Navigating a child custody evaluation requires a neutral, trauma-informed professional to guide the court. Here are five of the most respected specialists in Texas.
What is a Child Custody Evaluation?
A child custody evaluation is a forensic process conducted by a mental health professional, often under court appointment, to assess family dynamics and parenting capacity. These evaluations aim to provide objective, evidence-based recommendations to the court that prioritize the child's best interests, particularly in high-conflict separation or divorce cases.
How We Vetted These Providers
We ranked these professionals based on their specialized forensic training, experience in Texas family courts, adherence to professional guidelines like those from the AFCC, and their reputation for providing neutral, child-centered assessments.
A quick look at the top-rated child custody evaluators in Texas.
| Provider | Best For | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Kristen Persilver, MA, LPC | Trauma-informed assessments | Custom quote |
| Christy Bradshaw Schmidt, MA, LPC | High-conflict, complex custody cases | Custom quote |
| Blake P. Mitchell & Associates | Comprehensive forensic and psychological assessments | Custom quote |
| Monika Logan, LPC, LSOTP | Parental alienation and reunification dynamics | Custom quote |
| Tammi Axelson, DSW, LMSW-IPR | Long-term family stability and parenting facilitation | Custom quote |
The 5 Best Child Custody Evaluation Experts in Texas
#1 Kristen Persilver, MA, LPC
A screenshot of the Kristen Persilver website.
Kristen Persilver is a highly regarded Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas who specializes in court-related child custody, adoption, and immigration evaluations. She brings a trauma-informed, objective approach to high-stakes family law matters, ensuring that her assessments are rooted in child developmental needs and family system dynamics. Her practice is built on a foundation of professional neutrality, helping attorneys and courts navigate complex custody disputes with clear, data-driven insights. Before focusing on forensic work, Kristen developed a robust clinical background in trauma and high-conflict divorce, which informs her empathetic yet firm methodology. She consistently adheres to the rigorous standards set by the Texas Family Code and the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC).
Key Service Focus:
- Pro: Deep expertise in trauma-informed and culturally responsive forensic evaluations.
- Con: Evaluation availability is often subject to specific court appointment.
- Pricing: Custom quote
#2 Christy Bradshaw Schmidt, MA, LPC
A screenshot of the Christy Bradshaw Schmidt website.
With over 600 evaluations conducted since 2006, Christy Bradshaw Schmidt is a powerhouse in Texas family law forensics. She specializes in high-conflict custody disputes, relocation issues, and complex parenting plans for children under three. Her work is frequently cited for its forensic rigor and precision in guiding court decisions. Beyond evaluations, she is a sought-after expert consultant and testifying witness for attorneys statewide. Her leadership roles in professional organizations like the AFCC underscore her commitment to advancing standards in the field.
Key Service Focus:
- Pro: Extensive experience with nearly two decades of focus on contested custody evaluations.
- Con: High demand often requires significant advance planning for scheduling.
- Pricing: Custom quote
#3 Blake P. Mitchell & Associates
Led by Dr. Blake P. Mitchell, this Frisco-based team of psychologists and counselors offers a comprehensive suite of forensic and clinical services. They are widely trusted for their work in child custody evaluations, psychological testing, and expert witness testimony across the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Their approach integrates clinical psychology with forensic rigor to produce detailed reports for the court. The practice is known for handling complex litigation cases involving mental health concerns and family transitions. They also provide consultation and parenting coordination, making them a versatile partner for families and legal teams.
Key Service Focus:
- Pro: Multidisciplinary team approach combining psychological testing with forensic experience.
- Con: Primarily focused on the North Dallas/Frisco region.
- Pricing: Custom quote
#4 Monika Logan, LPC, LSOTP
Monika Logan, the director of Texas Premier Counseling Services, specializes in forensic counseling and family law-related evaluations. She is particularly noted for her expertise in parental alienation, reunification counseling, and strained parent-child relationships. Her forensic practice includes child custody evaluations, risk assessments, and expert testimony. With years of experience serving Texas courts, she is a frequent presenter and educator on forensic psychology topics. Her practice is dedicated to providing clear, objective data to assist courts in making safe, child-centered decisions.
Key Service Focus:
- Pro: Specialized focus on high-conflict dynamics like parental alienation.
- Con: Strictly limited to court-appointed cases only.
- Pricing: Custom quote
#5 Tammi Axelson, DSW, LMSW-IPR
A screenshot of the Tammi Axelson website.
Dr. Tammi Axelson brings nearly two decades of experience to her role as a child custody and adoption evaluator in Lufkin and across Texas. She is highly experienced in navigating the complexities of family law forensics and maintains a strong focus on the child's long-term stability. Her services encompass custody evaluations, parenting facilitation, and expert consultation for attorneys. Dr. Axelson is also committed to mentoring the next generation of forensic professionals. Her practice is recognized for its neutrality, empathy, and professional excellence in court-involved matters.
Key Service Focus:
- Pro: Deep commitment to professional mentorship and high ethical standards.
- Con: Based in East Texas, though services reach across the state.
- Pricing: Custom quote
Selecting the Right Evaluator
When choosing an evaluator, prioritize professionals who are specifically trained in forensic standards—not just general counseling. Always verify their experience with the specific complexities of your case, such as relocation or high-conflict dynamics, and ensure they have a clear understanding of the Texas Family Code.
Streamlining Your Legal Process
While the evaluation itself is a human-centric, manual process, you can streamline the administrative side by using secure legal document portals to share court orders and background data. Always coordinate through your legal counsel to ensure that all communication with the evaluator follows court-mandated protocols.
The Verdict
Choosing a qualified child custody evaluator is a critical step in your legal journey. Whether you require expertise in high-conflict dynamics or a trauma-informed approach, the professionals listed above represent the gold standard in Texas. Start by discussing these options with your attorney to ensure the best fit for your family's unique needs.