More commonly referred to as Custody Evaluations

Social Investigations are often used when more extensive information is needed about children and parents involved in high-conflict cases and when the issues of time-sharing and parental responsibility are in dispute. They are a process by which an impartial professional completes an investigation and makes recommendations to the court regarding the best interest of the child(ren). The investigation typically includes interviews of the parents and children, interviews with collateral sources, home visits, and a records review, culminating in a formal report with recommendations to the court.

Fees for Social Investigation and Guardian ad Litem services are outlined below and on the Fees page.

A Guardian ad Litem is a court-appointed special advocate who helps the voices of children involved in judicial proceedings be heard. These children may be abused, neglected, abandoned, or embroiled in their parents’ ongoing litigation. The GAL is a neutral third party who represents the child(ren) and their best interests in Court, and independently conducts a thorough investigation on behalf of the child. Recommendations are made based on what is best for the child(ren) in order to help ensure that each child’s physical safety, psychological health, and emotional well-being are properly protected. 

Fees for Social Investigation and Guardian ad Litem services are outlined below and on the Fees page.

Co-parent consulting is a self-referred, collaborative service designed to help divorced, divorcing, and never-married parents identify the problems, stressors, and challenges their family is facing and develop practical, strategic solutions. This is not court-ordered Parenting Coordination. It is a proactive, consultative process entered into voluntarily by both parties. It is important to understand that the consultant is not a party to any ongoing litigation and has no authority within your legal proceedings. Recommendations made through this process are advisory, and co-parents are not legally bound to follow them. The value of the process lies in the willingness of both parties to engage collaboratively and in good faith.

Stable, consistent co-parenting across two households is one of the most significant factors in a child’s psychological and developmental well-being. When parenting styles are misaligned or communication between parents breaks down, children often bear the impact and are caught between inconsistent expectations and unresolved adult conflict. Over time, these dynamics can push families toward parallel parenting or escalating conflict, with the family court system becoming the default mechanism for resolving disputes that might otherwise be addressed outside of litigation.

Co-parent consulting offers an alternative. By working with a clinically trained consultant who understands both the family system and the family law context, parents can develop shared frameworks for decision-making, communication, and problem-solving, thereby reducing reliance on the courts and keeping the focus where it belongs: on the children.

$200 for 60-minute sessions

Mental health providers who work with minor children or high-conflict families will often find themselves navigating the intersection of clinical practice and family law — whether they sought that role or not. Receiving a subpoena, being asked to provide records, or being called to testify can feel outside the scope of clinical training, yet these situations arise with regularity in this work.

Consultation is available to mental health providers who need support in navigating the unique demands of serving as a treating clinician in a legally involved case. The goal is to bridge the gap between clinical knowledge and the family law context, so that you can advocate effectively for yourself and your clients while maintaining your ethical obligations and professional standing.

Consultation services for providers include:

• Case consultation for legally involved clients
• Reviewing and updating practice policies, fee structures, and intake paperwork
• Writing and editing treatment summaries for legal purposes
• Navigating the intersection of applicable laws and your professional ethics code
• Understanding how and when to respond to subpoenas and court orders
• Preparation for depositions and court appearances

$100 for providers who are students, interns, and/or from marginalized populations

$150 for fully licensed providers