Revised Code 3109.04(C) provides the Court may cause an investigation to be made into the character, family relations, and past conduct of each parent. This may take the form of a psychological examination. Any report of such investigation must be made available to the parents and counsel not less than 5 days before trial, and the investigator is subject to cross-examination concerning the contents of the report.
In family law, this is often referred to as a Custodial Evaluation or Parenting Plan Evaluation. Recently, the Ohio Rules of Superintendence were updated to set forth various procedures, processes, responsibilities, and other guidelines that Courts can adopt in these scenarios. Superintendence Rule 91.01 et seq. is a more detailed and comprehensive provision than the Courts have previously utilized. It also paves the way for more uniformity in the use of these evaluations state-wide.
