When the court enters an order referring a case for a custody or parenting time investigation to be conducted by the Friend of the Court, a pre-investigation interview is scheduled.

(Administrative Policy 1995-11A). These interviews expedite the evaluation process by screening out about 50 per cent of the referrals.

The focus of the pre-investigation interview is to help parties reach their own decision and to come to an agreement. The facilitator of the interview assists the parties in understanding how important it is that they parent their own children and not leave such important decisions to the court to decide. This interview process offers the opportunity for the parties to accomplish this task together.

The judges of the 17th Circuit Court haven given the facilitators the authority to:

1. Terminate the evaluation based on the information provided by the parties (in which case, the parties may be referred for other services instead),
2. Enter a stipulated (agreement or consent) order with the court, or
3. Refer the parties for a full evaluation.

The parties are scheduled to come to the Friend of the Court offices together for the pre-investigation interview. They are instructed to bring in the completed informational questionnaire previously sent to them as well as any additional materials, such as Protective Services or police reports, which could substantiate his/her claims in the dispute. If the facilitator feels it is necessary, a separate interview with the child/ren may be arranged before a decision is made.

Third parties are not allowed to be present during the pre-investigation interview. Attorneys can be present, although they do not usually participate in the discussion. If a party feels that he/she may be placed in jeopardy due to past domestic violence, he/she is encouraged to have someone accompany him/her to the office and wait in the lobby during the interview.

Pre-Investigation Questions and Answers

When would a Pre-Investigation Interview be scheduled?

Your case will be scheduled usually within a month from the date of receipt of the order requiring an evaluation for custody or parenting time.

What happens if I attend the meeting and the other person does not?

If you are the petitioning party, a recommended order will be sent to the court reflecting the available information. If you are not the petitioning party, there will be a recommendation to terminate.

May I bring my attorney?

Yes, but the attorney usually does not participate in the process.

Am I expected to attend if there is a restraining order against the other party?

Yes, but you would be expected to communicate the fact that there is a personal protection order in effect to the interviewer. Also, you are encouraged to have someone you trust accompany you to the meeting, and have them wait in the lobby for you.

Do I need to bring anything with me?

Yes, the forms sent to you must be completed and returned. Any additional documentation you may have to support your position should also be brought to the meeting.