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.

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How Judges Actually Make Decisions in Family Cases

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.

The factors that move judges aren’t always the ones attorneys prepare for. This guide breaks down what the research — and experienced judges — say actually drives custody and family court decisions.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why “best interest of the child” means something different in practice than most attorneys assume

• The three evaluation factors judges weight most heavily — and the ones they quietly discount

• How judicial decision-making research applies to expert witness selection and preparation

• What experienced family court judges say they wish attorneys understood about their process

• The presentation mistakes that cost otherwise strong cases their momentum

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— Dr. Scott C. Rosiere, Psy.D. | Forensic Psychologist & Expert Witness

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.

How Judges Actually Make Decisions in Family Cases

What You’ll Learn:

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No intake form. No fee for the initial call. Contact Dr. Scott Rosiere, Psy.D. directly at (754) 465-4698 or through the contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions