The Factors:

I know that there is a controversial issue of whether or not to address the factors of the Child Custody Act.  Jim asked me to talk a bit about this. Solution: a specific order which details what issues to address:

I know that there are judges who do not want psychologists to deal with ultimate issues, such as the factors. The large majority of judges want us to do so, and attorneys most often want meusto do so. Since cases are most often are settled, and the report does not go before the judge, attorneys generally say they need this.

So when I do an evaluation, I organize my thoughts by the factors.

Let me discuss briefly what is in the factors upon which a forensic psychologist can offer helpful opinions (also see Judge Kirkendall Best Interests Decision Tree):