1st Edition
Forensic Mental Health Consulting in Family Law Part of the Problem or Part of the Solution?
Forensic Mental Health Professionals have entered the fray of child custody litigation in ways that could not have been predicted even a decade ago. Traditionally engaged as neutral court appointed evaluators or mediators, or as treatment providers for children, parents or families, FMHPs are assuming a range of consulting functions. Services span a wide range, including providing expert testimony on specific content areas; reviewing and critiquing colleague’s work product; providing behind the scenes consultation to attorneys, and even help attorneys manage difficult cases and clients. These more recent services raise questions about sound professional practice. This volume tackles these thorny issues head on, and discusses questions how consultants can work creatively and ethically to make a positive contribution in the challenging world of family law.
This book was originally published as a special issue of Journal of Child Custody.
Introduction: Forensic Mental Health Consulting in Family Law - Part of the Problem or Part of the Solution? Robert L. Kaufman and S. Margaret Lee
1. Forensic Mental Health Consulting in Family Law: Where Have We Come From? Where Are We Going? Robert L. Kaufman
2. Testifying Experts and Non-Testifying Trial Consultants: Appreciating the Differences Jonathan Gould, David Martindale, Timothy Tippins and Jeff Wittmann
3. Forensic Expert Roles and Services in Child Custody Litigation: Work Product Review and Case Consultation William G. Austin, Milfred D. Dale, H. D. Kirkpatrick and James R. Flens
4. Consulting with Attorneys: An Alternative Hybrid Model S. Margaret Lee and Lorie S. Nachlis
5. Psychological and Legal Considerations in Reviewing the Work Product of a Colleague in Child Custody Evaluations H. D. Kirkpatrick, William G. Austin and James R. Flens
6. Commentary on Forensic Mental Health Consulting: Is More Better? Mark Juhas
7. A View from the Cross-Road: Considerations for Mental Health Professionals Consulting with Attorneys (by a Judge, and Former Lawyer … with a Degree in Psychology) Dianna Gould-Saltman
Biography
Robert L. Kaufman, PhD., A.B.P.P. maintains a clinical and forensic practice in Oakland and San Rafael, CA. He is also a senior trial consultant with the San Francisco firm of Bonora D’Andrea, LLC.
S. Margaret Lee, Ph.D. maintains a clinical and forensic practice in Mill Valley, California devoted to divorcing families. Services include custody mediation and evaluation, training, co-parent counselling, expert testimony and consulting with attorneys.
