Family Court Psychiatric Report
Independent psychiatric expert reports for private family law proceedings in England and Wales. Our consultant psychiatrists assess parental mental health and its potential impact on child welfare, providing opinion to assist the court in considering the best interests of children.
When This Report Is Instructed
- Private law children proceedings (Child Arrangements Orders)
- Cases where parental mental health is raised as a welfare concern
- Disputes over contact arrangements involving mental health issues
- Applications to vary orders based on changed mental health circumstances
- Cases involving allegations of parental alienation
- Relocation applications where mental health is relevant
What the Report Covers
- Comprehensive psychiatric assessment of the parent
- Review of court bundle, medical records, and relevant documentation
- Assessment of current mental health diagnosis and severity
- Evaluation of insight into mental health condition
- Assessment of engagement with treatment and compliance
- Opinion on impact of mental health on parenting capacity
- Evaluation of risk factors relevant to child welfare
- Assessment of protective factors and support systems
- Prognosis and likely trajectory of mental health condition
- Recommendations for treatment or support where appropriate
The report provides independent expert psychiatric opinion to assist the court or tribunal and does not determine liability, findings of fact, or legal outcomes.
Expert Standards
Duty to the Court
Independent, objective opinion uninfluenced by the instructing party.
CPR Part 35 Compliance
Full compliance with CPR Part 35 and Practice Direction.
Statement of Truth
Expert declaration and Statement of Truth included.
This applies equally to claimant, defendant, and single joint expert instructions.
How to Instruct
Send your instruction
Email instruct@psychiatric.report with your letter of instruction, relevant documents, medical records, and questions to address.
Assessment arranged
Assessment arranged remotely or at a suitable location, as required by the instruction.
Draft report issued
Draft report provided for review. Part 35 questions and addenda addressed as applicable.
Final report delivered
Final report with CPR declarations. Court attendance available if required.
Practicalities
Turnaround
3–5 weeks standard; expedited available subject to availability
Indicative Fee
£1,500–£2,000
Subject to complexity and records volume
Additional work: Part 35 questions, addenda, joint statements, and court attendance are available where required. Fees for additional work are confirmed once scope is clear.
We typically respond within 1 working day.