Family Law Attorneys and Parenting Evaluators: Improving Professional Collaboration - Stacy Heard

Family Law Attorneys and Parenting Evaluators: Improving Professional Collaboration Stacy Heard ISBN 9781641055314

How does collaboration between attorneys and parenting evaluators actually work, and how can this critical partnership be made more effective and efficient? Written jointly by an experienced family law attorney and a psychologist who serves as a parenting evaluator, this practical and insightful book helps legal and mental health professionals better understand one another’s roles, responsibilities, and objectives in family law matters.

Effective collaboration between attorneys and mental health professionals is often essential to the successful resolution of family law cases. In some matters, a parenting evaluator (PE) must be involved before a parenting plan is established; in others, a parenting coordinator (PC) may be required after the plan is in place. Understanding when and how these professionals are engaged—and how their work supports the legal process—is key to achieving better outcomes for families.

The book begins by clearly defining and distinguishing the various roles mental health professionals play in family law settings, and explains how attorneys rely on those roles when litigating cases. Psychologists may serve in multiple capacities in divorce and custody matters, including as parenting evaluators, assessors of psychological functioning, expert witnesses, litigation consultants, divorce coaches, and therapists.

Building on this foundation, the authors explore the underlying “rules” that govern parenting evaluations. They examine the sources of authority that shape forensic mental health assessments, with particular attention to parenting evaluations. This discussion includes relevant statutes and case law, professional standards and guidelines, and the ethical principles that guide forensic practice.

To foster more productive working relationships, the authors then identify numerous opportunities for cooperation between family law attorneys and parenting evaluators throughout the evaluation process. By clarifying each professional’s goals and constraints, the book promotes clearer communication, stronger collaboration, and more efficient case management.

The final section addresses additional consulting roles that mental health professionals may perform to support family law attorneys. Although these roles differ from that of a parenting evaluator, the book explains what services are available and how attorneys can effectively work with mental health professionals beyond the evaluation context.

Organized into four comprehensive sections, the book also features practical tips presented as quick-reference guides for attorneys. Ten appendices of sample forms are included and available online for download, providing ready-to-use tools for practice. These materials include sample court orders, questionnaires, fee statements, consent forms, structured interview guides, and more.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Part I: Professional Roles in Family Law Cases: Definitions and Differences
Part II: Sources of Authority
Part III: Professional Cooperation
Part IV: Other Professional Roles in Family Law Matters

Appendices
Appendix A: Order Appointing Parenting Evaluator
Appendix B: Policy Statement and Orientation to Parenting Evaluations
Appendix C: Fee Statement—Parenting Examinations
Appendix D: Parent Background Questionnaire
Appendix E: Informed Consent to Participate in the Forensic Examination Process
Appendix F: Interview for Informed Consent: Forensic Services
Appendix G: Collateral Contact Form
Appendix H: Authorization to Release and/or Exchange Information
Appendix I: Structured Child Interview
Appendix J: Example Parenting Coordinator Order

Family Law Attorneys and Parenting Evaluators: Improving Professional Collaboration Stacy Heard ISBN 9781641055314, 978-1641055314 & 9781641055321

Authors
Stacy Heard
Jennifer Wheeler