In high-conflict custody, modification, or parenting time cases in Jackson County (16th Judicial Circuit) and throughout Missouri, a forensic psychological evaluation (also called a mental examination) is one of the most powerful — and sometimes most disruptive — tools available. It gives the court, Guardian ad Litem (GAL), and parties an objective, professional assessment of how a parent’s mental health, personality functioning, or behavioral patterns affect their ability to safely and effectively parent. What Exactly Is a Psychological Evaluation in Family Court? A court-ordered psychological evaluation is a formal forensic assessment conducted by a licensed psychologist with expertise in custody matters (not a general therapist). It typically includes: In-depth clinical interviews with the parent (and sometimes collateral sources) Comprehensive psychological testing (e.g., MMPI-3, PAI, PCRI, Beck inventories, executive functioning assessments, etc.) Review of records (court filings, medical/mental health history, school records, supervised visitation notes, communications, police reports, etc.) Observations or collateral interviews when appropriate A detailed written report with findings, any diagnoses, and specific opinions on parenting capacity, risk factors, co-parenting ability, and impact on the child’s best interests under § 452.375 The evaluation is designed to answer questions relevant to the child’s safety and well-being, not just general mental health. When Can the Court Order One? Under Missouri Supreme Court Rule 60.01, the court may order a mental examination only if: The party’s mental condition is genuinely in controversy, and Good cause is shown (the issues must be relevant to the child’s best interests). Good cause requires specific, concrete evidence — not vague accusations. Courts are cautious because these evaluations are intrusive and expensive. Common situations that support “good cause” include credible concerns about: Untreated mental health issues affecting daily parenting or judgment Substance abuse (alcohol, prescription drugs, etc.) impairing household stability or safety Failure to protect the child from abuse or instability caused by a household member or significant other Erratic, volatile, deceptive, or paranoid behavior that raises legitimate safety questions Suicidal statements or threats made in the presence of children Significant disconnect, disinterest, or volatility documented during supervised visits When granted, the order specifies the evaluator, scope, timeline, and who pays (often the requesting party or the party whose mental health is primarily at issue). Cost and Timeline – Important Practical Realities Cost: A full forensic custody-related psychological evaluation in Missouri typically ranges from $3,000 to $6,000 (sometimes higher depending on complexity, number of children, record volume, and whether court testimony is required). This is a significant expense that can strain budgets in an already costly divorce or modification case. Timeline and Delay: These evaluations are not quick. Scheduling, testing, interviews, record review, and report writing can take several months. In busy jurisdictions like Jackson County, the entire process — from motion to final report — can delay your case by 6 to 12 months or more. This is one of the biggest drawbacks: while you wait for the evaluation, temporary orders often remain in place, and litigation momentum can stall. Because of the cost and delay, experienced attorneys only recommend pursuing an evaluation when the potential benefit to the child’s safety or the strength of your case clearly outweighs the downside. Strategic Pros and Cons of Requesting a Psychological Evaluation Pros: Provides objective, expert evidence that can strongly influence the GAL’s recommendations and the judge’s best-interests findings (especially Factors #2 and #6) Can clarify or confirm concerns about parenting capacity, risk, or untreated issues May lead to recommendations for treatment, therapy, or supervised visitation that better protect the child In clear cases of impairment or risk, it can support requests for sole custody or significant restrictions Cons: High cost ($3,000–$6,000+) Significant delay (often many months, sometimes up to a year) Risk that the evaluation could highlight issues on your own side or be used against you. There have been instances where the party demanding the other party submit to the mental exam is also ordered to take a mental exam as well. That overreaching move backfired and the initial requesting party ultimately lost custody because their own mental exam revealed the parent would put his needs before the children's needs. The process can be stressful and invasive for everyone involved How a Local Lee’s Summit / Jackson County Attorney Helps Drafting a successful Rule 60.01 motion requires skill: you must show specific good cause tied directly to the child’s best interests, propose a qualified evaluator, and define an appropriate scope. Defending against one requires showing lack of good cause or that less intrusive options (therapy records, GAL input, etc.) are sufficient. An experienced local attorney knows: Which Jackson County judges are more or less receptive to these motions How to tie concerns to the eight best-interests factors When to request mutual evaluations for fairness How to use the resulting report effectively at trial or in negotiations Bottom Line: A psychological evaluation is a serious, high-impact tool — not a routine step. It should only be pursued when there are genuine, well-documented concerns about a parent’s mental health or behavior that could affect the child’s safety or well-being. Get Strategic Guidance for Your Case If you have serious concerns about the other parent’s mental health, stability, substance use, failure to protect the child, or related safety issues — or if you are facing such allegations yourself — you need experienced, strategic representation. At the Law Office of Kirby Minor, we regularly handle high-conflict custody and modification cases involving mental health issues in Jackson County. We know when a Rule 60.01 evaluation makes sense, how to request (or defend against) one effectively, and how to use the results to protect your child while advancing your parental rights. Text or Call 816-888-0632  for a consultation. Let’s carefully evaluate whether a psychological evaluation is the right strategic move in your case and build the strongest possible record for your child’s best interests. Important Note: This is general educational information, not legal advice for your specific situation. Every case is unique. Consult with a qualified Missouri family law attorney about the facts of your case.