Children - As introduced, requires, in contested child custody, dependency and neglect, adoption, and guardianship proceedings in which the court has appointed a guardian ad litem, a court to order the child to be evaluated by a qualified expert unless the court determines an examination is unnecessary; requires the expert to submit a report containing certain information; specifies that the submitted report constitutes prima facie evidence of the child's condition and the factors relevant to the child's best interest; specifies various other requirements for the guardian ad litem's consideration of the report and the allocation of the examination costs. - Amends TCA Title 36 and Title 37.

HB 1845 requires courts to order a qualified expert evaluation in contested child custody, dependency/neglect, adoption, and guardianship cases where a guardian ad litem (GAL) is appointed, unless the court finds it unnecessary. The evaluation must be conducted by licensed professionals (e.g., psychologists, social workers), and the resulting report - covering the child’s medical, psychological, and behavioral history - becomes prima facie evidence of their best interests, which can be challenged only if shown incomplete or unreliable. The GAL must consider this report when forming their recommendation and explain any significant departure in writing. Courts must allocate evaluation costs based on each party’s ability to pay. This bill directly affects children in these proceedings, courts, GALs, and involved parties.