Services
Family separation and legal proceedings are often stressful, with pivotal consequences — particularly for children. A careful, independent assessment can help clarify the issues, identify children’s developmental and emotional needs, and support informed decision-making.
Louise brings more than 40 years of experience across family law, child and adolescent mental health, family relationships, mediation and clinical practice. She approaches each referral with care, curiosity and impartiality, recognising that every family’s circumstances are different.
Single Expert Reports & Family Assessments
Comprehensive, independent assessments addressing the questions identified in the referral or Court appointment. The process may include review of relevant documentation, interviews with adults and children, observations where appropriate, evaluation of the principal issues, and preparation of a detailed written report with recommendations. Interviews are generally held in person, and over videoconference as may be appropriate.
Solicitors · Barristers · Court order
Private Child Inclusive & Child Impact Reports
Focused assessments designed to identify the issues affecting a child and provide a clearer understanding of the child’s experiences, relationships and needs. Depending on the referral, the process may include parent interviews, child interviews or observations, review of initial documentation, and a written report addressing relevant risks and considerations. These reports focus on risk identification and analysis as is possible within the limited scope of these reports. Considerations and suggestions for direction are included.
Solicitors · Private arrangement
Mental Health Assessments
Mental health assessments may be undertaken where an adult’s psychological functioning is particularly relevant to the questions being considered. Assessments are informed by the available material, clinical interviews, collateral information and the broader family and legal context.
Court referral · Solicitor
Update & Addendum Reports
An update or addendum may be prepared when circumstances have changed, further information has become available, or specific issues require additional consideration following an earlier assessment.
Court · Solicitor
Expert Evidence
Where required, Louise is available to provide evidence in relation to her reports and to assist the Court by responding to questioning, explaining her assessment, reasoning and recommendations.
Court appointment
Professional Supervision & Mentoring
Louise provides individual professional consultation and professional supervision for social workers and other practitioners working with children, families, mental health concerns, trauma and complex family circumstances in the context of separation and family law proceedings.
Private · Professional referral
Clinical Consultations
Louise offers individual clinical consultations to parents related to their personal concerns, their children, mental health concerns, trauma and complex family circumstances in the context of separation and family law proceedings.
Direct · Parental request
For fee information, please visit the For Lawyers page or contact Louise directly. Fees are provided on request to legal representatives.
Go to For Lawyers →