Family-Law Assessments & Reports
I prepare independent family-law reports and psychological assessments in British Columbia. Depending on the referral and governing authority, this work may include Section 211 assessments, Views of the Child reports, parenting-capacity assessments, and other court-related psychological assessments. Each referral begins with a careful review of scope, role, conflict, timing, and suitability.
Types of family-law assessment
Depending on the referral question, governing documents, and purpose of the work, services may include:
Section 211 reports and assessments
Views of the Child reports
Parenting-capacity reports and assessments
Other court-related psychological assessments, where appropriate
Assessment is different from therapy
Family-law assessment is an independent evaluative role. It is separate from therapy and is not advocacy for either party. It is also distinct from mediation, parenting coordination, and legal advice.
The role and scope must be clearly defined before work begins. An initial inquiry does not mean that a referral has been accepted.
How a referral begins
Initial inquiry
An initial inquiry is used to identify the type of service being requested and the information needed for a conflict and suitability review.
Relevant review
Before accepting a referral, I may need to review the relevant court order, written agreement, or referral question, along with practical matters such as timing and location.
Written confirmation
Acceptance is confirmed only after the scope and terms have been established in writing.
What an assessment may include
Depending on its purpose and scope, an assessment may involve interviews, review of records, collateral information, psychological measures or testing where appropriate, and preparation of a written report.
Not every component is used in every matter, and the order and extent of the work vary by referral.
Fees, timing, and availability
The cost and timing of an assessment depend on factors such as its scope, the number of people involved, the volume of records, collateral contacts, travel, deadlines, and court-related requirements.
Fee, retainer, and scheduling information can be provided after enough information is available to understand the requested work. Referrals across British Columbia are considered subject to suitability, availability, travel requirements, and the nature of the referral.
Family-law assessment background
I established my practice in 2020 and began conducting forensic assessments in 2022. My experience includes approximately 30 family-law reports, including Section 211 reports, Views of the Child reports, and parenting-capacity reports.
Following my doctoral training, I completed hundreds of hours of family-law-specific training for psychologists and received mentorship from Dr. Michael Elterman. I have also been qualified to provide expert opinion evidence in the Supreme Court of British Columbia on several occasions.
For a detailed record of my education, training, and court-related work, please see my Curriculum Vitae.
View Curriculum Vitae →Begin with a brief, non-confidential message
Use the contact form to ask whether a matter may be suitable for consideration. Please do not send court documents, clinical records, detailed allegations, or confidential information about children or other people through the website. I will advise what information is needed and how it should be provided.