Social Investigations in Florida Family Law Cases
A Social Investigation is a court-authorized process used in family law cases to help the Court make informed decisions about parental responsibility (custody), time-sharing, and other child-related matters. The goal is to provide a clear, objective picture of the family’s circumstances so decisions truly serve the best interests of the child(ren).
Legal Basis
Under Florida Statutes §61.20, a judge may order a Social Investigation when additional information is needed to understand the family dynamics and the needs of the child(ren).
What the Process Includes
The process generally involves:
- Interviews with both parents
- Individual interviews with the child(ren), when appropriate
- Mental health testing and assessments; substance use disorder assessments when indicated
- Observation of parent–child interactions
- Home visits
- Interviews/surveys of extended family, friends, and neighbors
- Interviews with teachers, therapists, healthcare providers, and other professionals
- Review of medical, educational, and psychological records
- Other tasks as indicated or ordered by the Court
- Completion of a written report with findings and recommendations
What Dr. Coughlin Evaluates
Dr. Coughlin examines:
- Parenting strengths and challenges of each parent
- Emotional and developmental needs of the child(ren)
- Parents’ capacity to individually and jointly parent
- Other factors that may impact child well-being
Reporting to the Court
After completing the investigation, Dr. Coughlin provides a written report to the court, which includes factual findings and recommendations. While not binding, this report offers valuable insights to help the judge make decisions that best support the child(ren)’s health, safety, and long-term welfare.
Timeline for Completion
The average time to complete a Social Investigation is six months. Every effort will be made to finish the investigation and publish the report as quickly as possible. Cooperation by all parties is essential for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
A Message from Dr. Coughlin:
“The goal of a Social Investigation is always to support the best interests and well-being of the child.”