Glencairn - Forensic Family Therapy

Forensic Family Therapy

Forensic family therapy diverges from regular family therapy when the family becomes involved in the legal system. Instead of acting as a confidential advocate for my client as I would in regular therapy, as a forensic family therapist I become the objective purveyor of information to the court in the best interests of individuals, children, the family, or the community as the court sees fit. I have worked in District, Circuit, Juvenile, Family, and Federal Court with family problems as well as with criminal court proceedings.

As a forensic family therapist I have particular competencies and knowledge that allow me to prepare reports and evaluations necessary for the court to make fair and impartial decisions. The Judge relies on experts to provide him or her with appropriate and adequate information to make sound decisions for optimal child, adolescent and adult development, family functioning, and community safety.

Expert Witness

As an "Expert Witness to the Court" my background in family systems theory, child, adolescent, adult and family development and psychopathology, and the impact of separation of children from attachment figures, child abuse, domestic violence and divorce on children uniquely qualify me to make a significant contribution in legal contexts involving the family. I keep current on the scientific knowledge in these areas and am knowledgeable in many areas in family and criminal court proceedings in the following contexts:

Parental divorce
Parenting coordination
Child neglect or abuse proceedings
Termination of parental rights
Sex crimes
Delinquency

Forensic evaluations increase the fairness of important decisions the court must make. As a forensic family therapist I can present the Judge a balanced, impartial view of the family and advise the court, attorneys, and family members of the relevant factors about each particular family. I have a great deal of experience being impartial regardless of whether I am retained by the court or by a party to the proceedings to explain the relationship between my expert opinion and the legal issues and facts of the case.

Case Consultation

I can provide case consultation to help legal professionals prepare cases for court. I also consult to social services agencies and programs.

Forensic Fee Schedule

For new cases 2007-2008

Base rate: $150 per hour
Reviewing a case file: $2,000
Flat daily rate: $1,500 plus expenses
Expert testimony: $2,000 per day, $1,000 for half a day
Single day in office consulting: $1,500
Testing: $250 per hour plus expenses

Phone consults by appointment:

Trials

A flat fee can be negotiated for trials on an individual basis.

Payment

Insurance benefits cannot be accessed for forensic (court-related) services. Payment is required at the time of service or by retainer. Fees are payable by money order, bank check or approved credit cards.