Data Generation, Organisation and Report Writing

This chapter addresses the process of response to a letter of instruction provided by the lead solicitor. On receipt of an instruction and the court bundle, the expert creates an assessment plan, making decisions regarding people to be interviewed, assessment measures to be used and what additional documents may be required. Interviews for the court differ from clinical interviews since nothing expressed is confidential. It is wise to be circumspect in the choice of assessment method since many formal tests have not been designed for use in the family court. The emotions of parents may run high and be directed towards professionals engaged in the court process. Assessments need to be conducted with this in mind, and opinions given with compassion, clarity and credibility. The expert’s findings, opinion and report are confidential to the court and must not be shared with anyone else either during or after the conclusion of the case. Practitioner psychologists are required to engage in supervision and peer review for all of their professional practice but their opinions need to be their own.