FREE CHECKLIST
15 Things to Do Before Family Court Services
The preparation framework used by Dr. Miguel Alvarez after 28 years of custody evaluations. Download your free checklist and start preparing today.
"I wish someone had given me this before my first mediation. I didn't know half of what evaluators were actually looking for."
What you get:
A printable 15-item checklist covering the four areas that determine how professionals evaluate you in family court: knowing your situation, preparing for the unexpected, managing yourself under pressure, and building the right team. Each item includes guidance on why it matters and what evaluators are actually watching for.
What is it all about?
Most parents walk into family court prepared for the legal process but blindsided by the psychological one. They don't realize that how they present themselves matters as much as the facts of their case.
This checklist was developed by Dr. Miguel Alvarez, a licensed clinical psychologist with 28 years of experience conducting custody evaluations in California and Hawaii. It covers the same preparation framework he uses with his own clients before mediations, evaluations, and FCS hearings.
Whether you're early in the process or preparing for a specific court date, this checklist gives you a clear starting point. No jargon, no fluff, just the things that actually move the needle.