Court-Related Services

Court-Related Services

I am sometimes asked to complete court-related services (called “forensic services”), usually psychological evaluations. Other times, I have been subpoenaed to provide testimony or clinical records for litigation by someone I see for psychotherapy. Even though you are responsible for ALL forensic fees, this does not mean my testimony will be solely in your favor. If I am hired for forensic services, my testimony will be “expert testimony” regarding a specific situation. I am responsible for providing information accurate with my time with you, current research, and psychological knowledge.

If I am required to testify or provide information to the court as your treating psychologist, I can only attest to the facts of the case and my professional opinion of your care. Therefore, I cannot ethically provide expert opinion in these cases and must refer you to another provider. In addition, if requested to testify while I am providing treatment to you, this might affect treatment, and I might have to discontinue future services, depending on your case.

A minimum of two-week notice of any court appearance is necessary to make schedule changes for other patients/clients within a reasonable time frame. Please note: If a subpoena or notice to meet attorney(s) is received without a minimum of a two-week notice, there will be an additional $500.00 express charge. The fee structure for court appearances is as follows:

Forensic and Court-Related Fees

I require a retainer of $1500.00 to be paid at least two weeks before the scheduled court appearance. My office will bill the remainder of the estimated costs before the court appearance, which will be due immediately upon receipt. Suppose I am subpoenaed, and the case is reset with less than a 72-hour notice before the beginning of the day of the scheduled subpoena or trial. In that case, you will be charged $600.00 (in addition to the original retainer of $1500.00 for having to appear in court). My office will provide you with a weekly invoice for all forensic services; payment is expected upon receipt. Of the court-related charges, a minimum of $1500.00 is charged for court preparation and is NONREFUNDABLE. Any refund from money received beyond the initial retainer owed to you will be remitted by mail to your address of record up to 30 days after the court appearance All listed fees are doubled if I am out of town or on vacation and must attend to these legal requests.