Category: Child Custody Rights

Q & A – I am going to court what is relevant and admissible evidence?

In legal contexts, relevant and admissible evidence refers to evidence that is deemed appropriate and permissible in a court of law.

Relevant evidence is evidence that tends to prove or disprove a fact in question in a legal case. For example, in a criminal case, evidence that a defendant was seen at the scene of a crime would be relevant evidence.

Admissible evidence is evidence that is allowed to be presented in court according to the rules of evidence. The rules of evidence govern what types of evidence are admissible and how they can be presented in court. For example, hearsay evidence, which is second-hand information that is offered to prove the truth of the matter asserted, is generally not admissible in court unless an exception to the hearsay rule applies.

To determine whether evidence is relevant and admissible, courts will consider factors such as whether the evidence is reliable, whether it was obtained legally, and whether it has any prejudicial effects that outweigh its probative value. It is up to the parties in a legal case to argue for or against the admission of certain evidence, and ultimately it is up to the judge to make a ruling on whether the evidence is relevant and admissible.

©Linda Turner http://parentalalienationpas.com 2023

When a parent ignores court order for shared parenting

 

When a parent ignores a court order for shared parenting, they may be in contempt of court. Contempt of court is a legal term that refers to the willful disregard or disobedience of a court order or directive.

If one parent fails to comply with a court order for shared parenting, the other parent may file a motion for contempt with the court. The court may then schedule a hearing to determine whether the parent is in contempt and what sanctions or penalties should be imposed.

The sanctions for contempt of court can vary depending on the circumstances and the severity of the violation. The court may order the non-compliant parent to pay fines or court costs, complete community service, or even face imprisonment. The court may also modify the parenting plan or custody arrangement to address the non-compliance and ensure the best interests of the child.

It’s important to note that if a parent is having difficulty complying with a court order for shared parenting, they may be able to seek a modification of the order. A modification may be appropriate if there has been a significant change in circumstances, such as a relocation or a change in work schedule, that makes it difficult to comply with the existing order.

In any case, it’s essential to work with an experienced family law attorney who can help navigate the legal system and protect the best interests of the child.

©Linda Turner http://parentalalienationpas.com 2023

Custody cases and family court

Custody cases are legal proceedings in family court that determine which parent or guardian will have legal and physical custody of a child or children. These cases can be highly emotional and contentious, and they typically involve complex legal, social, and psychological issues.

In custody cases, the court considers several factors, such as the child’s age, gender, health, and educational needs, as well as the parents’ ability to provide a stable home environment, maintain a positive relationship with the child, and meet the child’s emotional and physical needs. The court may also consider any evidence of abuse or neglect, substance abuse, mental health issues, and other relevant factors that may impact the child’s welfare.

In many custody cases, the court may order a psychological evaluation or assessment of the child or parents by a qualified mental health professional. The assessment may include interviews, observations, and standardized psychological tests to evaluate the mental health, emotional functioning, and parenting abilities of the parties involved.

The psychological assessment can provide valuable information to the court and help inform custody decisions, such as determining the child’s best interests and the most appropriate custody arrangement. The assessment can also help identify any underlying mental health or behavioral issues that may require treatment or support.

Overall, custody cases in family court can be complex and emotionally charged, and they typically involve a range of legal, social, and psychological factors. The court’s primary goal is to make decisions that are in the best interests of the child, and psychological assessments can provide valuable information to help inform these decisions;

©Linda Turner http://parentalalienationpas.com 2023

Experts in the Family Court

Association of Child Psychotherapists

The UK Council of Psychotherapy

The British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy;

The British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies;

The British Psychoanalytic Council.amily

Beck Youth Inventories

The Beck Youth Inventories (BYI) are a set of standardized self-report questionnaires designed to assess emotional and behavioral problems in children and adolescents aged 7 to 18 years old. The inventories were developed by Aaron T. Beck, a prominent psychologist and pioneer in the field of cognitive therapy, and his colleagues.

The BYI includes five inventories that assess specific domains of emotional and behavioral functioning, including depression, anxiety, anger, disruptive behavior, and self-concept. Each inventory consists of 20 multiple-choice questions, and the inventories can be administered individually or as a set.

The BYI yields several scores for each inventory, including raw scores, T-scores, and percentile ranks. The scores can be used to identify emotional and behavioral problems, monitor progress in treatment, and inform treatment planning.

The BYI is designed to be self-administered and is available in paper-and-pencil or computerized formats. The inventories have undergone extensive research and validation to ensure their reliability and validity across diverse populations, and they are widely used in educational, clinical, and research settings.

Overall, the Beck Youth Inventories are a widely used and well-regarded set of assessment tools that provide valuable information about emotional and behavioral functioning in children and adolescents, which can inform treatment planning and intervention.

 

©Linda Turner http://parentalalienationpas.com 2023

Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales

The Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS) is a standardized assessment tool used to measure adaptive behavior and skills in individuals from birth through adulthood. The VABS is widely used by psychologists, educators, and clinicians to evaluate the functional abilities and daily living skills of individuals with developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and other conditions.

The VABS measures adaptive behaviors across several domains, including communication, daily living skills, socialization, and motor skills. The test is designed to be administered by a trained professional, and it involves interviews with the individual or their caregivers, as well as direct observations of the individual’s behavior.

The VABS provides a comprehensive evaluation of an individual’s adaptive behavior, including their strengths and areas of need. The test yields several scores, including standard scores, percentile ranks, and age-equivalent scores, which can help identify areas for intervention and inform treatment planning.

The VABS has undergone extensive research and validation to ensure its reliability and validity across diverse populations, and it is available in several languages. The assessment tool is widely used in educational, clinical, and research settings to evaluate the adaptive functioning of individuals and inform treatment planning.

Overall, the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales is a widely used and well-regarded assessment tool that provides valuable information about an individual’s adaptive behavior and skills, which can inform intervention and treatment planning in a variety of settings.

©Linda Turner http://parentalalienationpas.com 2023

Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children

The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC) is a standardized intelligence test designed to assess the cognitive abilities of children aged 6 to 16 years old. The WISC is currently in its fifth edition (WISC-V) and is widely used by psychologists, educators, and clinicians to diagnose learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and giftedness, as well as to inform educational and treatment planning.

The WISC-V measures several cognitive domains, including verbal comprehension, visual-spatial processing, working memory, processing speed, and fluid reasoning. The test includes both verbal and nonverbal tasks and is designed to be administered individually by a trained professional.

The WISC-V yields several composite scores, including a Full Scale IQ score, which provides an estimate of overall cognitive ability. In addition, the test provides scores for individual subtests and cognitive domains, which can help identify specific strengths and weaknesses in cognitive functioning.

The WISC-V is designed to be culturally and linguistically fair and is available in several languages. The test has undergone extensive research and validation to ensure its reliability and validity across diverse populations.

Overall, the WISC-V is a widely used and well-regarded intelligence test that provides valuable information about a child’s cognitive abilities and functioning, which can inform educational and treatment planning.

Physicist Stephen Hawking. When asked his IQ, he replied: “I have no idea. People who boast about their IQ are losers.”

 

©Linda Turner http://parentalalienationpas.com 2023

Q & A – What is a cognitive assessment?

A cognitive assessment is a standardized evaluation of an individual’s cognitive abilities and processes, such as memory, attention, language, reasoning, and perception. The assessment is typically conducted by a qualified professional, such as a neuropsychologist or a clinical psychologist, and is used to diagnose and understand cognitive strengths and weaknesses, and to develop a personalized treatment plan.

The cognitive assessment may involve a variety of tests and measures, such as standardized cognitive tests, questionnaires, observations, and interviews. The tests may vary depending on the individual’s age, developmental level, and specific concerns. For example, a cognitive assessment for a child may include measures of IQ, academic skills, and executive functioning, while a cognitive assessment for an adult may include measures of memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.

The results of a cognitive assessment can provide valuable information about an individual’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses, which can inform the development of personalized interventions and treatment plans. The assessment can also be used to identify cognitive deficits or impairments that may be related to a medical condition, such as dementia or traumatic brain injury.

Overall, a cognitive assessment is an important tool for understanding an individual’s cognitive abilities and processes, and for developing interventions and treatment plans that can help promote cognitive functioning and well-being.

©Linda Turner http://parentalalienationpas.com 2023

Q & A – What is a psychological assessment for custody case?

A psychological assessment for a custody case is a process where a mental health professional conducts an evaluation of one or both parents who are seeking custody of a child. The assessment is typically requested by the court to provide information about the psychological functioning and parenting abilities of each parent.

The purpose of a psychological assessment is to gather information that can help the court make an informed decision about the best interests of the child. The assessment may include interviews, standardized tests, and observations of the parent-child interactions. The mental health professional may also review relevant records such as medical records, school records, and legal documents.

The assessment may address various factors that can impact parenting abilities, such as mental health issues, substance abuse, history of domestic violence, parenting skills, and the quality of the parent-child relationship. The mental health professional may also provide recommendations for parenting plans or interventions that could promote the child’s well-being.

It’s important to note that a psychological assessment for a custody case is a formal evaluation that should be conducted by a qualified mental health professional with expertise in child custody issues. The results of the assessment can have significant implications for the outcome of the custody case, so it’s essential to ensure that the assessment is conducted ethically and accurately.

©Linda Turner http://parentalalienationpas.com 2023

Q & A – The Role of PI in Custody Cases

Private investigators can play a role in child custody cases, but their involvement and the extent of their services can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Some of the ways private investigators may be involved in child custody cases include:

  1. Gathering evidence: Private investigators may be hired to gather evidence, such as photos or videos, that can be used in court to support a particular custody claim.
  2. Background checks: Private investigators may conduct background checks on the other parent or other individuals involved in the case, such as a new partner or nanny, to uncover any potential concerns.
  3. Surveillance: Private investigators may conduct surveillance on the other parent to determine their behavior and activities, particularly if there are concerns about neglect or abuse.
  4. Locating missing parents: In cases where one parent has disappeared or is avoiding contact, private investigators may be hired to locate the missing parent.

It is important to note that private investigators must follow all legal and ethical guidelines in conducting their work, and the evidence they gather must be admissible in court. Additionally, the involvement of a private investigator may not always be necessary or appropriate for a particular case, and it’s important to work with an experienced attorney to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.

©Linda Turner http://parentalalienationpas.com 2023

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