A Family Report or Single Expert Report is an independent assessment prepared by a qualified Child Expert to assist the Court in making decisions about parenting arrangements. The Child Expert may be appointed by the Court directly or engaged as a Single Expert agreed to by the parties. The report provides insight into family dynamics and supports decisions that prioritise each child’s best interests.
Family Reports are typically requested when a matter is progressing toward a final hearing. They offer a structured analysis of each child’s needs, the views and experiences of the parents, and any risks or protective factors relevant to the child’s safety and wellbeing.
Once a joint letter of instruction or an order of appointment is received, we confirm the interview date. Invoices are issued and appointment invitations sent when supporting documents have been provided.
Interviews are generally conducted in person. Children are seen individually, in a manner that supports their developmental
stage, communication style, and individual needs. Adults are also interviewed in person, enabling the Child Expert to explore each parent’s perspective on the child’s experience and their understanding of the child’s needs. If appropriate children are also observed with members of each party’s household to gain insight into the nature and quality of those relationships.
Interviews are generally conducted in person. Children are seen individually, in a manner that supports their developmental stage, communication style, and individual needs. Adults are also interviewed in person, enabling the Child Expert to explore each parent’s perspective on the child’s experience and their understanding of the child’s needs. If appropriate children are also observed with members of each party’s household to gain insight into the nature and quality of those relationships.
Every report is reviewed by the lead Child Expert Kim Coshaw before release. Our internal quality assurance process ensures each report is impartial, insightful, and accurate—regardless of which Child Expert conducted the interviews.
All are typically delivered within four weeks of the final interview to assist the Court and parties in progressing parenting matters efficiently.
