THE PREMIER PROVIDER OF THERAPY AND PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT IN FLORIDA
Family Court Services
Our team of experienced psychologists and therapists offer various services 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 ongoing 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 Parenting 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 to better meet the needs of the parents and child.
This approach helps reduce a child's exposure to parental conflict. When children are caught in the middle of tension and disagreements between their parents, it can negatively impact their social relationships, academic performance, and overall family dynamics. This process is particularly beneficial for parents of children with special needs, who may require multiple services and interventions that parents may not always agree on.
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 are disputes about parental responsibility, time-sharing arrangements, or other custody-related matters. The court may initiate a social investigation and request a parenting plan recommendation from one of our providers in several circumstances:
-
Upon the agreement of both parties
-
Upon the request of either party
-
Upon the court’s discretion when the parents do not agree on parental responsibility or time-sharing arrangements
-
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. The 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:
-
Evidence of domestic violence, abuse, or neglect by one parent.
-
A history of substance abuse or mental health issues that affect the ability to care for the child.
-
A parent’s inability to provide a stable environment or engage in meaningful communication with the other parent.
-
Geographic distance or logistical concerns that make equal time-sharing impractical.
-
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.
Mediation
Mediation is an alternative dispute resolution process that 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 occur 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 both Family Mediation and Elder Mediation services:
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. Elder mediation is utilized in conflicts 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
Contact our practice today to learn more about Mediation or schedule a meeting to move forward with the Mediation process.
Supervised Visitation
Partners with Families (PWF) is the supervision program offered by Psychological Affiliates. We provide supervised visitation, therapeutic supervised visitation, and monitored exchanges.
PWF appointments are available seven days a week, including evenings. Appointments can be scheduled at a mutually agreed-upon location in the community or at the Psychological Affiliates office in Winter Park. Our supervisors are qualified, experienced, and trained in accordance with the Supervised Visitation Network Standards.
Please contact our Director of Services, Sherry White. With over 20 years of experience working with children and families, Ms. White has partnered with law enforcement, the Florida court system, DCF, and other professionals to prevent child abuse and support families. She is compassionate, dedicated, and ready to assist your family.
Ms. White can be reached by call or text message at (689) 250-2268 or via email at s.white@psychologicalaffiliates.com.
All family members and program participants will start with an initial interview conducted by Sherry White, the Director of Services at Partners with Families. Intake appointments are available both in-person and via Zoom. Please bring any relevant supporting documentation, such as court orders, to your appointment. Once you complete the PWF paperwork, we will begin the scheduling process for your visits. Visits are customized to meet the unique needs of each family.
We offer support for families who need supervised visitation between a parent and child(ren). This may be court ordered or recommended by a professional. Our supervisors are trained specialists who will participate actively or passively during the visits.
We offer supervision of the transfer of a child from one parent to the other. The exchange will occur at a scheduled time that is agreed upon by all parties, including the supervisor. We also offer precautions for families who are not permitted to come into contact with each other.
The child's need is paramount in making any decisions regarding parental supervision. Benefits to the child can include:
-
The child is able to maintain a relationship with both of their parents, which is known to be an important factor in the positive adjustment to family dissolution.
-
The child can anticipate the visits without stress of worrying about what is going to happen during their time with the parent. This allows them to enjoy visits in a safe, comfortable environment free from exposure to their parents' conflict and/or other problems.
-
As a non-supervised parent, you will 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 are coordinated by a neutral party (the visit supervisor) and there does not have to be contact before, during, or after the visits. You can relax and feel comfortable allowing your child to have contact with the other parent—and can get some valuable time to yourself.
As a supervised parent, you can be sure that your contact with your children is not interrupted, regardless of any personal or interpersonal problems you may be having. If allegations have been made against you, which is often the case when supervision is ordered, you can visit your children without fear of any new accusations because the supervisor is present and can verify what happened during your time together. When using our professional services, you can also be assured that the supervisors are qualified, neutral, and objective.
Guardian ad Litem (GAL)
A Guardian ad Litem (GAL) is an impartial professional appointed by the court to advocate for the child's best interests. GALs are commonly utilized in high-conflict divorce cases, child custody disputes, or cases involving allegations of child abuse. The GAL's role continues until the case is resolved or the parties agree that their services are no longer necessary. The GAL may also appear in court to provide recommendations regarding the child's best interests 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 will generate 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.