How to Respond to CFI / Custody Evaluator Questions (Evidence‑First)

Panic-search reality: you don’t need perfect wording — you need structure. Use this framework to answer questions with calm, dated facts tied to child outcomes. Educational only — not legal advice.

The 3-part answer formula

  1. One-sentence claim: “My child needs consistent school routines and predictable exchanges.”
  2. Dated facts: “From 2025‑09‑01 to 2025‑10‑15, there were 6 late pickups (avg 22 minutes)…”
  3. Child impact + solution: “This caused missed tutoring; I propose exchanges at school with 24‑hour confirmation.”

Common question types

  • “Describe your child’s routine.”
  • “What concerns do you have?”
  • “How do you communicate with the other parent?”
  • “How do you support school/medical needs?”
  • “What changes are you requesting and why?”

What to bring (if allowed)

  • A one-page timeline of key dates
  • A monthly summary of missed/late exchanges
  • School/medical highlights (not a dump)
  • 3–5 key exhibits with labels and dates

Want MCC to draft your evidence-first answers?

MyCustodyCoach can help you build a timeline, pull key quotes, and craft calm, child‑focused answers you can review and edit. Get started — no credit card required to create your account.

Get Started

Last reviewed: 2026-01-15. Disclaimer: MyCustodyCoach is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Information is for educational purposes only. Always follow evaluator instructions and your court’s current rules.