FAQs

How do I get the process started?

In most cases, an FA is initiated by one party and their attorney, by stipulation of both parties, or the Court. Regardless, Dr. DiCarlo must be appointed by the Court before starting the process. It is important for the initiating party to confirm Dr. DiCarlo’s availability before asking the Court to appoint him. There may be a wait list to start a new FA, as Dr. DiCarlo only begins one evaluation per month. Please direct all inquiries to Dr. DiCarlo’s forensic case manager, Kelli Benavides.

How much does this service cost?

The cost of a FA varies considerably. Factors affecting cost include the number of children and caregivers, complexity of the issues, and the cooperation of the parties and attorneys. An “advance fee” of $7,000 is due at the onset of the process. The Court determines the specific fee split (e.g., 50% per parent) as to who must pay. Dr. DiCarlo bills his normal forensic rate of $350 per hour for all clinical/forensic services. The final cost usually exceeds the initial advance fee, and replenishment of funds may be necessary to complete the evaluation. Dr. DiCarlo will utilize forensic assistants to reduce cost to any degree possible. The cost of the evaluation does not include expert testimony by deposition or in court, if requested.

What can I expect out of the process and procedures?

Most FAs include the following procedures, which may help in estimating cost. This is an estimation only, and individual evaluations may differ.

• 30-minute initial attorney teleconference

• 2-3 hours of clinical interviewing with each parent

• 1 hours of clinical interviewing with each child

• Psychological testing (if the FA scope question relates to a caregiver’s mental health functioning or adjustment)

• 5+ hours of record review

• 6+ hours of report writing

How long does the process take?

Typical FAs take between 2-3 months to complete. Like cost, the duration of the evaluation varies based on the complexity of issues, availability of information, and cooperation of the parties. Dr. DiCarlo aims to produce a written report within 90 days of the initial parent interviews.

How should I communicate with the appointee or therapist?

It is important that the parents/litigants do not communicate with Dr. DiCarlo directly before the evaluation begins for the integrity of your case. One parent communicating with the evaluator can lead to allegations that the parent has biased the evaluator. Procedural questions or to schedule a joint case consultation, please contact Dr. DiCarlo’s forensic case manager, Kelli Benavides. Attorneys and Parties should not share specific case facts or allegations with Dr. DiCarlo’s office before an evaluation begins unless specifically asked and both parties or their representatives are present. Attorneys and Parties should not send Dr. DiCarlo’s office unsolicited documents or records unless specifically asked to do so.

Does Dr. DiCarlo make recommendations during the evaluation process?

Dr. DiCarlo will not make recommendations to the parties or the Court until the final report is produced. Please do not request legal or therapeutic advice from Dr. DiCarlo or his office staff before or during the evaluation process. If you have questions about how to implement your parenting time schedule or legal decision-making authority during the evaluation process, please speak with your attorney or seek legal advice.