Attorney Consultation

As consultant to attorneys in family law matters, I may testify regarding other experts' work product (custody evaluation or private recommending mediation report) or background information on factors affecting children's best interest.  Alternatively, I may provide litigation support such as suggesting areas for cross examination of custody evaluators. 

If the attorney seeks input on the quality of a work product such as a child custody evaluation, the typical process is for me to review the report and provide an oral opinion. If the attorney feels my opinion would be sufficiently helpful, he or she discloses me to opposing counsel as an expert witness. In some jurisdictions, a written summary of my opinion is required. 

Should the attorney decide not to have me testify, I am available for litigation support.  

Relevant to the consultant role, I am an expert reviewer for the California Board of Psychology (licensing body) and former Chair of the Ethics Committee of the California Psychological Association.  I have been qualified as an expert in San Francisco, Alameda, San Mateo, and Sacramento counties. 

For my retention agreement, click here.  For my CV, click here.

For more information on attorney consultation in family law, see:

• Simon, R. & Stahl, P. M. (2020). Forensic psychology consultation in child custody litigation: A handbook for work product review, case preparation, and expert testimony, American Bar Assn. Book Publishing.
• Special issue of the Journal of Child Custody
• Austin, W. G., Kirkpatrick, H. D., & Flens, J. R. (2011). The emerging forensic role for work product review and case analysis in child access and parenting plan disputes. Family Court Review, 49, 737-749.