Access Evaluation Reports- Are they helpful?

What are access evaluation reports?

Generally, access evaluation reports are prepared by trained counsellors who are trained in preparing access evaluation reports.

Access evaluation reports can be helpful to the Courts in resolving disputes involving access:

Should there be access?
How long should the access be?
Should access be supervised?
Should there be overnight access?
Should there be overseas access?

Access evaluation reports are generally suitable:

For children who are able to express himself/ herself well verbally;
There are allegations of “brain-washing” by one parent; and/ or
In very acrimonious custody and access disputes.

From my experience as a family lawyer in Singapore, I would say that most children enjoy spending quality time with their parents.

Many parents are guilty of not spending sufficient time with their children.

An example is that of 8-year-old Yang Lele, a boy in China, who wrote a letter to his father’s boss towards the end of the summer break when his father did not have time to bring him on a holiday. The cute boy requested his father’s boss to allow his father to take a few days’ leave for them to go on a vacation together.

Innocently, Lele wrote that his friend (Xiaoming) had already gone on a trip with his parents and he would like to go on one with his father too.

While Lele’s father’s boss did not receive the letter in the end, his father did find time to take Lele on a holiday.

See: “Boy, 8, in China writes to father’s boss asking for time-off so they can go on holiday together”, The Straits Times, 26 July 2017

Many of my clients make the mistake of paying more attention towards their child only when they are faced with a custody battle.

I would say, last minute effort seldom works. Be consistent. Love your child and make your child feel your presence.

Children cannot (and should not) be programmed.

If you have more questions on access evaluation reports, contact us today!