Child Custody Evaluations

Psychologists and other mental health professionals who provide therapy to patients involved in litigation are sometimes asked by attorneys to provide expert witness testimony. It may be appropriate for a therapist to testify when there are questions involving the nature of a patient’s symptoms, response to therapy, diagnosis, or prognosis. However, in other proceedings, such…

Many referrals that we receive for child custody evaluations include allegations of parental alienation (also commonly referred to as ‘child alienation’). This is a serious allegation that requires thorough, in-depth examination to determine the reason(s) that a child is resisting or refusing contact with a parent. If there is a legitimate basis for a child…

The father’s role in a child’s life has an important influence on the child’s self-image, capacity to form positive relationships and moral development. Since divorced mothers usually obtain primary physical custody, a common consequence for children is reduced time spent with their fathers. In extreme cases, some fathers, particularly men who have not played an…

Along with the rising level of acrimony in custody disputes, we note an increase in motions for restricted and supervised parenting time. These requests occur most often in cases with high levels of chronic discord and a history of unremitting litigation. Motions assert the need for supervision based on a variety of claims including child…

Attorneys and divorcing parents often contact us with very specific questions about children’s post-divorce adjustment. We have compiled the following list of research-based findings that answer many of these questions. The primary residential parent’s mental health is an important factor influencing children’s post-divorce adjustment. Children, whose primary residential parent has a serious mental health, drug…