Expert Witness Testimony Services

Dr. Scott C. Rosiere is a Florida-licensed forensic psychologist with more than 25 years of experience providing expert witness testimony in family and dependency courts throughout Central and South Florida. He has been qualified as an expert in forensic psychology across multiple Florida circuit courts and provides testimony that translates complex psychological findings into clear, reliable evidence for judges and attorneys.

Research demonstrates that the vast majority of contested civil trials involve expert testimony, and family law is no exception. In custody, dependency, and parental rights cases, the expert witness often provides the court with its most comprehensive and scientifically grounded understanding of the psychological issues at stake. The Supreme Court's Daubert trilogy—Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals (1993), General Electric Co. v. Joiner (1997), and Kumho Tire Co. v. Carmichael (1999)—established that trial judges serve as gatekeepers who must ensure that expert testimony is based on reliable methodology and relevant to the facts of the case. Dr. Rosiere's testimony consistently meets these rigorous standards.

For attorneys, retaining a qualified forensic psychologist as an expert witness is not simply an option—it is a strategic imperative in any case where psychological factors bear on the court's decision. An expert who can conduct a thorough analysis, teach the court, demonstrate competence, maintain believability under cross-examination, and communicate persuasively provides an evidentiary advantage that no amount of lay testimony can replicate. Dr. Rosiere brings each of these qualities to every case, combining scientific rigor with the courtroom presence that comes from decades of experience on the witness stand.

Expert Testimony Experience

Dr. Rosiere provides expert testimony at all stages of family law and dependency proceedings, including:

  • Custody and timesharing hearings

  • Dependency disposition and judicial review hearings

  • Termination of parental rights trials

  • Permanency hearings

  • Relocation proceedings

  • Contempt and modification hearings

  • Depositions

Testimony Based on His Own Evaluations

When Dr. Rosiere conducts a forensic evaluation, he is available to testify about his methodology, findings, and clinical opinions. His testimony addresses the evaluation process, the psychological testing administered, the clinical data obtained, and how those findings relate to the legal questions before the court. He presents his opinions with the degree of clinical certainty appropriate to the data, and he is experienced in explaining the limitations and appropriate scope of forensic psychological evaluation.

Case Consultation & Review Testimony

Attorneys also retain Dr. Rosiere to review evaluations conducted by other mental health professionals and to provide expert testimony regarding the adequacy and quality of those evaluations. This may include analysis of whether the evaluator followed accepted forensic standards, whether the testing instruments were appropriate, whether the data support the evaluator's conclusions, and whether alternative interpretations are supported by the evidence. Learn more about Attorney Case Consultation services.

Effective Communication on the Stand

Dr. Rosiere's courtroom effectiveness comes from his ability to present psychological concepts in language that is accessible to non-psychologists while maintaining scientific accuracy. He is experienced in both direct examination and cross-examination and presents findings in a composed, objective manner that serves the court's need for reliable expert input.

The most methodologically sound evaluation in the world loses its value if the expert cannot effectively communicate findings to the court. Dr. Rosiere approaches testimony as an educator, recognizing that judges and attorneys are not psychologists and need complex clinical concepts translated into clear, practical terms that illuminate the legal questions at issue. His testimony is organized to walk the court through each step of his methodology, the data supporting his conclusions, and the clinical reasoning connecting his findings to the specific legal standards the court must apply.

Dr. Rosiere maintains the ethical principle that objectivity belongs to the expert and advocacy belongs to the attorney. His testimony is never tailored to favor one party over another. Instead, he presents his clinical findings with the scientific neutrality that gives expert testimony its credibility and persuasive force. This commitment to objectivity is precisely what makes his opinions so valuable to attorneys on both sides of a case—and what makes judges confident that they are receiving reliable, unbiased expert guidance on the psychological dimensions of the matters before them.

Work With Us

What to Expect

Step 1: Attorney Engagement & Case Review

The process begins when an attorney retains Dr. Rosiere as an expert witness. He reviews all relevant case materials, including evaluation reports, depositions, discovery documents, and the specific legal questions at issue to determine how psychological expertise can best support the case.

Step 2: Opinion Formation & Report Preparation

Based on a thorough analysis of the case materials and relevant scientific literature, Dr. Rosiere forms professional opinions on the psychological issues in question. When retained as a testifying expert, he prepares a comprehensive expert report that clearly outlines his opinions, the basis for each conclusion, and the methodology employed.

Step 3: Pre-Testimony Attorney Consultation

Dr. Rosiere works closely with the retaining attorney to prepare for testimony. This includes discussing key areas of questioning, identifying potential challenges from opposing counsel, reviewing relevant research that supports his opinions, and developing clear explanations of complex psychological concepts for the court.

Step 4: Deposition Testimony

When scheduled for deposition, Dr. Rosiere provides sworn testimony under oath. He presents his qualifications, explains his methodology, and articulates his professional opinions clearly and concisely. He is experienced in handling rigorous cross-examination while maintaining composure and scientific objectivity.

Step 5: Courtroom Testimony

At trial or evidentiary hearings, Dr. Rosiere testifies as a qualified expert in forensic psychology. He presents complex psychological findings in language accessible to judges and jurors, explains the scientific basis for his conclusions, and responds to direct and cross-examination with professionalism and clarity.

Step 6: Rebuttal & Case Follow-Up

When opposing experts have provided testimony or reports, Dr. Rosiere can serve as a rebuttal expert, critically analyzing opposing opinions for methodological flaws, unsupported conclusions, or deviations from accepted forensic practice standards. He remains available for follow-up consultation throughout the litigation process.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Expert witness testimony involves a qualified forensic psychologist presenting clinical findings, opinions, and explanations to the court during legal proceedings. Dr. Rosiere explains complex psychological concepts in language accessible to judges and attorneys while maintaining scientific accuracy, helping the court make informed decisions in custody, Ddre.p eRnodseinecrye, eaxnpdl afianmsi lcyo mlpalwe xc apsseysc.hological concepts in language accessible to judges and attorneys while maintaining scientific accuracy, helping the court make informed decisions in custody, dependency, and family law cases.

  • Dr. Rosiere provides expert testimony in custody and timesharing hearings, dependency disposition and judicial review hearings, termination of parental rightsD rt.r iRaolssi,e rpee rpmraonveindceys heexapreirntg st,e stimony in custody and timesharing hearings, dependency disposition and judicial review heraerlioncgast,i otne rpmrioncaeteidoinn gosf, pcaornetnetmaplt raingdh tmso dtirfiiaclast,i opne rhmeaanreinncgys ,h eaanrdi ndgesp,o sitions throughout Florida.

  • Yes. Attorneys frequently retain Dr. Rosiere to review evaluations conducted by other mental health professionals and provide expert testimony regarding the adequacy and qualitYye so.f Atthtoosren eaysss efsrsemqeunetnst.l y retain Dr. Rosiere to review evaluations conducted by other mental health professionals and provide expert testimony regaTrhdiisn gm atyh ei nacdleuqduea cayn aalnyds iqsu aolfi twyh eotfh etrh otshee aesvsaelsusamteonrt sf.o llowed accepted forensic standards, whether appropriate testing instruments were used, and whether the dataT hsiusp pmoaryt itnhcel uedvea launaatloyrs’iss coofn cwlhuestihoenrs .the evaluator followed accepted forensic standards, whether appropriate testing instruments were used, and whether the data support the evaluator’s conclusions.

  • Dr. Rosiere provides thorough pre-testimony preparation, including detailed reports, case consultation, and preparation meetings with retaining counsel. He is experienced in both direct examination and cross-examination and presents findings in a composed, objective manner that serves the court’s need for reliable expert input.

  • Dr. Rosiere approaches every case with thorough preparation to ensure effective testimony. This includes comprehensive record review, detailed report preparation, pre-testimony consultation with retaining counsel, and anticipation of cross-examination questions. Dr. Rosiere ensures that all opinions are well-supported by data and presented clearly, making complex psychological findings accessible to judges, attorneys, and juries.

  • Dr. Rosiere provides expert witness testimony throughout Florida, including courts in Orlando, Miami, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Sarasota. He is available for in-person testimony, depositions, and remote proceedings via videoconference across multiple judicial circuits. Dr. Rosiere accepts referrals from family law attorneys, dependency attorneys, guardians ad litem, and the court statewide.