Justified reasons for a custody evaluation?

[Aiming4Kindness]

For those of you who have had to ask a judge to order a custody evaluation, what are the key messages and strategies you've found?  What should be avoided?

Thanks tons.

[ForeverDad]

Focus on the needs of the children.  Yes, both parents will have complaints about the other but be the parent with practical requests and solutions to reduce conflict and seek a stable home for the child.  While the conflict between parents does have an impact in a custody evaluation, it is a side issue.  Of course, if the children are stuck in the middle of a parent's disputes or disparaging or invalidating remarks, that too is important to document.

I recall that my CE noted his observation of my parenting reported it was more relaxed and normal with our preschooler.  I don't recall precisely what I did, just what I always did... .