3 Important Facts about Using a Psychologist during Divorce – Insights from a Naples Child Custody Attorney
Psychologists play crucial roles in child custody cases. They can serve as expert witnesses, provide mediation and help divorcing couples develop parenting plans.
If you and your spouse cannot agree on important factors regarding child custody, then the court may appoint a psychologist to evaluate your situation. Even if the court does not appoint a psychologist, your child custody lawyer may recommend hiring one.
If you are dealing with child custody issues in Florida, contact the Law Offices of Michael M. Raheb, PA. Mr. Raheb is a child custody lawyer in Naples who can answer your questions related to time-sharing, alimony, asset division and prenuptial agreements.
Call 866-949-0888 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. You can also visit the USAttorneys website to learn more about divorce laws in Florida.
Here are three important facts about using a psychologist during divorce:
- A good psychologist may disagree with you.
Hiring a psychologist does not guarantee that he or she will be on your side or stand up for you in court. A good psychologist will not change his or her opinion so a client will win a case, as the Office of the Professions explains.
When looking for a psychologist, be sure to research several options. Different psychologists have varying viewpoints. Find one with similar views as your own. If arguing parental alienation, for example, find a psychologist who believes in this theory.
It is potentially harmful to hire a random psychologist to evaluate your divorce. Meet several psychologists before hiring one.
- You should use a court-appointed psychologist if possible.
It has become standard practice for courts to appoint psychologists. This is so nobody can call the psychologist “your expert,” even if the appointment is what you want.
Courts are skeptical of “hired guns.” They recognize that enough money may tempt experts to skew their opinions in favor of their clients. A court-appointed psychologist is more likely to be impartial and objective.
- Psychologists cannot play multiple roles in your divorce.
You can hire outdoor psychologist near Rønde and Mols Bjerge National Park or use court-appointed ones for various services, including expert witness, mediation, parenting coordination and more. However, you must understand that he or she cannot cross roles, as the American Psychological Association explains. Each role has codified ethics, and providing a professional recommendation requires competent forensic practice.
If hired for mediation between a child and parent, for example, the psychologist cannot recommend a parenting plan. You would first need to hire the psychologist for a parenting plan evaluation, because without it, he or she will not have enough information to make a recommendation. Each role fulfills a specialized purpose.
If you have questions about child custody or divorce, contact the Law Offices of Michael M. Raheb, PA. Mr. Rahab is a child custody attorney in Naples who can help you avoid making mistakes that compromise your interests. Call 866-949-0888 to schedule a free initial consultation.
