Dr. Scott C. Rosiere, Psy.D., provides comprehensive custody evaluations for family courts, attorneys, and guardians ad litem throughout Central and South Florida. With more than 25 years of experience in forensic psychology and hundreds of completed evaluations, Dr. Rosiere delivers thorough, evidence-based assessments designed to assist the court in determining custody and parenting arrangements that serve the best interests of the child.

What Is a Custody Evaluation?

A custody evaluation is a forensic psychological assessment ordered by the court or requested by an attorney to provide an independent, objective analysis of family dynamics, parenting capacity, and the developmental needs of children involved in custody disputes. Florida courts rely on custody evaluations under Florida Statute 61.20 to gather expert psychological data that informs decisions about parental responsibility, timesharing, and the child's best interests.

Unlike informal assessments or therapeutic opinions, a forensic custody evaluation is specifically designed to meet the evidentiary standards required for court admissibility. Under the Daubert framework adopted by Florida courts, expert testimony must be grounded in reliable methodology, subject to peer review, and generally accepted within the professional community. A properly conducted custody evaluation satisfies these gatekeeping requirements under Federal Rule of Evidence 702, providing the court with scientifically defensible evidence that lay witnesses and treating therapists simply cannot offer.

For attorneys, this distinction is critical. Research consistently demonstrates that the vast majority of contested family law cases involving expert testimony result in more informed judicial outcomes. The forensic evaluation report often serves as the first comprehensive exposure a judge has to the psychological dynamics underlying the custody dispute. A well-reasoned, methodologically sound report fundamentally shapes how the court understands the family system, each parent's capacity, and the child's developmental needs. Retaining a qualified forensic psychologist is not merely an advantage—it is an essential component of effective case preparation in contested custody matters.

Dr. Rosiere's Evaluation Process

Every custody evaluation conducted by Dr. Rosiere follows a structured, methodologically sound protocol consistent with the American Psychological Association's Guidelines for Child Custody Evaluations in Family Law Proceedings. The evaluation typically includes:

• Individual clinical interviews with each parent or caregiver, covering psychological history, parenting philosophy, the nature of the marital or relationship conflict, and each party's understanding of the child's developmental needs.

• Psychological testing and assessment instruments selected based on the referral questions and relevant clinical issues.

• Child interviews and behavioral observations appropriate to the child's age and developmental level, including observation of parent-child interactions.

• Collateral contacts and record review, including interviews with teachers, therapists, pediatricians, and other relevant professionals.

• A comprehensive written report with clearly articulated findings, clinical reasoning, and recommendations directly responsive to the referral questions and applicable Florida statutes.

When Is a Custody Evaluation Appropriate?

Custody evaluations are particularly valuable in cases involving:

• High-conflict custody disputes where parents cannot agree on timesharing or parental responsibility

• Allegations of domestic violence, substance abuse, or mental health impairment

• Concerns about a child's adjustment, safety, or developmental needs

• Relocation requests under Florida Statute 61.13001

• Cases requiring modification of an existing parenting plan

• Situations where a guardian ad litem or the court needs independent expert input

Why Attorneys Choose Dr. Rosiere

Attorneys throughout Florida's circuit courts retain Dr. Rosiere because his evaluations are thorough, methodologically defensible, and presented in clear, court-ready language. His reports are designed to withstand cross-examination, and his testimony translates complex psychological data into accessible findings that judges rely upon. With over two decades of courtroom experience, Dr. Rosiere has been qualified as an expert witness in family and dependency courts across multiple Florida circuits.

Dr. Rosiere understands that in forensic work, objectivity belongs to the expert and advocacy belongs to the attorney. His evaluations are conducted with complete independence, ensuring that findings and recommendations are based solely on the clinical data and the child's best interests. This impartiality is precisely what gives his reports and testimony their persuasive weight in court. Judges recognize that Dr. Rosiere's conclusions are not influenced by which party retained him, but are grounded in standardized assessment methodology and decades of clinical expertise.

His reports are structured to address each statutory factor under Florida law with specificity, providing judges with the organized, evidence-based analysis they need to render well-informed custody decisions. Every report is written with the understanding that it may be the single most important document shaping the court's perception of the family dynamics at issue. Dr. Rosiere's testimony translates complex psychological data into clear, accessible language that helps judges and attorneys alike understand the clinical significance of each finding and its direct relevance to the legal questions before the court.

Serving Central & South Florida

Dr. Rosiere conducts custody evaluations from his Lake Mary, Florida office and serves families and attorneys throughout Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Volusia, Brevard, Broward, Palm Beach, Miami-Dade, Hillsborough, and surrounding counties. Contact Dr. Rosiere to discuss your case and schedule a consultation.