How to prepare for a custody evaluation or guardian ad litem investigation in contested custody cases.
Below you will find each step broken out with the specific details, documents, and actions needed for custody evaluation preparation guide. Follow the steps in order. Each section builds on the previous one.
Before You Start
Gather these items before you begin working on custody evaluation preparation guide. Having everything ready upfront saves time and prevents errors that force you to start over.
- Current custody order or parenting plan if one exists
- School records and enrollment information for each child
- Medical records for each child, including any special needs documentation
- Work schedules for both parents showing availability for parenting time
- Communication logs between parents about scheduling or child-related decisions
- Your DD-214 or equivalent separation documents showing service dates and discharge status
- VA patient health records or private medical records documenting your condition
- Service treatment records (STRs) from your time in the military
Understanding Custody Evaluation Preparation
How to prepare for a custody evaluation or guardian ad litem investigation in contested custody cases. The sections below walk through each part of the process so you know what to expect before you begin.
Step 1: Create Your VA.gov Account
This step covers how to create your va.gov account for custody evaluation preparation guide.
- Go to VA.gov and create an account using ID.me, DS Logon, or Login.gov
- Verify your identity with a government-issued photo ID
- Link your account to your VA records so you can access your claim status later
- Save your login credentials in a secure location
Step 2: Gather Your Service Records
This step covers how to gather your service records for custody evaluation preparation guide.
- Request your DD-214 from the National Personnel Records Center if you do not have it
- Obtain your service treatment records (STRs) through the VA or eVetRecs
- Collect any deployment orders, unit histories, or personnel records that support your claim
- Download your military service history from the VA website if available
Step 3: Collect Medical Evidence
This step covers how to collect medical evidence for custody evaluation preparation guide.
- Get copies of all medical records related to your claimed condition
- Request a nexus letter from your doctor linking your condition to service
- Gather any private medical opinions or independent medical examinations
- Organize records chronologically showing the progression of your condition
Step 4: Complete the Application
This step covers how to complete the application for custody evaluation preparation guide.
- Fill out every section of the form, even if you write N/A for fields that do not apply
- List all conditions you are claiming, using the exact medical terminology from your records
- Include the date each condition started and how it connects to your military service
- Describe how each condition affects your daily life and ability to work
Step 5: Submit Supporting Statements
This step covers how to submit supporting statements for custody evaluation preparation guide.
- Write a personal statement describing your condition and how it affects you
- Collect buddy statements from fellow service members who witnessed your injury or condition
- Include statements from family members describing the changes they have observed
- Each statement should include the writer's full name, signature, and relationship to you
Step 6: File and Track Your Claim
This step covers how to file and track your claim for custody evaluation preparation guide.
- Submit through VA.gov for fastest processing, or mail to the appropriate VA regional office
- Save your confirmation number and the date you submitted
- Check your claim status regularly at VA.gov under 'Check your claim or appeal status'
- Respond to any requests for additional evidence within the timeframe given (usually 30 days)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
These mistakes cause the most problems for people working on custody evaluation preparation guide. Check your work against this list before submitting.
- Providing incomplete or inconsistent information about custody. Cross-check every reference to custody across all documents.
- Providing incomplete or inconsistent information about evaluation. Cross-check every reference to evaluation across all documents.
- Providing incomplete or inconsistent information about preparation. Cross-check every reference to preparation across all documents.
- Submitting without all required signatures. Unsigned pages will be returned.
- Using an outdated version of the form. Check the edition date before starting.
- Missing the filing deadline. Mark it on your calendar and submit at least a week early.
- Leaving required fields blank instead of writing N/A when a question does not apply.
- Not keeping copies of everything you submit. Make at least two complete copies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does custody evaluation preparation guide processing typically take?
Processing times vary based on the specific office, the completeness of your submission, and current volume. A complete submission with all required evidence is processed significantly faster than one that requires follow-up. Check the official website for current estimated wait times.
What if I made a mistake on my custody evaluation preparation guide submission?
If you discover an error before submission, correct it on a fresh copy of the form. Do not use white-out. If you already submitted, contact the processing office immediately. Minor errors can sometimes be corrected without resubmission. Major errors (wrong name, missing signature) usually require a new filing.
What documents do I need for custody?
The specific documents depend on your situation, but at minimum you need the items listed in the 'Before You Start' section above. Check the official instructions for custody evaluation preparation guide for the definitive list. When in doubt, include more evidence rather than less.