Specialization

Parenting Plan Evaluator

SUPPORTING HEALTHY STABILITY

Providing Objective Guidance to Support Child-Focused Co-Parenting Solutions

A Parenting Plan Evaluator (PPE) is a neutral, court-involved professional who conducts focused assessments to help families develop or modify parenting plans in the best interests of the child(ren). At Trauma and The Art of Healing PLLC, this service is designed to provide practical, balanced, and child-centered recommendations that support stability, consistency, and healthy development.

What Is a Parenting Plan Evaluation?

A Parenting Plan Evaluation is a targeted process used to address specific areas of disagreement between parents. Unlike a full custody evaluation, this approach is more focused and efficient, providing clear recommendations on key issues such as conservatorship, possession schedules, and parental decision-making.

Guided by the Texas Family Code and professional standards, the evaluation prioritizes the child’s emotional, psychological, and developmental needs while helping the Court make informed decisions.

What's Our Approach?

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with experience as a Guardian ad Litem (GAL), we bring both clinical insight and forensic objectivity to the evaluation process. Our approach includes:

Parent Interviews

Understanding each parent’s perspective, concerns, and goals

Family Dynamics Assessment

Evaluating communication patterns and co-parenting relationships

Collateral Information Review

Gathering relevant records and input from third parties

Child-Focused Considerations

Prioritizing the child’s emotional and developmental needs

The goal is to provide clear, unbiased, and actionable recommendations that support healthier co-parenting and long-term stability.

When Is a Parenting Plan Evaluation Appropriate?

A Parenting Plan Evaluation (PPE) is appropriate when parents need focused, neutral guidance to resolve specific disputes affecting their child(ren), without the time and expense of a full custody evaluation.

Emotional and Behavioral Scenarios

  • Parents are experiencing high-conflict communication and cannot reach agreements
  • There are disagreements about possession schedules, exchanges, or holidays
  • Parents conflict over decision-making (medical, educational, extracurricular)
  • One or both parents are seeking a modification of an existing court order
  • Communication breakdowns are impacting the child’s well-being and stability
  • There are concerns about each parent’s ability to meet the child’s emotional or developmental needs
  • The Court or attorneys need focused recommendations rather than a full custody evaluation

Who Typically Requests a Parenting Plan Evaluation?

A Parenting Plan Evaluation is most commonly requested by:

  • The Court
  • Attorneys representing either parent
  • Both parents through an agreed order

It is often used as a targeted alternative when specific issues require neutral, professional input without the need for a full custody evaluation.

 

Our Commitment

  • Throughout the evaluation process, we maintain the highest standards of neutrality, professionalism, and ethical practice. Every recommendation is grounded in the best interests of the child, with the goal of reducing conflict and fostering healthier, more effective co-parenting relationships.

Impact on Daily Life

At Trauma and The Art of Healing PLLC, we are committed to helping families move forward with structure, clarity, and a renewed focus on what matters most—the well-being of their children.

Contact us today to learn more about Parenting Plan Evaluations and how we can support your family through this process.