Practice Note 8 (PN8)

Child Custody and Parenting Evaluations

What is a PN8 Evaluation?

A Practice Note 8 (PN8) Child Custody/Parenting Evaluation is a comprehensive and impartial assessment used in Family Law cases when parents are unable to resolve parenting disputes — and when a less formal intervention, such as a PN7, is either inappropriate or unsuccessful.

These evaluations are conducted by qualified Parenting Experts, typically registered psychologists who have specialized training and experience in family dynamics, child development, and Court procedures.
Each Parenting Expert may tailor their approach based on the family's unique needs, while adhering to strict professional guidelines.

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What Happens During a PN8 Evaluation?

Evaluations often involve a thorough and structured process, which may include:

🔹 Home visits and observations
🔹 One-on-one interviews with each parent
🔹 Joint interviews with each parent and the child(ren)
🔹 Individual interviews with the child(ren) (where age-appropriate)
🔹 Review of relevant documents, such as police reports and Child and Family Services records (when authorized by the Court)
🔹 Psychological testing
🔹 Interviews with collateral sources (teachers, counselors, police, extended family, and close friends)

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Purpose of a PN8 Evaluation

• To provide the Court with expert, evidence-based insight to assist in determining parenting and decision-making arrangements that are in the best interests of the child(ren).

• To ensure the Parenting Expert is operating under the authority and protection of the Court throughout the process.

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Important Note

A Parenting Expert who has previously conducted services under Practice Note 7 for a family cannot perform a Practice Note 8 Evaluation for the same family.
This ensures impartiality and protects the integrity of the Court process.

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How Long Does a PN8 Evaluation Take?

A PN8 assessment typically takes between 35 to 100 hours to complete.
The exact number of hours depends on:

• The complexity of the case

• The volume of background information to be reviewed

• The number of interviews and collateral sources involved

These assessments require significant time and detail to ensure a comprehensive, Court-ready report.

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Need more information?
Our team is here to answer your questions about PN7 Interventions and how they might support your family’s needs.

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Quick Facts: Practice Note 8 (PN8) Evaluations

✅ What:
A detailed, impartial evaluation used in high-conflict parenting disputes when informal interventions have failed or are inappropriate.

✅ Who:
Conducted by qualified Parenting Experts (usually registered psychologists).

✅ Purpose:
To assist the Court in making decisions about parenting arrangements based on the best interests of the child(ren).

✅ Process Includes:

• Home visits

• Interviews with parents and children

• Review of police and child services records

• Psychological testing

• Interviews with collateral sources (e.g., teachers, counselors)

✅ Important:
Experts who provided a PN7 Intervention for the same family cannot conduct a PN8 Evaluation.

✅ Timeline:
Typically 35 to 100 hours, depending on case complexity and background information needed.