A Judge’s Guide

In-Chambers
Interview
DEVELOPMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
parent’s closer supervision and discipline. Distinguish between
normal developmental needs and the adolescent’s best interests.
Behavioral concerns. Each of the following requires a referral
to a mental health professional for either individual or group
counseling:
The adolescent remains extremely angry and acts out anger.
The adolescent seems apathetic and has no plans for the future.
The adolescent appears extremely anxious about the future
following the divorce.
The adolescent is sleeping a lot and has no interest in peer
activities.
The adolescent has assumed a parental role following the
divorce and is taking care of a parent and/or younger siblings.
There are indications that the adolescent has resorted to
recreational drugs, alcohol, or other destructive behaviors.
When conducting an in-chambers interview, consider the following strategies:
Find a way to show respect for the adolescent’s independence,
such as a choice of when to meet or where to sit during an
interview.
Ask the adolescent to take you through a typical day in his or her
life. What kinds of responsibilities does he or she have in and
outside the home? What kind of encouragement and support
does he or she receive to be independent and responsible?
How does the adolescent see the future: “Where do you hope to
be next year at this time; two years down the road; five to ten years
down the road?” How does each parent support these goals?
Note the adolescent’s body language during the interview. Does
he or she seem weighted down or optimistic about the future?
Adolescents are usually acutely aware of how future plans may be
affected by school performance. Assess how the adolescent is
doing in school without making them feel more pressured.
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