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FL-327Mandatory

Order Appointing Child Custody Evaluator

California · Judicial Council of California · Effective September 1, 2022

This form is an official court order that tells everyone involved that the judge has decided to hire a professional evaluator to look into and give advice about child custody and visitation.

The court describes it as: States the court's decision (an order) to appoint a licensed psychologist, marriage and family therapist, clinical social worker, or psychiatrist to investigate and make recommendations about child custody and visitation orders that are in your child's best interest.

Open the official PDFfrom Judicial Council of California

Where this fits in a case

Judgment

Stage: Judgment

This form is used when the court needs an expert to investigate the best interests of the children regarding custody and visitation.

Prepared by the court or clerk.

Common questions

Who fills out this form?
This form is filled out by the court, meaning a judge or judicial officer signs it. It is an order from the court.
Does this form decide custody?
No, this form only appoints an evaluator to investigate and make recommendations about custody. The judge makes the final order.
What happens after this order is signed?
The order may include details about who pays for the evaluation and what the evaluator needs to do next.

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 9, 2026. The current version took effect September 1, 2022.

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