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 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.

Forensic Psychologist in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Q: 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.

Custody Evaluations & Forensic Psychology Services in Broward County

Dr. Scott Rosiere, Psy.D., provides comprehensive forensic psychology services to families, attorneys, and courts throughout Fort Lauderdale and Broward County. As a licensed forensic psychologist serving the 17th Judicial Circuit, Dr. Rosiere offers court-ordered and attorney-requested evaluations designed to assist judges and legal professionals in making informed decisions about custody, parenting, and child welfare matters.

Forensic Psychology Services in Fort Lauderdale

Custody Evaluations — Comprehensive assessments of parenting capacity, parent-child relationships, and family dynamics to help Broward County judges determine custody and timesharing arrangements that serve the best interests of the child.

Parenting Capacity Evaluations — Focused evaluations of a parent’s psychological functioning, parenting skills, and ability to meet their child’s developmental needs in dependency and family law cases.

Bonding and Attachment Assessments — Evaluation of the emotional bond between a child and caregiver, frequently used in dependency court proceedings and contested custody cases in Broward County.

Dependency Court Evaluations — Psychological evaluations for cases involving the Department of Children and Families (DCF) in Broward County, including assessments of parental fitness, substance abuse concerns, and reunification readiness.

Forensic Psychological Testing — Standardized psychological testing and assessment instruments used to evaluate personality functioning, cognitive abilities, emotional well-being, and psychopathology within a forensic context.

Expert Witness Testimony — Dr. Rosiere provides clear, objective expert testimony in Broward County courtrooms, presenting evaluation findings and professional opinions to judges and attorneys in family law and dependency proceedings.

Attorney Case Consultation — Confidential consultation services for Fort Lauderdale family law and dependency attorneys seeking expert guidance on case strategy, psychological issues, and evaluation review.

Relocation Evaluations — Evaluations conducted when a parent seeks to relocate with a child, assessing the potential impact on the child’s relationship with both parents and overall well-being under Florida Statute 61.13001.

Serving the 17th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida

Dr. Rosiere regularly provides forensic psychology services for cases heard at the Broward County Courthouse in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The 17th Judicial Circuit serves all of Broward County, including the communities of Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Coral Springs, Plantation, Davie, Sunrise, Pompano Beach, Deerfield Beach, Weston, and Coconut Creek. Whether your case is in the family division or dependency court, Dr. Rosiere delivers thorough, evidence-based evaluations that meet the standards expected by Broward County judges.

Schedule a Consultation Today

If you are a parent, attorney, or guardian ad litem in Broward County seeking a qualified forensic psychologist, contact Dr. Rosiere today to discuss your case. Dr. Rosiere accepts court-appointed and private referrals for all forensic psychology services throughout the Fort Lauderdale area and the 17th Judicial Circuit.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

What areas of Florida does Dr. Rosiere serve?

Dr. Rosiere's office is in Lake Mary, FL (Seminole County), and he serves clients and courts across Central and South Florida, including Orange, Osceola, Volusia, Brevard, Broward, Palm Beach, Miami-Dade, Hillsborough, and Polk counties.

What are Dr. Rosiere's qualifications?

Dr. Rosiere holds a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University, has over 25 years of forensic and clinical experience, is a licensed psychologist in Florida (PY-7076), serves as adjunct faculty at NSU, and is a member of APA, AFCC, and FPA. He previously served 14 Years – Clinical Leadership, Broward County Dependency System (ChildNet).

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.