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Family law services

Family law proceedings require sensitive and nuanced assessments. Courts need to understand a parent’s mental health, parenting capacity and the mental and emotional needs of children. Our clinicians are skilled at working with families in distressing circumstances and at delivering objective, compassionate evaluations. We ensure the child’s voice is heard and that their best interests are kept to the forefront in any assessment’

We adhere to legal aid rates, and provide competitive rates for private paying clients.

What we offer

We provide a comprehensive suite of expert witness services for family law cases. Our team includes clinical, forensic and child psychologicists as well as adult and child and adolescent psychiatrists. We can help you decide which type of clinician is best for your case.

Parenting capacity assessments

Evaluating a parent’s ability to meet their child’s physical and emotional needs, including their understanding of child development, attachment and the capacity to provide a safe and nurturing environment.

Parental mental health assessments

Assessing the nature and severity of a parent’s mental health difficulties and the likely impact on parenting. We consider conditions such as depression, anxiety, personality disorder, substance misuse and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Litigation capacity assessments

Our psychologists and psychiatrists can assess litigation capacity and advise on any special measures that may be needed to enable a parent to participate in proceedings. Cognitive testing is offered where indicated. We can advise you on whether psychological or psychiatric expertise is more appropriate in individual cases.

Child psychiatric and psychological assessments

Understanding how a child has been affected by mental disorder, family dynamics, trauma or neglect and providing recommendations for support. Our child specialists are skilled at assessing emotional, behavioural and cognitive development.

Parental alienation and domestic violence evaluations

Experts in complex issues such as parental alienation and domestic violence. We assess the dynamics of coercive control and the impact on parent–child relationships.

ADHD and autism spectrum disorder assessments

Providing cognitive assessments for children and parents with ADHD or ASD and explaining how these conditions may affect parenting capacity or child behaviour.

Risk assessments

Considering potential harm to children and proposing measures to ensure their safety.

Recommendations for contact arrangements

Advising on contact plans that promote children’s well‑being and account for their developmental needs.

Expert testimony

Presenting findings in court in a clear and sensitive manner. We always remember that our duty is to assist the court.

Our approach

We work collaboratively with social workers, solicitors and guardians. Our assessments are based on a comprehensive review of documents, interviews with parents and children, observation of parent–child interactions and psychometric testing where appropriate. We recognise that parents may experience stigma and fear when undergoing a mental health assessment; we therefore create a non‑judgemental environment and explain our process clearly.

Why choose MLUK?

Child centred

The child’s welfare is always at the heart of our recommendations. We consider the strengths within families as well as the risks, offering balanced guidance for the court. 

Specialised expertise

Our team includes CAMHS (child and adolescent mental health) and adult specialists as well as forensic psychologists and psychiatrists. We have extensive experience with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder and substance misuse reports.

Clear reporting

Our experts translate complex clinical jargon into understandable concepts without losing meaning. Our reports are impartial and adhere to Family Procedure Rules.

Sensitivity

We understand the emotional complexity of family cases and approach every assessment with compassion. Our clinicians have a deep understanding of attachment, child and adult pathology, and family systems, enabling us to offer clear and insightful guidance.

Get in touch

To commission a family law assessment or to discuss a case, contact our family services coordinator via info@ml-uk.co.uk or call 0800 689 0846.