Social Investigations are often used when more extensive information is needed about the children and parents involved in a high-conflict case in which the issues of time-sharing and parental responsibility are in dispute. It is a process by which an impartial mental health professional qualified by statute completes an investigation and makes recommendations regarding the best interest of the children. The investigation typically includes interviews of the parents and children, interviews with collateral sources, home visits, and a record review. The purpose of a social investigation should also be to reduce the children’s exposure to parental conflict through an objective, neutral evaluation which serves to influence parents to be more aware of their children’s needs and less invested in their adversarial positions.