Psychiatric Assessment for Family Court

If a divorce or any other family law case is brought to court the psychiatric examination is usually requested. The issue with this assessment is that the results could be inaccurate and a person , or family can be hurt by an incorrect diagnosis. This article outlines the most common disorders that are assessed and the problems associated with a psychiatric examination in family courts.

Evaluations that are frequently requested

If you are involved in a family law case it is likely that you've heard about or been asked to undergo a psychiatric examination. These types of assessments can be a useful tool to determine if a parent is abusive.

Psychologists and licensed clinical social workers are usually the evaluators. They conduct interviews with parents and children, and then draft reports. The report may or may not result in a custody decision however it can be used as a tool in the court's decision making process.

There are many reasons that a judge or a divorce arbitrator would order an evaluation. Conflict between spouses that is excessive is one of the most commonly cited reasons. To determine if a parent has the capacity to be a good caregiver for their child, it is essential to determine their mental health.

A judge may refuse custody to parents who are considered mentally unfit. The court can also limit access to the child or limit visits.

If the child has a history of neglect, abuse of drugs or mental health issues or mental health issues, a Psychological Assessment Uk assessment could be requested. It can help determine the best parenting strategy for the child.

The majority of courts will not allow an assessment if there's no reason to believe that the parent is mentally ill. This is due to the possibility that discrimination may result. A judge can decide to rule if there is a history or mental illness.

During an evaluation an evaluator or psychologist will meet with each parent individually to ask questions about the child's behavior, needs and attitudes, values, and parenting style. They will also review medical records and other family records.

A full assessment can take several weeks , depending on the facts of each situation. Full evaluations typically include interviews with parents as well as other family members.

A focused-issue review can be a shorter form. These mini-evaluations concentrate on specific aspects of the child custody dispute. These evaluations are typically less expensive than a complete evaluation.