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Mountain Range

Psychosocial Expertise

A psychosocial expertise is a thorough, impartial evaluation conducted when parents disagree about custody, parenting time, or access rights. The goal is to provide the Superior Court with an independent, professional opinion that helps clarify what arrangements best serve the child’s wellbeing and security.

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This evaluation is conducted by a social worker or psychologist recognized by their professional order, in keeping with the Guidelines for Expert Assessments in Matters of Child Custody and Access Rights (Ordre des psychologues du Québec, OTSTCFQ, and ACJQ, 2006)

 

The expert acts with neutrality, objectivity, and professional rigour, ensuring that all family members have an opportunity to be heard and that conclusions are based on reliable, balanced information.

Throughout the process, the child’s voice and developmental needs guide the assessment. The evaluation considers:

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  • Emotional safety and stability

  • The child’s capacity to express feelings and be heard

  • Freedom to love and maintain relationships with both parents

  • Protection from parental conflict and undue pressure

  • Continuity in routines, schooling, and relationships

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The ultimate aim is to support arrangements that protect the child’s wellbeing, emotional security, and balanced development.

Child-Centered Approach

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When is a Psychosocial Expertise Requested?

A judge may order a psychosocial expertise when a situation is particularly complex or when there are allegations of issues such as domestic violence, parental alienation, or concerns about a parent’s capacity to care for the child. In some cases, parents can also agree jointly to request the assessment.

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The expert’s mandate may address questions such as:

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  • The organization of parenting time and decision-making responsibilities

  • The quality of parent-child relationships

  • Parental skills and emotional availability

  • Post-separation conflict and communication patterns

  • The child’s expressed needs, comfort, and preferences

  • The presence of psychological, relational, or environmental risk factors

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Process and Methods

The expert gathers information through a combination of interviews, observations, and collateral consultations, while maintaining the same level of depth and fairness with each parent.

 

Typical steps include:

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  • Individual meetings with each parent

  • Interviews and play-based or conversational meetings with the child

  • Observations of parent-child interactions

  • Review of legal and professional documents

  • Consultation with relevant professionals (teachers, counsellors, healthcare providers)

  • Where appropriate, meetings with stepparents or other significant figures

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Each assessment is adapted to the family’s reality, ensuring cultural sensitivity, neutrality, and respect for each person’s experience.

3

The Final Report

At the end of the process, the expert produces a comprehensive written report presenting:

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  • The context and objectives of the mandate

  • The methods used and data collected

  • A detailed analysis of the family dynamics

  • An evidence-based professional opinion

  • Recommendations focused on the child’s best interests

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The expert may be called to testify before the Court to explain their conclusions or clarify aspects of the report.

If you would like to learn more about the psychosocial expertise process or discuss a possible mandate, please contact me.

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