Child Custody Evaluations

With nearly 25 years of experience in social work, Jeremy has dedicated his career to supporting and advocating for vulnerable populations. His extensive background includes work in the developmental disability field, where he provided direct support to individuals and contributed to program development and management. Jeremy further honed his expertise as a Disability Hearings Officer with Disability Determination Services, a role that provided him with substantial experience in conducting interviews and writing detailed reports regarding eligibility determinations.

Jeremy holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, and a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of South Dakota. He is a Licensed Certified Social Worker in the state of South Dakota and a member in good standing of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts. His commitment to professional growth is reflected in his completion of nearly 30 hours of specialized training in Child Custody Evaluations and complex child custody matters.

Jeremy believes that child custody evaluations are a significant responsibility, grounded in his strong commitment to society's most vulnerable, especially children and families. He is motivated by a desire to ensure children are placed in environments where they can thrive emotionally, mentally, and physically. In this role, Jeremy helps the court make informed decisions that prioritize the best interests of the child.

How it works:

• Selection and Court Order - If Jeremy is chosen as the evaluator, the court issues an order detailing his role and authority.
• Initial Consultation - Jeremy discusses the home study process with attorneys or clients, outlining the steps, expectations, and overall procedure.
• Scheduling - Jeremy arranges interviews and home visits with both parents.
• Intake Packet - Parties receive:
• Information about financial responsibilities
• Reference sheets for providing parenting testimonials
• Interviews: Jeremy schedules office visits to:
• Gather information on backgrounds, current lives, and parenting concerns
• Review any relevant documents or evidence
• Home Visit - Jeremy will perform the following:
• Observe the home: Jeremy will look for cleanliness, safety hazards, and the child's comfort.
• Conduct interviews: Jeremy will interview the children or other people involved in the family.
• Observe parent-child interactions: Jeremy may observe how the parent interacts with the child.
• Report Preparation - Jeremy compiles a report covering:
• Background information and current circumstances
• Findings based on documentation and interviews
• Background Checks: Includes criminal background checks, sex offender registry check, and abuse/neglect screenings. Psychological testing may be recommended.
• Final Report: Once completed, the report will be mailed within 30 days to both attorneys and the judge, including Jeremy’s findings and recommendations

Rates:

• Custody Evaluations are $6000. This fee can be divided at $3000 for each party.
• Travel Costs
• Home visit travel within 30 miles of Sioux Falls is included in the cost of the evaluation
• Home visit travel outside of 30 miles of Sioux Falls is billed at a rate of $50 per hour, as well as $.65 cents per mile both to and from the interview/meeting location.
• Court travel outside 30 miles of Sioux Falls is billed at a rate of $50 per hour, as well as $.65 cents per mile both to and from the hearing location.

Court Testimony

• Change of Role: If I am called to provide testimony, my role changes from that of evaluator to that of either fact or expert witness. I require a subpoena be provided by your attorney if my testimony is needed.
• Testimony fees: This is not included in the base evaluation fee. I require a $2000 retainer which is collected to cover costs associated with potential income loss from having to reschedule clients in my therapy practice, travel time to court, preparation of court updates and reports, and courtroom waiting time. This must be submitted at least 14 days prior to my scheduled court appearance.
• Preparation – Flat rate of $200 regardless of amount of time spent.
• Appearance - This is billed at $250/hour and includes the time spent giving testimony.
• Travel – Please see travel costs under the Rates section

Contact Us

Phone: 605-582-4722
Email: Send Email
Fax: 605-582-3197