Forensic Evaluations for Family Court

At Verdant Hope, we offer 3 main types of Forensic Evaluations for Family Court:

Independent Psychological Evaluation (IPE)

An IPE is a focused forensic assessment ordered in family court to address specific referral questions (e.g., parental capacity, mental health, or risk). It is narrower than a full family evaluation and uses interviews, testing, observation, and collateral data to answer those limited questions. Because of its scope, an IPE alone typically cannot support opinions on legal decision-making or a full parenting schedule.

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Comprehensive Family Evaluation (CFE)

A CFE is a full forensic evaluation that examines all factors under A.R.S. § 25-403 to help the court craft a parenting plan. It assesses parental capacity, child adjustment, and co-parenting dynamics through interviews, home visits, testing, and collateral information. A CFE is required when opinions on legal decision-making authority or full parenting time are needed.

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Focused Assessment (FA)

An FA is a targeted evaluation addressing only specific issues (e.g., mental health, substance use, or contact problems) rather than the full § 25-403 criteria. It answers defined court referral questions and supports limited recommendations, not broad custody determinations. It’s best used when the disputed issues are clearly defined.