Rule 15 - Child Custody Investigation If child custody and visitation disputes are not resolved through mediation, the court may upon the motion of either party, or upon its own motion, order a child custody investigation.
1. The investigation may be prepared by the Twelfth Judicial District Court Services Office or another agency approved by the court. Confidentiality required in the mediation process must be waived by both parties in order for the Court Services Office to provide the report to the court. If a party does not wish to waive the confidentiality requirements of the mediation process or does not wish the Court Services Office to prepare the report, the investigation shall be conducted by another agency approved by the court. 2. Unless otherwise ordered by the court, the cost of the child custody investigation shall be equally paid by both parties. The cost for a Court Services Office investigation shall be Fifty Dollars ($50.00) per person plus out-of-pocket expenses, if any, and shall be paid to the clerk of the court not later than the time the matter is heard. If the child custody investigation is prepared by another agency approved by the court, the cost thereof shall be the responsibility of the parties.