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A Psychologist's Potential Roles In Family Litigation = generally true = click to learn more ? = varies by circumstance 3 = click number to read note at bottom This table has been prepared in an effort to answer common questions. Each individual psychologist's practice will differ. Courts, insurance companies and even role definitions and associated practices will differ by the professional's guild association, state and jurisdiction. Use the left-hand column as a list of questions that you might ask the specific professionals in your situation.
Psychologist as...	Child's therapist	Guardian ad litem	Expert witness	Custody evaluator	Parenting Coordinator	Co-parenting Facilitator
Must be court appointed?
Click the link to learn more ...
See sample service agreement

The professional's goals probably include... (definitions will vary by professional, court and jurisdiction)
Psychologist as...	Child's therapist	Guardian ad litem	Expert witness	Custody evaluator	Parenting Coordinator	Co-parenting facilitator
Inquire about your wishes?
Advocate for your wishes?		?	1	?	?	?
Advocate for the child's wishes?	?	?	?	?	?	?
Advocate for the best interests of the child?
Primarily responsible to you?	2
Primarily responsible to the court?	2					3
Speak with you?			4
Speak with your co-parent?	5		?
Speak with the child?		6	4		?	?
Speak to your references?			?		?
Review past evaluations?						?

The process probably involves ... (the process will vary by professional, court and jurisdiction)
Psychologist as...	Child's therapist	Guardian ad litem	Expert Witness	Custody evaluator	Parenting Coordinator	Co-parenting facilitator
Appointed by the court?	?
Help you strategize in advance of court?
Confer with GAL?	7		?			?
Write summary for court?	7					?
Appear in court?	7				?	?
Be deposed for court?	7	?				?
Report concerns of abuse/neglect? 8
Recommend custody outcome?			?
Make binding decisions to serve the child's best interests?

Regarding payment, costs and reimbursement (details will vary by professional, court and jurisdiction)
Psychologist as...	Child's therapist	Guardian ad litem	Expert witness	Custody evaluator	Parenting coordinator	Co-parenting facilitator
Require an advance retainer?	?					?
Insurance reimbursable? 9	?					?
Paid by you?		?
Paid by court?		10
Costs deductibel from pre-tax health set-aside?						?

Notes:

1. Dr. Garber will only advocate for the best interests of the child.
2. Yes, unless court appointed
3. Yes, IF court appointed
4. Each expert witness role is unique. In some instances, only conference with your attorney and review of records is advisable.
5. Read the NH Board of Mental Health Practice memorandum on this subject

6. Required by law, see

7. The relationship between the child's therapist and the GAL is a matter of controversy, but see this important Supreme Court ruling

8. Psychologists are mandated reporters under state law.

9. Typically, insurance will only reimburse for a health-related service, will require that an individual be identified as the "patient" and that that individual have a diagnosis. Read Dr. Garber's position on this subject

10. The State olf NH will fund GAL services in some instances, but these funds must be paid back by parties over time. Learn more