Even the Playing Field in Child Custody with a Forensic Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist

The end of a marriage is a difficult time for most people. When there is also the issue of child custody, emotions and tensions run high. The person that you have been married to and shared your life with can suddenly seem like a total stranger. It may seem that your spouse has all of the advantages, making it more likely for them to be awarded custody. The use of a forensic child & adolescent psychiatrist may improve your odds of getting a better outcome.

A forensic child & adolescent psychiatrist will give their opinion to lawyers and judges, or provide expert witness testimony about a parent’s ability to care. These expert witnesses usually work on behalf of the child, not on either side of the case. Their goal is to provide adequate information about each parent to the lawyers and judge in the case, so that they make the best decision about where to place the child according to what is best for his or her welfare.

When a court hires a forensic child & adolescent psychiatrist, there is no favoritism to either parental party. If this is not the case, either party can make the request to hire a professional, but the decision will be left to the judge. There are many reasons that it may be to your advantage to attain an expert witness, including relocation disputes, false sexual abuse allegations, suspected abuse, suspicion of substance abuse, and many others. They may also be needed to prepare children who are required to give testimony in court. Doing the needed research and providing an evaluation according to the standards will help you get a fair decision that is right for you and your child.