MD HB924

Establishes mandatory qualifications for court-appointed custody evaluators in contested custody or visitation cases, requiring them to be licensed mental health professionals including psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, or clinical professional counselors

Graduate or master social workers may serve as custody evaluators if they have at least 2 years of experience in relevant areas or performing custody evaluations

Requires custody evaluators to complete training conforming to Administrative Office of the Courts guidelines, maintain continuing education requirements, and have training or experience in observing or performing custody evaluations

Mandates evaluators have current knowledge and experience in domestic violence, child neglect and abuse, child sexual abuse, trauma, family conflict and dynamics, child and adult development, and the impact of divorce and separation

Effective date: July 1, 2025