What term refers to legal actions that involve the custody of children in domestic violence cases?

The term that refers to legal actions involving the custody of children in domestic violence cases is "child custody evaluations." This process is critical when courts assess the best interests of the child, particularly in situations where domestic violence might impact parenting capabilities or the child’s safety and well-being. Child custody evaluations typically involve a thorough examination of family dynamics, parental roles, and the potential risks to the child, allowing judges to make informed decisions about custody arrangements.

In contrast, emergency protective orders are primarily designed to provide immediate safety measures for victims of domestic violence, while restraining orders help prevent further harassment or abuse but do not specifically address child custody issues. Family mediation sessions focus on amicable solutions between parties but may not adequately safeguard against the complexities that arise in domestic violence situations concerning children. Thus, child custody evaluations stand out as the appropriate term linked to determining custody in such cases.