Diagnosis in Family Law Forensic Psychology

As I have previously written, in forensic psychology and forensic assessment in family law matters, there is no patient and no treatment. I’ve noted that this stands in contrast to clinical psychology and clinical assessment in which there is, indeed, a patient and, if indicated, a diagnosis. Forensic psychologists most frequently become involved in family law matters when the Court orders a child custody evaluation or another form of forensic assessment for the purpose of determining what is in the best interests of children. While the definition of “best interests” may vary from state to state in the same manner that the family code varies from state to state, invariably the best interests of children includes elements of how they are parented, whether the parenting is effective and appropriate and whether the children are being raised in a psychologically safe and psychologically stable environment.

Section of Family Law