What is a custody evaluation and when is one needed?

A custody evaluation is a comprehensive forensic psychological assessment ordered by the court to help determine the best custody and visitation arrangements for a child. It typically involves interviews, psychological testing, behavioral observations, and collateral contacts. Courts order evaluations when parents cannot agree on parenting plans, there are concerns about a parent's fitness, or complex family dynamics require professional assessment.

How long does a forensic custody evaluation take?

A thorough forensic custody evaluation typically takes 4 to 8 weeks to complete, depending on complexity. This includes multiple interview sessions with each parent, child observations, psychological testing, review of relevant documents, collateral interviews, and preparation of the written report. Dr. Rosiere prioritizes thoroughness while maintaining reasonable timelines for the court.

What areas of Florida does Dr. Rosiere serve?

Dr. Rosiere's primary office is in Lake Mary, Florida, and he serves clients throughout Central and South Florida, including Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Daytona Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and surrounding areas. He is available for court-appointed and private evaluations across all Florida family law circuits.

What is a bonding and attachment assessment?

A bonding and attachment assessment evaluates the emotional connection between a child and their parent or caregiver. Using structured observations, validated assessment instruments, and clinical interviews, Dr. Rosiere measures the quality of the parent-child bond to provide the court with evidence-based findings that inform custody and placement decisions.

Can attorneys refer clients directly for forensic evaluations?

Yes, attorneys can refer clients directly for forensic evaluations. Dr. Rosiere regularly works with family law attorneys throughout Florida, accepting both court-appointed and privately retained cases. Attorneys can contact the office at (407) 927-3955 to discuss case specifics and scheduling.

What qualifies Dr. Rosiere to conduct forensic psychological evaluations?

Dr. Scott C. Rosiere holds a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology and is a licensed psychologist in Florida. He has specialized training in forensic psychology, extensive experience conducting custody evaluations, parenting capacity assessments, and bonding evaluations for dependency and family law courts. He serves as an expert witness and follows all APA guidelines and Florida statutory requirements for forensic evaluations.

What types of forensic evaluations does Dr. Rosiere conduct?

Dr. Rosiere conducts custody evaluations, bonding and attachment assessments, parenting capacity evaluations, domestic violence and coercive control assessments, psychological evaluations of child sexual abuse allegations, sexually reactive behavior assessments, and permanency/placement analysis for termination of parental rights proceedings. He serves courts and attorneys throughout Central and South Florida.

Does Dr. Rosiere provide expert witness testimony?

Yes. Dr. Rosiere has been qualified as an expert witness in Florida courts and regularly provides testimony in dependency proceedings, contested custody disputes, and family court matters. He is available for both deposition and trial testimony.

How do I retain Dr. Rosiere as an expert on my case?

Attorneys can contact our office at (754) 465-4698 or through the contact form at custodyevaluationpsychologist.com to discuss case details and scheduling. Dr. Rosiere is available for court-appointed and privately retained evaluations and consultations.

How to Choose the Right Forensic Psychologist for Your Custody Case

Mar 12

Written By Scott Rosiere

When a family law case involves complex psychological issues — allegations of parental alienation, substance abuse concerns, mental health questions, or high-conflict custody disputes — selecting the right forensic psychologist can significantly influence the outcome. For attorneys, recommending or retaining a qualified forensic evaluator is one of the most consequential decisions in case preparation.

This guide outlines the key qualifications, questions, and considerations that Florida family law attorneys should weigh when choosing a forensic psychologist for custody-related matters.

Board Certification and Forensic Specialization

Not all psychologists are trained in forensic evaluation. A clinical psychologist who primarily provides therapy operates under a fundamentally different framework than a forensic psychologist conducting court-ordered evaluations. Look for practitioners who hold board certification in forensic psychology through the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) or who have completed specialized postdoctoral training in forensic assessment.

Forensic psychologists understand the legal standards governing custody determinations, including Florida Statute 61.13, which outlines the factors courts must consider when determining the best interests of the child. They are trained to apply validated psychological instruments within a forensic context and to produce reports that meet evidentiary standards.

Experience with Florida Family Courts

Florida's family court system has specific procedural requirements and judicial expectations for forensic evaluations. An evaluator with extensive experience in Florida courts will understand local practices, be familiar with the judges and guardians ad litem in your jurisdiction, and produce reports that align with what the court expects to see.

Ask potential evaluators how many custody evaluations they have completed, how frequently they testify in Florida courts, and whether they have experience with both private referrals and court appointments. An evaluator who has worked on both sides — retained by petitioners and respondents, as well as appointed by the court — brings a balanced perspective that strengthens credibility on the stand.

Comprehensive Evaluation Methodology

A thorough forensic custody evaluation should include multiple components: clinical interviews with both parents, behavioral observations of parent-child interactions, collateral contacts with relevant third parties (teachers, therapists, pediatricians), review of pertinent records, and standardized psychological testing. Be cautious of evaluators who rely too heavily on a single data source or who skip critical components like home visits or collateral interviews.

The best evaluators use a multi-method, multi-source approach that triangulates data across interviews, testing, observations, and records. This methodology produces findings that are more defensible under cross-examination and more useful to the court.

Psychological Testing Expertise

Forensic custody evaluations often involve specialized psychological instruments including the MMPI-2-RF, PAI, MCMI-IV, and parenting-specific measures. The evaluator should be able to explain their test selection rationale, interpret results within the forensic context, and address the limitations of each instrument. Attorneys should ask evaluators which tests they typically administer and why, as well as how they handle inconsistent or defensive response patterns.

Report Quality and Testimony Skills

Review sample reports (with identifying information redacted) when possible. A well-crafted forensic report should present findings in clear, organized language that connects psychological data to the specific legal questions before the court. The report should address each factor under Florida Statute 61.13 and provide opinions grounded in the data rather than speculation.

Equally important is the evaluator's ability to testify effectively. A forensic psychologist who can explain complex psychological concepts in accessible language, maintain composure under cross-examination, and clearly articulate the basis for their opinions is an invaluable asset in contested cases.

Ethical Standards and Objectivity

The forensic psychologist's role is to serve as an objective evaluator — not as an advocate for either party. Be wary of evaluators who guarantee favorable outcomes or who appear willing to tailor their findings to support a particular position. The most credible and effective forensic psychologists maintain strict objectivity and let the data guide their conclusions, even when those conclusions may not favor the retaining party.

Look for evaluators who adhere to the American Psychological Association's Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychology and who carry professional liability insurance specific to forensic practice.

Availability and Turnaround Time

Custody cases often operate under tight court deadlines. Discuss expected timelines upfront, including how long the evaluation process will take from start to finish, when the written report will be delivered, and the evaluator's availability for deposition and trial testimony. An evaluator who cannot meet court-imposed deadlines or who has excessive waitlists may not be the right fit for time-sensitive matters.

Choosing an Evaluator Who Strengthens Your Case

The right forensic psychologist does not simply produce a report — they provide a comprehensive, scientifically grounded analysis that helps the court make informed decisions about the best interests of the child. For attorneys, investing the time to identify a qualified, experienced, and objective forensic evaluator pays dividends throughout the litigation process.

Dr. Scott C. Rosiere brings over 25 years of forensic psychology experience to custody evaluations in Florida. As a licensed psychologist with extensive courtroom experience, Dr. Rosiere provides comprehensive custody evaluations, forensic psychological testing, and expert witness testimony for family law attorneys across the state. To discuss your case or schedule a consultation, visit our Attorney Case Consultation page.

Scott Rosiere