Services for Family Lawyers

Types of Services offered to Legal Counsel

I (Dr. Ashley Heiner) offer three main types of assistance to legal counsel who are representing clients in custody disputes.  All are considered consultation services:  ​​
​​
  • Forensic Work Product Review Services
    I am available to review reports prepared by other evaluators and to offer commentary concerning procedural matters; the selection of assessment instruments; the interpretation of assessment data; and, the degree to which opinions expressed are or are not supported by the data presented.  When raw data, contemporaneously-taken notes, and documents considered by the evaluator are made available, an extensive analysis is possible.​

  • Litigation Support Services - Unfavourable Report 
    If my review of another evaluator's report reveals deficiencies, and if litigation support services are desired, I can assist legal counsel in preparing for trial by proposing specific questions and general areas of inquiry for use in cross-examination of the evaluator.  I can also provide legal counsel with a review of the social science literature in areas pertinent to the case.   In addition, I can assist legal counsel at trial by listening to testimony and, on the basis of the testimony offered, suggesting questions for cross-examination.

  • ​Litigation Support Services - Favourable Report ​
    A report in which opinions offered are supportive of your client’s position does not assure a judicial decision favorable to the client.  Aspects of the report that are likely to be the focus of cross-examination or likely to be the object of criticism by an opposing expert can be identified, so that pre-trial preparation can be more effectively targeted.   Specific questions can be prepared and/or areas of inquiry can be described, enabling legal counsel to conduct their examination to elicit information that will serve to clarify poorly articulated portions of the report or supplement information that is deficient.  Specific questions can be prepared that will enable the expert to explain the nexus between reported findings and criteria that have been statutorily specified.  

Cost of Consultation Services

I charge an hourly fee for consultation and my hourly rate is $350.   All consultation services incur an additional charge of 5% GST.  The number of hours required for consultation depends on a number of factors.  Talk to me about what you're looking for, and I'll provide you with information about the estimated cost.      

Terms of Consultation Services

  1. My legal consultation services are offered to family lawyers throughout Canada. 
  2. When I offer consultation services I have counsel sign an agreement that establishes me as member of the litigation team (not an independent expert).  As such, my written and / or verbal work product will be considered privileged, confidential, and non-discoverable, and legal counsel agree never to waive privilege.      
  3. Within the aforementioned agreement, legal counsel also agree that they will not introduce my opinion (whether verbal, written, or otherwise communicated) in any capacity during settlement or litigation of their client's case.  
  4. When conducting a review of another evaluator's work product, I do not produce a written commentary / critique that can be submitted to opposing counsel and / or the Court.   Legal counsel may receive written commentary for internal use only.  
  5. I do not provide a testimony regarding any of my consultation work product. 
  6. I do not assist legal counsel in preparing their clients for evaluations or for testimony.
  7. In essence, my consultation services are designed to be internally used by the legal counsel who retains me, such that they are supported in achieving further clarity and understanding, and they are supported in preparing for mediation and / or litigation.   

How to Get Started

The best way for us to get started with consultation is to have a conversation about what you're looking for.  Email me or call me and leave me a voice mail.  I will return your email or phone call within 24 business hours .         

​TALK TO ME
[email protected]
​778-997-3441