Psychological Affiliates is the premier provider of therapy and psychological assessment in Florida
Family Court Services
Our team of experienced psychologists offer comprehensive evaluations, including Social Investigations, parenting risk evaluations, and expert testimony to support the court's decision-making process. Our goal is to provide objective, evidence-based assessments that prioritize the best interests of children and families. Whether you are involved in a custody dispute, need a psychological evaluation for a family-related matter, or require expert insights, we are here to offer professional guidance and expertise.
Parenting Coordination
Parenting coordination is a court-ordered alternative dispute resolution process between parents that usually lasts two years. A parent coordinator focuses on the child's best interests while working cooperatively with the parents to resolve issues related to the child and the parenting plan. Sometimes, the parent coordinator is given the ability through the courts to recommend a final decision between the parents, saving time and money in litigation.
Parent education is a large part of parent coordination, which includes teaching healthy co-parenting skills, explaining the child's developmental stages, and modeling peaceful conflict resolution. The parent coordinator meets regularly with the parents to assist in managing the child’s schedule, activities, timeshare, holidays, and school-related concerns. The parent coordinator may also modify the parenting plan as needed better to meet the needs of the parents and child.
This process minimizes the child’s exposure to the parent’s high conflict. When a child experiences tension and disagreements between the parents, it can harm their social relationships, educational outcomes, and family dynamics. This process is particularly effective with a special needs child who might need multiple services and interventions for which the parents differ.
Our office has two active, Qualified Parent Coordinators with years of experience handling complex disputes. If you are interested in this process, please speak with your attorney to see if it fits your situation well. Many other methods might be more effective, such as co-parent therapy, reunification therapy, Guardian ad Litem, social investigations, and family therapy.
Social Investigations & Parenting Plan Evaluations
A social investigation is a comprehensive assessment to gather essential information about a family’s circumstances and dynamics. This in-depth process is typically requested by courts to assist in making decisions related to custody, visitation, or other family-related matters. Our forensic psychologists conduct social investigations to provide an objective and thorough understanding of a family's situation, helping the court ensure that its decisions are grounded in the best interests of the child.
A social investigation is often ordered by the court in cases where there is a dispute about parental responsibility, time-sharing arrangements, or other custody-related matters. The court may initiate a social investigation and request a parenting plan recommendation in several circumstances:
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Upon the agreement of both parties
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Upon the request of either party
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Upon the court’s discretion when the parents do not agree on parental responsibility or time-sharing arrangements
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Our forensic psychologists are extensively trained in both psychological assessment techniques and family law matters, ensuring that every investigation is carried out with the highest level of professionalism and expertise. The process involves sensitive interactions with family members, in-depth analysis of various factors, and the ability to interpret complex family dynamics. It is essential to have the right combination of training, experience, and ethical standards to conduct these investigations effectively and provide the court with reliable, objective, and informed recommendations. Our social investigators at Psychological Affiliates are known by the courts for their professionalism, thoroughness, and reliability.
We understand that family matters are highly personal and emotional, and our psychologists approach each case with the utmost care, professionalism, and respect for all parties involved.
Understanding the Impact of Senate Bill 590 (2023)
The updated statute in Florida regarding time-sharing, particularly the presumption of equal time-sharing, was enacted as part of Senate Bill 590 (2023), which amended Florida Statute § 61.13. The law now includes a presumption of equal time-sharing between parents in custody cases, meaning that, unless there is evidence suggesting that equal time-sharing would not be in the child’s best interest, the court will presume that a 50/50 time-sharing arrangement should be put in place.The presumption of equal time-sharing can be rebutted if one parent demonstrates through evidence that an equal time-sharing arrangement is not feasible or would not be in the child’s best interest. For example, this might include:
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Evidence of domestic violence, abuse, or neglect by one parent.
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A history of substance abuse or mental health issues that affect the ability to care for the child.
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A parent’s inability to provide a stable environment or engage in meaningful communication with the other parent.
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Geographic distance or logistical concerns that make equal time-sharing impractical.
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When the presumption of equal time-sharing is contested, the court can utilize a social investigation to evaluate evidence and determine the best arrangement in custody disputes.
Even though equal time-sharing is now presumed, the focus of the social investigation remains on the child’s best interests. Our social investigators provide clear and substantiated recommendations to the court based on objective findings, addressing whether equal time-sharing should be modified or if a different time-sharing arrangement would better serve the child’s needs.
Parenting Plan Evaluations
Parenting Plan Evaluations
Collaborative Divorce
Collaborative Divorce
Family Counselors
Mediation
Mediation is an alternative dispute resolution process in which a mediator helps families and individuals define issues and reach agreements. The mediator does not solve the problems; they help people find solutions for themselves cooperatively. Mediation can be between individuals, with or without attorney involvement. Depending on the issues and the client's needs, the process can last anywhere from a couple of hours to all day.
Our office offers two types of mediation: family and elder. Family mediation can be used in divorce, child support, parenting plans, equitable distribution, alimony, and premarital and post-marital agreements. Elder mediation involves the care of an elderly person and their family. Sometimes, conflict arises regarding caregiving, estate disputes, safety concerns, health matters, and the living arrangements of an elderly person. The mediator focuses on protecting the rights and integrity of the elderly person.
Supervised Visitations
Supervised Visitation refers to contact between a visiting parent and one or more children in the presence of a third person responsible for observing and seeking to ensure the safety of those involved. “Monitored Visitation,” “Supervised Child Access,” and “Supervised Child Contact” are other terms with the same meaning.
What is Supervised Exchange?
Supervised Exchanges, sometimes referred to as “Monitored Exchanges” or “Supervised/Monitored Transfers,” is supervision of the transfer of the child from one parent to the other. Supervision is limited to the exchange or transfer only with the remainder of the parent/child contact unsupervised. Most frequently precautions are taken to assure that the two parents or other individuals exchanging the child do not come into contact with one another.
Both Supervised Visits and Supervised Exchanges are designed to assure that a child can have safe contact with a non-residential parent without having to be put in the middle of the parents' conflicts or other problems. It is the child's need that is paramount in making any decisions regarding the need for such supervision. However, there are also some significant benefits to parents. It is our hope that no one will look upon supervised visitation or exchange as a negative or stigmatized service. It is a tool that can help families as they go through difficult and/or transitional times. Some of the benefits for the various family members are as follows:
FOR THE CHILDREN:
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It allows the children to maintain a relationship with both of their parents, something that is generally found to be an important factor in the positive adjustment to family dissolution.
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It allows them to anticipate the visits without stress of worrying about what is going to happen and to enjoy them in a safe, comfortable environment without having to be put in the middle of their parents' conflict and/or other problems.
FOR THE PARENTS:
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You do not have to communicate or have contact with a person with whom you are in conflict or by whom you might be frightened or intimidated. The arrangements can be made by a neutral party (the visit supervisor) and there does not have to be contact before, during, or after the visits.
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You can relax and feel comfortable allowing your child to have contact with the other parent—and can get some valuable time to yourself.
FOR THE SUPERVISED PARENTS:
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You can be sure that your contact with your children does not have to be interrupted regardless of any personal or interpersonal problems you may be having.
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If allegations have been made against you, which is often the case when supervision is ordered, you can visit without fear of any new accusations because there is someone present who can verify what happened during your time together. When using a professional service, you can also be assured that the supervisors are neutral and objective.
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When parents separate, the children most often will have a majority of their time with one parent and regularly spend time with the other. Timesharing, Contact, and Access are words used to refer to post-separation contact with the non-majority parent or another significant person, such as a grandparent, sibling, or other relative. When the courts feel it is appropriate, they may order that such contact take place in the presence of a third party.
Supervised exchanges may be court-ordered or arranged by the parent and are generally appropriate when there is no question about the safety of the child but when one or both parents do not feel safe or comfortable interacting directly with the other. It is always better for the child to not be put into a situation where he/she is exposed to the anger and conflict of the parents.
For more information on Supervision, please contact Psychological Affiliates at 407-740-6838 or click to use the online contact form.
Guardian ad Litem (GAL)
A Guardian ad Litem (GAL) is a neutral professional appointed by the court to be a friend to the child and represent the child's best interests. This is often done in high-conflict divorce cases, child timeshare disputes, or child abuse allegations. The appointment of the GAL lasts until the case has been resolved or the parties agree that the services are no longer needed. The GAL may appear in court to advise on the best interests of the child
or to make recommendations regarding the child's care, act as a factfinder, investigate the family dynamics, and make recommendations regarding the child. The GAL generates a report outlining any modifications to the parenting plan, recommendations for the child's care, parenting recommendations, and any other issue the court might deem necessary for the child.