Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Forensic Psychology Practice in Family Law
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Forensic Services
Forensic Psychology is where the practice of psychology and the legal system intersect. As a skilled child development expert Dr. O'Hara brings his clinical experience to the family court arena in high conflict divorce, child custody issues, and post-divorce issues. As a forensic psychologist Dr. O'Hara's main focus is to help families and their legal teams navigate the difficulties that come with these family court proceedings.
Divorcing parents facing litigation may consider clinical support to help them as well as their children. It is important that the psychological issues be understood by the attorney and the court. Dr. O'Hara is available to assist families and their legal teams in the following roles:
Forensic Psychology Consulting - Sometimes having an expert consultant helps present a more clear and compelling case in court. As a Forensic Psychology Consultant Dr. O'Hara works for you in a totally private manner with his work being covered under the attorney-client work product privilege.
In his role as consultant Dr. O'Hara will:
- Be a part of your team, helping you make strategic choices with regard to the child focused/child custody aspects of your case
- Guide and educate you about the mental-health elements and events in your case (such as mandatory mediation, forensic evaluations)
- Conduct background research on specific issues or needed resources
- Help you develop a case theory and a cohesive/comprehensive case strategy
- Write direct and cross-examining questions (whichever is appropriate) for trial or for depositions on matters dealing with mental health and psychology issues
- Prepare you to be an effective participant in child custody mediation and or child custody evaluations
- Help prepare you and other individuals who are going to testify in court or in depositions
Court-Ordered Evaluations - A court-ordered evaluation such as a Social Investigation may be necessary to help the court determine the best interest of the child involved in a custody dispute. Court-ordered evaluations may also be ordered to address many issues affecting parenting such as mental health issues, substance abuse, or domestic violence.
- Social investigations
- Parenting plan
- Psychological evaluations and testing related to parenting
Forensic Work Product Review and Litigation Support - Finding an expert that can review a forensic report with objectivity and clarity may be essential if you have received a report that went against your client. In a review fo the forensic evaluation Dr. O'Hara can
- Provide an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the forensic work product especially with respect to the degree to which it was conducted in accordance with procedural guidelines and standards
- Detect potential signs of bias
- Assess the vulnerabilities and weaknesses in the work product and in the degree to which the procedures used in the work are valid, reliable, and properly carried out, and whether the work demonstrates a logical connection between the data gathered and reported and the recommendations offered and that can be explicated and exposed to the Court.
- Analyze strengths in the work product so as to anticipate what the opposition will emphasize during trial
When Dr.O'Hara conducts a custody evaluation, he adheres to American Psychological Associations guidelines and standards set by the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts.
To explore the possibility of Dr. O'Hara's participation as an evaluator, consultant, or expert witness in a case, contact him by phone at 561-748-4050 or email Dr. O'Hara at mloharapsyd@gmail.com.