EXPERT SERVICES, CHILD
CUSTODY EVALUATIONS
& More
EXPERT SERVICES
Expert Witness Testimony
Christy Bradshaw Schmidt, MA, LPC, provides expert witness testimony in complex, child-related family law matters. Her testimony is informed by extensive clinical experience, the current peer-reviewed literature, and grounded in best practices, offering courts nuanced insights into the needs of children and families navigating conflict.
Ms. Bradshaw Schmidt is frequently retained to address issues including relocation disputes, parent child contact problems, developmentally appropriate planning for young children—particularly those under age three—and ethical standards for counselors and evaluators working in high-conflict environments. Her contributions support attorneys in presenting well-substantiated arguments rooted in child-focused principles and professional rigor.
Strategic Legal Support
Christy Bradshaw Schmidt, MA, LPC, offers litigation support to attorneys navigating complex custody matters, with a focus on child-centered strategy and sustainable outcomes. She assists in preparing clients for court proceedings and evaluations, providing insight that promotes clarity, confidence, and readiness while mitigating anxiety that often accompanies litigation.
In high-conflict cases, Ms. Bradshaw Schmidt collaborates with attorneys to develop thoughtful parenting plan options that support settlement negotiations or strengthen trial presentations. She is also engaged to guide clients behind the scenes—helping them evaluate their options, avoid protracted litigation, and prepare for meaningful post-divorce transitions as single parents and co-parents.
Work Product Reviews
Christy Bradshaw Schmidt, MA, LPC, offers expert review of child custody evaluations and related work completed by other professionals involved in contested family law matters. Her review process focuses on adherence to the Texas Family Code, evaluative and professional integrity, and alignment with best practices in the field.
With deep respect for the critical role these professionals play, Ms. Bradshaw Schmidt is committed to upholding the highest standards in working with court-involved families. Her reviews support both legal and clinical stakeholders in ensuring that the work presented to the court reflects the quality and ethical rigor necessary to serve the best interests of children.
CHILD CUSTODY EVALUATIONS
Christy Bradshaw Schmidt, MA, LPC, conducts child custody evaluations across the state of Texas for families involved in litigation. Evaluations are initiated only upon receipt of a signed court order formally appointing her to the role.
Ms. Bradshaw Schmidt adheres strictly to the protocols outlined in the Texas Family Code, Section 107, Subchapter D, ensuring that every evaluation reflects the standards of neutrality, transparency, thoroughness, and child-centered focus required by statute.
Purpose of a Child Custody Evaluation
Child custody evaluations serve a vital role in helping the court determine parenting arrangements that prioritize the well-being of children involved in contested family law cases. These evaluations are forensic in nature—intended to inform judicial decision-making—not therapeutic. As such, all information gathered during the evaluation is not confidential and may be included in court proceedings.
The evaluation process can be challenging and emotionally demanding for both parents and children. It often involves a series of interviews, observations, and collateral reviews, all of which require time and emotional investment from the family. While the process is inherently taxing, its goal is to support informed decisions that promote long-term stability and child-focused outcomes.
Goal of an Evaluation
Child custody evaluations often involve difficult insights, and it is not uncommon for one or both parties to feel disappointed by the final assessment or recommendations. The process requires reflection, transparency, and a willingness to examine areas of concern—all in service of supporting the best interests of the child.
Christy Bradshaw Schmidt, MA, LPC, approaches each evaluation with professional rigor and attentiveness to detail, reviewing all relevant information provided within the boundaries of her established policies and procedures. Her goal is twofold: to assist parents in rebuilding stable and supportive home environments after divorce, and to provide the court with clear, evidence-based recommendations when parents are unable to reach resolution on their own.
Adoption Evaluations
Christy Bradshaw Schmidt, MA, LPC, conducts intrastate adoption evaluations for families seeking to adopt a child—whether related or unrelated. These evaluations are typically brief and can be completed in a single day, with reports prepared in a timely manner to support the court’s decision-making process.
Adoption evaluations play a meaningful role in verifying that children are placed into safe, supportive, and developmentally appropriate homes. Ms. Bradshaw Schmidt approaches these assessments with care and professionalism, honoring the opportunity to help families create permanent environments where children can grow and thrive.
BRIEF FOCUSED ASSESSMENTS
Brief Focused Assessments (BFAs) are issue-specific evaluations designed to address narrowly defined questions identified by the court. As outlined by the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC), BFAs offer a streamlined, descriptive approach that supports timely judicial decision-making without the scope or complexity of a full custody evaluation. When conducted by a qualified professional, like Christy Bradshaw Schmidt, MA, LPC, BFAs can provide reliable insights through interviews, observations, and record reviews—helping courts resolve targeted disputes efficiently while minimizing disruption to families.
