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.

Forensic Psychologist in Orlando, 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.

Q: 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.

Custody Evaluations & Expert Witness Services in Orange County

Dr. Scott C. Rosiere, Psy.D., provides comprehensive forensic psychological services to families, attorneys, and courts throughout the Orlando metropolitan area and Orange County. As a licensed forensic psychologist serving Florida’s 9th Judicial Circuit, Dr. Rosiere brings specialized expertise in custody evaluations, parenting capacity assessments, bonding and attachment evaluations, and expert witness testimony to some of Central Florida’s most complex family law and dependency cases.

Forensic Psychology Services Available in Orlando

Whether you are a family law attorney preparing for a contested custody hearing at the Orange County Courthouse or a parent navigating a high-conflict divorce, Dr. Rosiere offers the following evidence-based forensic evaluation services in the Orlando area:

Custody Evaluations — Comprehensive psychological evaluations for contested custody disputes in Orange County family court, addressing parenting fitness, child developmental needs, and best-interest recommendations for the 9th Judicial Circuit.

Parenting Capacity Evaluations — Detailed assessments of a parent’s psychological functioning, parenting skills, and ability to meet their child’s emotional and developmental needs, frequently ordered by Orlando-area judges in dependency and family law proceedings.

Bonding & Attachment Evaluations — Scientifically grounded evaluations of the parent-child relationship, measuring attachment quality, emotional responsiveness, and the psychological bond between caregiver and child in Orlando dependency and custody matters.

Dependency Court Evaluations — Forensic evaluations for DCF-involved cases in Orange County, supporting reunification planning, termination of parental rights proceedings, and placement decisions in the 9th Circuit dependency court system.

Expert Witness Testimony — Clear, authoritative courtroom testimony translating complex psychological findings into actionable information for judges and attorneys in Orange County and throughout Central Florida.

Relocation Evaluations — Evaluations addressing the psychological impact of proposed parental relocation on children, helping Orlando courts make informed decisions under Florida Statute 61.13001.

Psychological Testing & Assessment — Validated psychometric instruments including the MMPI-3, PAI, and MCMI-IV to provide objective data for Orlando family court proceedings and attorney case preparation.

Serving Orlando & the 9th Judicial Circuit

Dr. Rosiere regularly accepts cases from the Orange County Courthouse and the Osceola County Courthouse, both within Florida’s 9th Judicial Circuit. He works closely with family law attorneys, guardians ad litem, and the Department of Children and Families across the greater Orlando area, including Winter Park, Kissimmee, and surrounding communities in Central Florida.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are an Orlando-area attorney seeking a qualified forensic psychologist for an upcoming case, or a parent in need of a court-ordered evaluation, contact Dr. Rosiere today to discuss your situation and learn how his forensic expertise can support your legal matter in Orange County and the 9th Judicial Circuit.

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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.