Services for Family Court
At Evaluate, I offer independent, evidence-based evaluations to support informed decision-making in child protection and high-conflict family matters. These assessments are designed to assist the court, parents, and legal professionals in understanding what is in the best interests of the child(ren) when it comes to legal guardianship, as well as parenting arrangements, responsibilities, and time.

What Is a Family Court Evaluation?

A family court evaluation involves an expert—either jointly selected by the parties or appointed by the court—conducting interviews and assessments with children and/or parents.  The purpose is to provide an impartial, professional opinion about parenting arrangements that support the well-being and safety of the child(ren).

These evaluations can help (to provide just a few examples):
  • Determine whether parents have the capacity to safely care for their children following incidents of abuse and / or neglect.
  • Ensure a child’s views are heard.
  • Assess co-parenting capacity amidst conflict or strained relationships.
  • Determine whether parenting plans can protect children from exposure to conflict or violence.
  • Consider relocation requests and their implications for the child(ren).
  • Understand why a child may be resisting contact with a parent.

Types of Family Court Evaluations
​
I provide the following types of family court assessments:

1. Parenting Plan Evaluations

Parenting plan evaluations may be referred to by different names depending on the jurisdiction or context. They are sometimes called:
  • ​Child Custody Evaluations
  • Custody and Access Evaluations​
  • In British Columbia, they are most commonly known as Section 211 Reports or s. 211 Evaluations, referencing Section 211 of the Family Law Act.

While the terminology may vary, the purpose remains the same: to provide the court with a neutral, professional opinion about what parenting arrangements best serve the child(ren)’s needs.  This is a full evaluation that considers the abilities of each parent, the needs of the child(ren), the fit between each parent's abilities and the children's needs, and the broader family dynamics.  The resulting report provides the court with an evidence-based recommendation regarding parenting responsibilities and time, aligned with the child’s best interests.

2. Views of the Child Assessments

This evaluation focuses solely on gathering and reporting the views and wishes of the child(ren), without evaluating the parents.  It allows the child’s perspective to be considered in decision-making without offering any analysis or recommendations.

3. Voice of the Child / Hear the Child Reports

Similar to the Views of the Child assessment, this process involves listening to the child’s views. However, the evaluator presents the child’s statements without offering any interpretation or opinion.  This format is often used when the court seeks to understand the child’s views without influence from a psychological opinion.

4. Parenting Capacity Assessments 

A Parenting Capacity Assessment (PCA) evaluates a parent’s ability to meet their child’s needs for safety, nurturance, guidance, and emotional support—both now and into the future.  This type of evaluation involves interviews, record review, psychological testing (when appropriate), and observations of parent-child interactions.  It considers the parent’s insight, stability, responsiveness, and ability to place the child’s needs above their own.  PCAs are frequently used in child protection matters or high-conflict custody disputes where the parenting abilities of one or both caregivers are in question.

5. Violence Risk Assessments 
​
Violence Risk Assessments are conducted when there are concerns about past or ongoing violence, threats, coercive control, or emotional harm within the family system.  This evaluation examines patterns of behavior, the context and severity of past incidents, current risk factors, and protective factors.  It also considers the potential for future harm and the parent’s ability to safely engage in parenting.  These assessments inform whether contact between a parent and child can proceed safely, and under what conditions (e.g., supervised access, safety planning, therapeutic intervention).

Cost of Family Court Evaluations

I charge an hourly fee for family court evaluations, and my hourly rate is $375.  All evaluations completed for court purposes incur an additional charge of 5% GST.  The total cost varies depending on the type of evaluation, the number of individuals involved, and the complexity of the issues.  Please contact me to discuss your situation and receive an individualized cost estimate.

I understand that both separation and family court evaluations can be costly.  These assessments are also time-intensive and may feel intrusive for families.  However, a well-executed, balanced evaluation can often be the turning point in a complex situation.  A strong report can lead to resolution by:
​
  • Helping parents avoid further litigation or reach agreement outside of court
  • Reducing prolonged conflict and clarifying next steps
  • Informing the development of safer, more sustainable parenting plans
  • Providing a path forward in stalled mediation
  • Supporting the closure of a child protection file when risk has been sufficiently addressed
  • Helping the court determine whether continued supervision or intervention is necessary
  • Offering clarity for children, parents, counsel, and decision-makers when emotions or allegations have clouded the picture
    ​
In short, while the process can be challenging, the outcome often provides structure, stability, and direction—particularly when families are navigating uncertainty.

How to Get Started

If you are a parent:
Please speak with your lawyer first and provide them with my contact information.  They are welcome to contact me directly for information about fees, availability, timelines, and procedures.  I can also provide my CV and respond to any additional questions they may have.   If you have been asked by your lawyer to collect information, feel free to email me to request administrative details such as fees, process overview, availability, or a copy of my CV.   To protect neutrality and fairness, please do not share details about your case or your family situation when requesting information.  I am unable to discuss details of your case or family situation with you outside of a formal assessment process.  

Ready to take the next step?
Either I or my virtual assistant will respond within 48 business hours.
📧 Email: [email protected]

If you are a lawyer:
The best way to begin is with a brief conversation via email.  Please reach out to let me know what type of evaluation you are seeking and the timeline for the case.   I will provide you with:
  • A cost estimate;
  • Information about availability and typical turnaround times
  • My CV for your records
  • An overview of my procedures, policies, and expectations
  • Answers to any questions you may have about fit, process, or scope.
You’ll hear back from me or my assistant within 48 business hours.
📧 Email: [email protected]

If you are a social worker:
The best way to begin is with a brief conversation via email.  Please reach out to let me know what type of evaluation you are seeking and the timeline for the case. I will provide you with:
  • A cost estimate
  • Information about availability and typical turnaround times
  • My CV for your records
  • An overview of my procedures, policies, and expectations
  • Answers to any questions you may have about fit, process, or scope.
You’ll hear back from me or my assistant within 48 business hours.
📧 Email: [email protected]