FAQs for Solicitors & Case Managers
Solicitors, barristers, and case managers frequently rely on psychological evidence to clarify complex issues in family, criminal, immigration, and employment cases. The process of commissioning and interpreting psychological reports can raise practical and procedural questions.
This section addresses the most common ones, helping professionals instruct experts effectively and understand the purpose, scope, and structure of psychological assessments in court.
What Is the Role of a Psychologist as an Expert Witness?
A psychologist’s role is to assist the court by providing impartial, evidence-based opinions on psychological matters relevant to the case. Their duty is to the court, not to the party who instructs them.
Reports explain how mental health, trauma, cognition, or behaviour may affect an individual’s capacity, reliability, or risk. According to guidance from the British Psychological Society, expert witnesses must base their opinions on data derived from recognised psychological methods and communicate findings clearly to non-specialists.
How Should a Solicitor Instruct a Psychologist?
A clear and detailed letter of instruction is essential. It should outline the legal questions to be addressed, provide background documents, and specify deadlines for completion.
Courts often expect the following in an instruction:
The purpose of the assessment (for example, capacity, trauma, or parenting).
Access to relevant records such as medical or social care notes.
Contact details for solicitors, case managers, and involved professionals.
The Family Justice Council recommends early engagement with experts to clarify timescales and ensure assessments align with court timetables.
What Is the Typical Timescale for a Psychological Report?
Timelines vary depending on case complexity, access to records, and scheduling of interviews.
Standard assessments – typically completed within 3–4 weeks of instruction.
Complex cases or multiple interviews – may take up to 6–8 weeks.
Urgent court-ordered assessments – prioritised within 1–2 weeks where clinically feasible.
Peer reviews published in the Journal of Family Law and Practice highlight that early coordination between legal teams and experts reduces delays and avoids adjournments.
What Information Does the Expert Require?
Experts rely on accurate background information to produce reliable opinions.
Essential documents include:
Previous psychological or psychiatric reports.
GP and hospital records.
Police, probation, or social care reports.
Witness statements and court directions.
Incomplete or inconsistent information can limit the validity of the conclusions. Research from the International Journal of Law and Psychiatry emphasises that comprehensive disclosure leads to more defensible expert evidence.
Can the Expert Speak to Clients or Parties Directly?
Yes, but contact occurs only within the context of a formal assessment. Psychologists conduct interviews, administer tests, and collect collateral information to prepare the report. They do not provide therapy or case management for the parties involved.
The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) sets clear boundaries to prevent dual roles between therapy and expert work, ensuring impartiality and ethical practice.
What Happens if the Parties Disagree with the Expert’s Findings?
If concerns arise about the content or accuracy of a report, solicitors can request clarification or supplementary questions under Part 35 of the Civil Procedure Rules. In some cases, courts may authorise a second opinion if significant professional disagreement exists.
Judicial guidance published by the Royal Courts of Justice underscores that disagreement should be addressed through structured written questions, not informal debate, to maintain procedural fairness.
How Do Psychological Reports Influence Legal Decisions?
Judges treat expert evidence as one component of the broader evidential picture. Well-reasoned, transparent reports help the court make informed, balanced decisions.
Studies in the British Journal of Forensic Practice show that reports written in accessible language and directly linked to legal questions carry greater persuasive value and lead to more consistent outcomes.
How Much Does a Psychological Assessment Cost?
Fees vary according to the complexity of the case, the type of assessment required, and the expert’s level of specialisation.
Indicative ranges in the UK typically include:
Short reports (desktop or single-issue): from £800+
Comprehensive assessments (multiple interviews, psychometrics): from £2,000+
Specialist forensic or neuropsychological evaluations: from £3,500+
Publicly funded cases may follow Legal Aid Agency rates, while privately funded cases are negotiated directly with the expert.
How Should Experts Be Addressed in Court?
Experts are usually referred to by their professional title (for example, “Dr” or “Professor”) followed by their surname. During cross-examination, both sides may question the expert about their findings, methods, and conclusions.
The Advocates’ Gateway recommends that counsel use clear, focused questions that allow experts to explain psychological terminology without oversimplification.
Instruction and Contact
Dr Aisha Ali accepts instructions from solicitors, local authorities, guardians, and courts across the UK. Assessments can be arranged within agreed timescales, with urgent cases accommodated where possible.
Referrals are handled securely and confidentially in line with data protection and court protocol.
Contact:
For instructions or enquiries, please use the secure contact form or email provided on this site.
Phone: 0044 7508 161794
Email: info@draishaali.co.uk
Address: Dr Aisha Ali
F04 1st Floor Knightrider House,
Knightrider Street, Maidstone, United Kingdom,
ME15 6LU