texas divorce, my attorney is ordering a psych eval on my spouse. what do i do

by Miss Laury Hyatt 7 min read

Consult with your divorce attorney to see if he recommends filing a motion for psychological evaluation. If you suspect that your spouse has significant mental health issues that could pose a danger to your children, it is imperative that the court can positively identify these factors before making a custody determination.

Full Answer

Can I get a psychological evaluation for my divorcing spouse?

Jan 25, 2020 · So my position is always ask. If you would like the judge to order your spouse to undergo a psychiatric evaluation, it’s best to request it by way of a motion. Be certain that your motion clearly explains the reasons for your request and how your spouse’s state can have the potential to harm or threaten you and/or the children.

What is psychological testing in a divorce case?

Oct 05, 2017 · Yes, if your spouse believes that you are unfit to serve in your desired parenting role following your divorce, he or she can petition the court for a psychological evaluation. If this happens in your divorce, you will need to decide whether to oppose your spouse’s petition; and, if it appears likely that the judge will grant your spouse’s petition, you will need to begin preparing …

Do I need a divorce attorney before a psychological exam?

Aug 15, 2016 · Bookmark. Psychological evaluations are only used in child custody cases if one or both parents feel that the other is mentally unfit to take care of the child or children. When either parent makes such an assertion about the other, the court will be forced to order a psychological evaluation. If you feel that your child's other parent's mental ...

Are you trapped in a divorce in Texas?

Consult with your divorce attorney to see if he recommends filing a motion for psychological evaluation. If you suspect that your spouse has significant mental health issues that could pose a danger to your children, it is imperative that the court can positively identify these factors before making a custody determination. You must be prepared to undergo the same sort of testing …

Can mental illness be ground for divorce?

According to the Section 13 of the Act, divorce or judicial separation can be obtained if the person has been “incurably of unsound mind,” or has been suffering continuously or intermittently from “mental disorder of such a kind and to such an extent that the petitioner cannot reasonably be expected to live with the ...

How does mental illness affect divorce?

Support Issues Specifically, mental health issues can interfere with your ability to support yourself or your family. A judge may award you additional alimonyor a larger share of marital property or assets if your mental health prohibits you from working or makes it difficult to hold a job.

Can I have my spouse mentally evaluated?

A court may on its own order your spouse to undergo a psychological evaluation, but it is more likely that you will need to request it. ... Filing a motion to order a mental health evaluation of a party in the case; and.Nov 9, 2017

What happens in a psychological evaluation in a custody case?

Interviewing the parents; Having the parents take various paper and pencil personality assessments; A review of prior mental health records; and. Interviews of various individuals, including the children, teachers, other mental health professionals and others that might have relevant information.Nov 28, 2018

What is divorce psychosis?

THE BASICS It's a form of insanity that emerges for a temporary period of time (the divorce itself) and remains within the ex-romantic relationship like an invisible toxic mist that distorts reality, blocks healthy impulses, and plays-up pre-existing character flaws.Mar 1, 2014

Can you divorce a mentally unstable spouse?

Neither you nor your spouse can avoid a certain divorce by pleading mental health issues. Nevertheless, a person going through mental illness may be entitled to some additional privileges and protection under the law especially if the respective spouse is residing in the mental health facility.

What is done during a psychological evaluation?

Most psychological evaluations involve talking to the psychologist about yourself and symptoms such as anxiety and trouble sleeping in an interview, doing some questionnaires about yourself, and possibly some activities that look at how your brain is working. By the end, you should be given feedback.Jun 28, 2019

What is involved in a psychological evaluation?

A psychological assessment can include numerous components such as norm-referenced psychological tests, informal tests and surveys, interview information, school or medical records, medical evaluation and observational data. A psychologist determines what information to use based on the specific questions being asked.

Can a narcissist pass a psychological evaluation?

A narcissist can typically pass any kind of psychiatric evaluation, inducing whatever result they want. That is, they can confess their narcissism if they see that there are no consequences other than affirming their own superiority.Jun 8, 2021

How accurate are psych evaluations?

A recent report indicates that psychological assessments are just as predictive of specific, measurable outcomes--sometimes even more predictive--as many medical tests.

What makes you fail a psych test?

Failing a psychological evaluation may mean that you either lack the required skills or that your personality mismatches or that your symptoms are in the way. Psychological evaluations help understand the cognitive, emotional, and behavioural aspects of an individual.

What is a 730 psychological evaluation?

Under California Evidence Code Section 730, the court can order an examination of the parents in a custody case. A 730 evaluation is a close assessment of the family, the children's relationships with their parents and other family members, living arrangements, and a series of professional evaluations.

How long do you have to wait to get divorced in Texas?

Texas law requires all divorcing couples to wait at least 60 days before a divorce may be granted. The 60-day period starts on the date the petition for divorce is filed.

When do Texas courts consider child custody?

Once a child reaches the age of 12, Texas family courts will consider that child’s preferences in a child custody order. However, the child’s preferences should not be the only factor considered by the court.

What is the no fault ground for divorce in Texas?

Most divorces are granted on the no-fault ground of “insupportability.”

What is the Texas Family Code?

The Texas Family Code tells us, “In a decree of divorce or annulment, the court shall order a division of the estate of the parties in a manner that the court deems just and right, having due regard for the rights of each party and any children of the marriage.”.

Can you get divorced in Texas if you live separately?

Texas does not recognize legal separation. However, separation for a period of at least three years is one of the grounds for divorce in Texas. Living separately and apart means living in different residences. For example, if one spouse moves into a guest room in the marital residence, this likely would not meet the requirements for a divorce based on separation.

Is Texas divorce public?

Texas divorce records are public. Anyone can visit a clerk’s office in the county in which the divorce was handled and request a copy of the divorce filings and other records. Texas clerk of court websites in all counties also provide many divorce records online.

Does Texas recognize legal separation?

In a legal separation, the parties are still married, but must act according to a court order as they go through their divorce. With a legal separation, the parties may still be responsible for household bills and marital debts and one party may remain under the other party’s health insurance plan.

How to prepare for a custody evaluation?

Some general tips for preparing for a child custody evaluation include: 1 Work with your attorney to understand the types of questions you are likely to be asked and prepare favorable responses. 2 Condition yourself to avoid making negative comments about your spouse, and to instead focus on your positive attributes. 3 Plan for child care in advance if you will be attending the evaluation by yourself. If your children will be present during the evaluation, be prepared to attend to their needs while you are there. 4 Arrive on time, and work with your attorney to compile any documents that the evaluator may request during the evaluation. 5 Be honest, avoid embellishing or guessing at the “right” answer, and do not be afraid to ask for clarification if you do not understand a question.

What to expect during a psychological evaluation?

During the psychological evaluation, you will meet with an independent psychologist who will ask lots of questions about your personal or family circumstances. However, it is important to understand that the psychologist is not there to make a medical diagnosis.

What is a forensic psychologist?

A professional, typically a forensic psychologist who specializes in family-related issues, meets with each parent to determine his or her “fitness” to take primary responsibility for meeting the needs of the couple’s children, and then a judge issues a ruling based on the results of the parents’ respective psychological evaluations.

What happens if mediation fails?

But, if efforts and negotiation and mediation prove unsuccessful, then the court may order one or both parents to undergo an evaluation in order to assist in structuring a parenting plan that protects the best interests of the children involved.

Psychological Tests in Divorce Cases

Psychological testing plays a role in many divorce cases, even when mental illness isn’t a glaring concern for either parent. The court needs to accurately assess the parenting capability of each parent and determine whether a parent’s mental state poses a risk to the children’s safety.

Why Should I Request These Tests?

If you are considering filing a motion during your divorce proceedings for your spouse to undergo psychological evaluation, you should reasonably expect him or her to respond in kind, so you will likely need to attend an evaluation, as well.

1 attorney answer

You cannot force a competent adult to get a psychological or psychiatric evaluation.#N#If a dissolution or custody case is filed, the court may order a psychological evaluation of BOTH parents AND the child for purposes of resolving custody issues, but unless there is admissible evidence that your wife has an ongoing active...

Richard Forrest Gould-Saltman

You cannot force a competent adult to get a psychological or psychiatric evaluation.#N#If a dissolution or custody case is filed, the court may order a psychological evaluation of BOTH parents AND the child for purposes of resolving custody issues, but unless there is admissible evidence that your wife has an ongoing active...

Overview of Divorce Grounds

  • Every divorce petition requires a statement of “grounds” or a reason for the breakup. In Texas, you can file for divorce based on “fault” or “no-fault” grounds. No-fault divorces don't require a specific cause other than “insupportability,” which basically means the marriage is over with no hope of reconciliation (this is also known as “irreconcilable differences”). Texas law allows fault divorce
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Impact of Mental Health Issues on Child Custody

  • A child's best interests are the central focus of any custody case. A judge will consider each parent's emotional stability and ability to provide a child with a safe environment. Minor, well-controlled mental health issues probably won't have much of an effect on custody; however, major mental health problems will. In one Texas case, the court placed significant restrictions on a me…
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Can A Judge Terminate A Mentally Ill Parent's Rights?

  • Although terminating parental rights is an extreme step, courts will and do take this measure under certain conditions. Terminations of parental rights are an option of last resort; a judge will only sever a parent's rights if it serves a child's best interests and no other alternatives are available. In Texas, a parent with mental health issues may have his or her legal rights terminate…
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Impact of Mental Health Issues on Support

  • A spouse's mental health affects his or her ability to support a family. Debilitating mental health issues can make it impossible for a spouse to hold a steady job. A judge will consider each spouse's earning capacity and mental disabilities when deciding alimony. However, mental health issues won't help you or your spouse escape a child support obligation. Courts can garnish a me…
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Will A Court Grant An Annulment from A Mentally Impaired Spouse?

  • Some marriages can be mistakes from the get-go. Texas law allows annulments in cases where a spouse is mentally incompetent at the time of marriage. For annulment purposes, mental incompetence can include mental illness, mental deficiency, or impaired thinking as a result of drug or alcohol abuse. For example, in one Texas case, a guardian sought an annulment on beha…
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General Divorce Questions & The Divorce Process

  • 1. How do I know when it’s time to get a divorce?
    At the outset, you should be absolutely sure that your marriage is beyond saving. If you are uncertain or if there is any chance you and your spouse may get back together, go see a marriage counselor – not a lawyer. A counselor can actually help you and your spouse work through your …
  • 2. What if my spouse wants a divorce even though I don’t?
    Many divorcees often feel trapped by their spouses who want to remain in marriage. Decades ago, the State of Texas only granted divorces when “grounds” for divorce could be proven (adultery, cruelty, a felony charge, abandonment, living apart, mental instability, etc.) This approach to divo…
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Property Questions

  • 25. What does it mean that Texas is a “community property state”?
    Loosely speaking, it means that most of the property, both real estate and personal property, that you acquire during your marriage will belong to both of you equally. No matter who paid for it. The basic concept is “Yours, Mine and Ours.” The “yours” and “mine” are what is called Separate Prop…
  • 26. How does the judge divide up our property?
    Judges have a fairly wide range of discretion in deciding who gets what in a property division. The Texas Family Code tells us, “In a decree of divorce or annulment, the court shall order a division of the estate of the parties in a manner that the court deems just and right, having due regard for th…
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Spousal Support Questions

  • 32. Does Texas have alimony?
    “Alimony” does not exist in Texas. However, Texas does have spousal support, which are funds paid by one spouse for the support of the other spouse. Texas was the only state in the nation in which a court had no authority to order alimony to be paid after the final divorce. However, in 19…
  • 33. How is eligibility for spousal support determined?
    Texas is strict when it comes to awarding spousal support. In a divorce in which one party is seeking spousal support, the requesting party must show: 1. The spouse seeking spousal support will not have enough assets to provide for basic necessities and 1.1. The spouse requesting spo…
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Child Custody & Child Support Questions

  • 40. What are the types of child custody in Texas?
    Child custody is one of the most hotly contested issues in a divorce. There are a few different child custody arrangements in Texas. Child custody is referred to as conservatorship in Texas. With a joint managing conservatorship, the children primarily reside with one parent, but both pa…
  • 41. How do you modify a child custody agreement in Texas?
    To modify an existing child custody order in Texas, one must file a modification case. If the child’s interests are no longer being served by the child custody arrangement, or if circumstances have changed, a modification may be granted. The fastest way to obtain a modified child custody ord…
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