inducing. This is especially true when you know they have the power to alter your custody arrangements based on what they report to the judge. Knowing what to expect and how to prepare can ease your mind. A Downers Grove child custody attorney can help you understand what the evaluator is looking for and how to present yourself in the best light.

What Is a Custody Evaluation in Illinois?

A custody evaluation is a review ordered by the court to help a judge decide what custody arrangements are best for a child. An evaluator – usually a licensed psychologist or social worker – meets with both parents, the children, and sometimes other people in the child's life.

The evaluator looks at many things, including:

• Each parent's relationship with the child
• The mental and emotional health of both parents
• The home environment that each parent can provide
• How each parent supports the child's education and routines
• Any history of abuse, neglect, or substance use

Illinois courts are obligated to try to meet the child’s best interests under 750 ILCS 5/602.7. The evaluator's report is written based on information that this law says the court must consider.

How Should I Prepare for My Custody Evaluation?

Here is how to get ready for a 2026 custody evaluation:

Be Able to Explain What Parts of the Parenting You Do

Who does things like take your child to doctor's appointments? Who makes meals or helps with homework? Who attends school events? Remember that you do not need to make it sound like you do everything yourself. It’s better to be honest. Evaluators are trained to spot exaggeration.

Gather Useful Documents

Having records ready can help support what you say. These might be:

• School records and report cards
• Medical and dental visit records
• Emails or texts showing your involvement in planning and decisions
• Schedules or calendars showing time you spend with your child

Keep Your Home Stable

The evaluator may visit your home. Make sure it is clean and looks ready for your child to live there. Have your child's bedroom set up and their belongings present.

Stay Focused on Your Child

One of the biggest mistakes parents make is using the evaluation to criticize the other parent. Evaluators notice when a parent is child-focused versus conflict-focused. Talk about your child's needs, interests, and well-being, not your adult frustrations.

Be Honest and Consistent

Do not try to hide past problems or pretend your life is perfect. If you have struggled with something in the past, show what steps you have taken to address it. Evaluators value honesty and growth.

What Should I Avoid During a Custody Evaluation?

• Do not coach your child on what to say. This can backfire and damage your credibility.
• Do not miss or reschedule appointments without a very good reason.
• Do not speak badly about the other parent in front of your child.
• Do not post about the case on social media.
• Do not ignore communication from the evaluator.

The goal is to show that you put your child first, even when things are difficult.

What Happens After the Custody Evaluation is Done?

The evaluator submits a written report to the court. The judge then reviews this report. A judge will take the report into consideration, but they are not required to follow its recommendations.

If the report is not in your favor, do not panic. Cases like these are rarely decided by a single document. Either parent can challenge the report or call the evaluator to testify. Your attorney can help you respond to the findings and present additional evidence.

Call a Wheaton Child Custody Attorney Today

At Roberts PC, we work hard to settle cases and save clients time and money. When a settlement is not possible, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial. Every client has direct access to Attorney Robert’s cell phone number and email address, so you are never left waiting for answers. Our Downers Grove child custody lawyers offer free consultations. Contact Roberts PC at 630-668-4211 today.