Child Custody Mental Health Evaluations
Comprehensive Forensic Psychological Assessment for Family Court
Request ConsultationChild custody evaluations are among the most important decisions families face during separation or divorce. These comprehensive forensic mental health evaluations provide the court with objective, evidence-based information about parental functioning, mental health, and the best interests of the child.
Dr. Brian Burgoyne provides thorough, unbiased mental health evaluations for parents involved in custody disputes throughout Colorado. These evaluations assess psychological functioning, parenting capacity, potential risk factors, and recommendations for custody arrangements that serve the child's well-being.
📋 Experienced Forensic Evaluator
Three years of forensic mental health evaluation experience throughout Colorado, including testimony in family court proceedings. Dr. Burgoyne has provided expert witness testimony and comprehensive psychological evaluations that help courts make informed custody decisions.
Investment in Your Case
Comprehensive Mental Health Evaluation for Custody Proceedings
($2,000 due at intake | $2,000 due before feedback session)
This is a private-pay service. Insurance is not accepted for forensic evaluations.
Why private pay? Forensic evaluations serve the court, not the client, which means they cannot be billed to insurance. This also ensures complete objectivity and independence in the evaluation process.
What's Included in the Evaluation
Clinical Interviews
Comprehensive structured interviews with each parent (2-3 hours per parent) covering mental health history, parenting practices, family dynamics, and current functioning.
Psychological Testing
Standardized assessment measures including personality testing (MMPI-3 or PAI), parenting capacity measures, and screening for mental health conditions.
Collateral Information
Review of relevant records (medical, psychological, legal, school) and interviews with collateral sources as appropriate and with proper releases.
Risk Assessment
Evaluation of potential risk factors including substance abuse history, domestic violence, mental health concerns, and other factors affecting parenting capacity.
Comprehensive Report
Detailed forensic report (typically 20-30 pages) including test results, clinical observations, diagnostic impressions, and recommendations for the court.
Court Testimony
Available for deposition or trial testimony if required by the court. Additional fees apply for testimony and preparation time.
The Evaluation Process
A thorough, objective assessment conducted according to professional forensic psychology standards.
1. Initial Consultation & Retainer
Discussion of the evaluation scope, court orders, timeline, and payment arrangements. First payment of $2,000 due at this time. Both parties must agree to the evaluation.
2. Record Review
Thorough review of all relevant documentation including court orders, previous psychological evaluations, medical records, police reports, and other pertinent information.
3. Parent Interviews & Testing
Individual evaluation sessions with each parent (2-3 hours) including clinical interview and psychological testing. Structured assessment of mental health, parenting capacity, and relevant risk factors.
4. Collateral Contacts
As appropriate, interviews with therapists, teachers, family members, or other relevant collateral sources (with proper releases signed).
5. Analysis & Report Preparation
Integration of all data, analysis of findings, and preparation of comprehensive forensic report with clinical impressions and recommendations for the court.
6. Feedback & Report Delivery
Final payment of $2,000 due before feedback session. Review of findings with attorneys or parties as ordered by the court. Report submitted to court and counsel.
Areas of Assessment
Each evaluation comprehensively examines factors relevant to parenting capacity and child welfare.
Mental Health Functioning
- Current psychological symptoms and diagnoses
- History of mental health treatment
- Impact of mental health on parenting
- Stability and medication compliance
Substance Use History
- Current and historical substance use
- Treatment history and compliance
- Impact on parenting capacity
- Recovery status and stability
Parenting Capacity
- Understanding of child development
- Parenting skills and practices
- Ability to meet child's needs
- Parent-child relationship quality
Risk Factors
- History of domestic violence
- Child safety concerns
- Impulse control and judgment
- Compliance with court orders
Co-Parenting Capacity
- Communication with other parent
- Ability to facilitate child's relationship with other parent
- Conflict resolution skills
- Flexibility and cooperation
Environmental Factors
- Home environment stability
- Support systems available
- Employment and financial stability
- Community resources and involvement
Forensic Experience You Can Trust
Three Years Conducting Custody Evaluations Throughout Colorado
Dr. Burgoyne has conducted comprehensive forensic mental health evaluations for family court proceedings throughout Colorado since 2022. His evaluations are objective, evidence-based, and conducted according to professional standards established by the American Psychological Association.
Court Testimony Experience: Dr. Burgoyne has provided expert witness testimony in family court proceedings, explaining evaluation findings, psychological testing results, and clinical recommendations to judges and attorneys. He is experienced in deposition and trial testimony.
Neutral & Objective: Forensic evaluations are conducted with complete objectivity. Dr. Burgoyne serves as an impartial evaluator for the court, not as an advocate for either parent. His role is to provide the court with accurate, unbiased psychological information to inform custody decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who pays for the evaluation?
Payment arrangements are typically specified in the court order. Most commonly, parents split the cost 50/50 ($2,000 each), though the court may order a different arrangement. The 50/50 payment plan ($2,000 at intake, $2,000 before feedback) is available regardless of how parents split the total cost.
Why doesn't insurance cover forensic evaluations?
Insurance covers treatment services for the benefit of the patient. Forensic evaluations serve the court, not the individual being evaluated, which makes them ineligible for insurance reimbursement. This also ensures complete independence and objectivity in the evaluation process.
How long does the evaluation take?
The complete evaluation process typically takes 4-6 weeks from initial contact to final report, depending on scheduling availability, record review requirements, and the complexity of the case.
Will you evaluate the children?
This evaluation focuses on parental mental health and functioning. Full custody evaluations (including child interviews and observations) are a different service. If the court order specifies evaluation of the children, that should be clarified during the initial consultation.
Do both parents have to agree to the evaluation?
Yes, typically both parents must consent to participate, or the evaluation must be court-ordered. If one parent refuses to participate, that may be noted in the report if the evaluation proceeds.
Will you testify in court?
Yes, Dr. Burgoyne is available for deposition or trial testimony if required by the court. Additional fees apply for testimony preparation and court appearance time, billed separately from the evaluation fee.
What if I disagree with the findings?
Forensic evaluations are objective and based on professional standards. If you have concerns about the evaluation process or findings, you should discuss them with your attorney. Courts ultimately make custody decisions based on multiple factors, not solely on psychological evaluation results.
How should I prepare for the evaluation?
Be honest, cooperative, and provide complete information. Bring any relevant documentation. Answer questions truthfully—psychological testing includes validity measures that detect exaggeration or minimization of symptoms.
Schedule Your Forensic Consultation
Professional, objective mental health evaluations for family court proceedings.
Serving families throughout Colorado | Court testimony experience | Three years of forensic expertise
Request Consultation$4,000 Total Fee | 50/50 Payment Plan Available | Private Pay Only