Choosing your procedure in the Family Court

Alternative dispute resolution (ADR)

Custody or access assessments:

Where the custody or access to a child is in dispute, a mental health professional such as a social worker, psychologist or psychiatrist may be engaged on consent of all parties or by court order to investigate, evaluate, report and finally make recommendations as to what custodial and access arrangements would best suit the best interests of the child. Such assessments may assist the parties, their lawyers and the court in resolving custody and access issues. The assessor can be a witness if the case goes to court. Assessors are available on a fee-for-service basis.