{"id":4456,"date":"2026-10-17T08:35:34","date_gmt":"2026-10-16T22:35:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/invictushealth.com.au\/?p=4456"},"modified":"2026-10-17T09:08:01","modified_gmt":"2026-10-16T23:08:01","slug":"parenting-capacity-assessment-pathway","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/invictushealth.com.au\/hi\/resources\/parenting-capacity-assessment-pathway\/","title":{"rendered":"How a parenting capacity assessment works in family law, step by step"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; module_class=&#8221;ih-post&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;24px||40px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; width=&#8221;90%&#8221; max_width=&#8221;800px&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px||true|false&#8221;  global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_code _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<style>.ih-post a{text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:2px}.ih-post a:hover{color:#D89B2A}.ih-post ul,.ih-post ol{padding-left:1.4em;margin-bottom:1.2em}.ih-post li{margin-bottom:.45em}.ih-post h2{margin-top:1.6em;padding-bottom:.35em}.ih-post h3{margin-top:1.2em;padding-bottom:.3em}.ih-post table{width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;margin:1em 0 1.6em;font-size:15px;background:#fff;border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden}.ih-post th{background:#1C386D;color:#fff;text-align:left;padding:10px 12px;font-weight:600}.ih-post td{padding:10px 12px;border-top:1px solid #E8EBF0;vertical-align:top}.ih-post blockquote{border-left:4px solid #D89B2A;background:#fff;padding:16px 20px;border-radius:0 12px 12px 0;margin:1.2em 0}.ih-keypoints ul{list-style:none!important;padding-left:0!important}.ih-keypoints li{list-style:none!important}.ih-keypoints li{position:relative;padding-left:30px}.ih-keypoints li:before{content:\"\";position:absolute;left:0;top:.55em;width:14px;height:14px;border-radius:50%;background:#D89B2A}.ih-post ol{list-style:decimal!important}.ih-post ol>li{list-style-type:inherit!important}.ih-refs ol{font-size:14px;line-height:1.6}.ih-refs li{word-break:break-word}.ih-post h4{font-size:19px;font-weight:600;line-height:1.35;color:#172C57;margin-top:1.2em;padding-bottom:.3em}.ih-related a{display:block;background:#fff;border:1px solid #E8EBF0;border-radius:12px;padding:14px 18px;margin-bottom:10px;text-decoration:none;font-weight:600}.ih-related a:hover{border-color:#D89B2A;color:#1C386D}.ih-cta p{color:#fff}@media(max-width:600px){.ih-post table{display:block;overflow-x:auto}}.ih-post ol.ih-jm{list-style:none!important;padding:0!important;margin:1.2em 0 1.8em;position:relative}.ih-jm>li{list-style:none!important;position:relative;padding:0 0 18px 58px;margin:0}.ih-jm>li:before{content:\"\";position:absolute;left:19px;top:40px;bottom:0;width:2px;background:#E1C58F}.ih-jm>li:last-child:before{display:none}.ih-jm-n{position:absolute;left:0;top:0;width:40px;height:40px;border-radius:50%;background:#1C386D;color:#fff;font-weight:700;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;font-size:17px}.ih-jm-card{background:#fff;border:1px solid #E8EBF0;border-radius:14px;padding:16px 18px}.ih-post .ih-jm-t{margin:0!important;padding:0 0 4px!important;font-size:19px!important;font-weight:600!important;line-height:1.35!important;color:#172C57!important}.ih-jm-when{display:inline-block;font-size:13px;font-weight:600;color:#7A520F;background:#FBF1DC;border-radius:999px;padding:2px 10px;margin-bottom:10px}.ih-jm-cols{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:12px}.ih-jm-cols>div{background:#F6F8FB;border-radius:10px;padding:10px 12px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.6}.ih-jm-cols b{display:block;font-size:12px;letter-spacing:.06em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#55607A;margin-bottom:2px}.ih-jm-cols p{padding:0!important;margin:0}@media(max-width:640px){.ih-jm-cols{grid-template-columns:1fr}.ih-jm>li{padding-left:50px}.ih-jm-n{width:34px;height:34px;font-size:15px}.ih-jm>li:before{left:16px;top:34px}}.ih-note{background:#FBF1DC;border-left:4px solid #D89B2A;border-radius:0 12px 12px 0;padding:14px 18px;margin:1.2em 0}.ih-note p{padding:0!important;margin:0 0 .4em}.ih-note p:last-child{margin:0}.ih-themes{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fit,minmax(230px,1fr));gap:14px;margin:1em 0 1.6em}.ih-theme{background:#fff;border:1px solid #E8EBF0;border-top:4px solid #D89B2A;border-radius:12px;padding:16px 18px}.ih-post .ih-theme-t{margin:0!important;padding:0 0 6px!important;font-size:18px!important;font-weight:600!important;line-height:1.35!important;color:#172C57!important}.ih-theme ul{margin:0!important;padding-left:1.1em!important}.ih-compare td:first-child{font-weight:600;width:28%}<\/style>\n<p>[\/et_pb_code][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Montserrat||||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#172C57&#8243; text_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.75em&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;Montserrat|600|||||||&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#172C57&#8243; header_2_font_size=&#8221;26px&#8221; header_2_line_height=&#8221;1.3em&#8221; header_3_font=&#8221;Montserrat|600|||||||&#8221; header_3_text_color=&#8221;#172C57&#8243; header_3_font_size=&#8221;20px&#8221; header_3_line_height=&#8221;1.35em&#8221; link_text_color=&#8221;#1C386D&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;19px&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.7em&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||32px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Having a parenting capacity assessment can feel confronting, especially during a separation. Even so, knowing what will happen, and why, can make it a little easier.<\/p>\n<p>Below, each step of a parenting capacity assessment in a family law matter is mapped out, from the first question to the report, along with who arranges these assessments and how single experts work.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Montserrat||||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#172C57&#8243; text_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.75em&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;Montserrat|600|||||||&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#172C57&#8243; header_2_font_size=&#8221;26px&#8221; header_2_line_height=&#8221;1.3em&#8221; header_3_font=&#8221;Montserrat|600|||||||&#8221; header_3_text_color=&#8221;#172C57&#8243; header_3_font_size=&#8221;20px&#8221; header_3_line_height=&#8221;1.35em&#8221; link_text_color=&#8221;#1C386D&#8221; module_class=&#8221;ih-keypoints&#8221; header_2_font_size=&#8221;22px&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;28px|32px|20px|32px|false|false&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||16px||false|false&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|16px|16px|16px|16px&#8221; border_width_left=&#8221;4px&#8221; border_color_left=&#8221;#D89B2A&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>Key points<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>In family law, the child&#8217;s best interests are the paramount consideration.<\/li>\n<li>One factor the court considers is the capacity of each person who has, or may have, parental responsibility to meet the child&#8217;s developmental, psychological, emotional and cultural needs.<\/li>\n<li>Reports can come from the court&#8217;s own family consultant or from a private single expert, who is often jointly appointed by the parties and the Independent Children&#8217;s Lawyer.<\/li>\n<li>An expert&#8217;s duty is, above all, to the court. Their opinion must also be objective, independent and impartial.<\/li>\n<li>In Victorian child protection matters, the Children&#8217;s Court Clinic carries out court-ordered assessments.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Montserrat||||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#172C57&#8243; text_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.75em&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;Montserrat|600|||||||&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#172C57&#8243; header_2_font_size=&#8221;26px&#8221; header_2_line_height=&#8221;1.3em&#8221; header_3_font=&#8221;Montserrat|600|||||||&#8221; header_3_text_color=&#8221;#172C57&#8243; header_3_font_size=&#8221;20px&#8221; header_3_line_height=&#8221;1.35em&#8221; link_text_color=&#8221;#1C386D&#8221;  global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>The parenting capacity assessment path at a glance<\/h2>\n<p>This is the usual path for a privately arranged single expert report in a family law matter. Court-arranged reports also follow a similar shape.<\/p>\n<ol class=\"ih-jm\" aria-label=\"Parenting capacity assessment steps\">\n<li><span class=\"ih-jm-n\" aria-hidden=\"true\">1<\/span>\n<div class=\"ih-jm-card\">\n<h4 class=\"ih-jm-t\">A question about the children<\/h4>\n<p><span class=\"ih-jm-when\">During a family law matter<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"ih-jm-cols\">\n<div><b>What happens<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Parents cannot agree on parenting arrangements, and the court or the lawyers need independent information about the children&#8217;s needs and each parent&#8217;s capacity to meet them.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div><b>What you can do<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Talk with your lawyer about whether an assessment is needed, and what kind.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"ih-jm-n\" aria-hidden=\"true\">2<\/span>\n<div class=\"ih-jm-card\">\n<h4 class=\"ih-jm-t\">Choosing the type of report<\/h4>\n<p><span class=\"ih-jm-when\">Early in the matter<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"ih-jm-cols\">\n<div><b>What happens<\/b><\/p>\n<p>The court may direct its own family consultant to prepare a report. Otherwise, the parties and the Independent Children&#8217;s Lawyer may agree to jointly appoint a private single expert.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div><b>What you can do<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Ask your lawyer how the cost will be shared and when the report is needed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"ih-jm-n\" aria-hidden=\"true\">3<\/span>\n<div class=\"ih-jm-card\">\n<h4 class=\"ih-jm-t\">Agreeing the questions<\/h4>\n<p><span class=\"ih-jm-when\">Before we start<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"ih-jm-cols\">\n<div><b>What happens<\/b><\/p>\n<p>The lawyers agree on a letter of instruction that sets out the questions, and the documents the expert will receive. Parties must not contact a single expert on their own. However, the Independent Children&#8217;s Lawyer can.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div><b>What you can do<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Also raise any worries about the process or your safety through your lawyer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"ih-jm-n\" aria-hidden=\"true\">4<\/span>\n<div class=\"ih-jm-card\">\n<h4 class=\"ih-jm-t\">Reading the material<\/h4>\n<p><span class=\"ih-jm-when\">Before the appointments<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"ih-jm-cols\">\n<div><b>What happens<\/b><\/p>\n<p>The psychologist reads the court documents, reports and records provided, and plans the appointments.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div><b>What you can do<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Let us know about interpreters, access needs or safety needs, such as separate waiting areas.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"ih-jm-n\" aria-hidden=\"true\">5<\/span>\n<div class=\"ih-jm-card\">\n<h4 class=\"ih-jm-t\">Interviews and observation<\/h4>\n<p><span class=\"ih-jm-when\">Several appointments<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"ih-jm-cols\">\n<div><b>What happens<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Each parent is interviewed. Children are spoken with in a way that suits their age. Parents and children are also usually observed together. With consent, information may come from schools, doctors and services. Psychological testing may also be used.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div><b>What you can do<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Be open and honest. You can also bring examples of your child&#8217;s routines, health and schooling.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"ih-jm-n\" aria-hidden=\"true\">6<\/span>\n<div class=\"ih-jm-card\">\n<h4 class=\"ih-jm-t\">The report<\/h4>\n<p><span class=\"ih-jm-when\">Timing depends on the number of people involved<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"ih-jm-cols\">\n<div><b>What happens<\/b><\/p>\n<p>The report answers the agreed questions, with reasons. It is written for the court and its main duty is to the court, not to any party.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div><b>What you can do<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Your lawyer will then explain what the report says and how it may be used.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"ih-jm-n\" aria-hidden=\"true\">7<\/span>\n<div class=\"ih-jm-card\">\n<h4 class=\"ih-jm-t\">After the report<\/h4>\n<p><span class=\"ih-jm-when\">As the matter continues<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"ih-jm-cols\">\n<div><b>What happens<\/b><\/p>\n<p>The court weighs the report with all the other evidence. The expert may also be asked questions about it. Recommendations may include support, therapy or parenting programs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div><b>What you can do<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Then talk with your lawyer about the supports suggested, and which ones fit your family.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2>What the court looks at, and how a parenting capacity assessment helps<\/h2>\n<p>Under the <em>Family Law Act 1975<\/em>, the best interests of the child are the paramount consideration in parenting orders. Since 6 May 2024, the Act has a simpler list of factors. They include, for example, arrangements that promote the child&#8217;s safety, any views the child expresses, and the capacity of each person with parental responsibility to provide for the child&#8217;s developmental, psychological, emotional and cultural needs. The court must also consider any history of family violence, abuse or neglect.<\/p>\n<p>A parenting capacity assessment helps the court understand these factors. It also looks at what is going well, what the risks are and what support could help.<\/p>\n<h2>Court reports and private single experts<\/h2>\n<table class=\"ih-compare\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th><\/th>\n<th>Court family report<\/th>\n<th>Private single expert report<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Who prepares it<\/td>\n<td>A family consultant employed by the court<\/td>\n<td>A private psychologist, psychiatrist or social worker<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Who arranges it<\/td>\n<td>The court directs it, sometimes after a party asks<\/td>\n<td>The parties and the Independent Children&#8217;s Lawyer agree to appoint the expert, or the court orders it<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Who pays<\/td>\n<td>The court<\/td>\n<td>Usually shared by the parties. However, legal aid may contribute in some matters<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Contact with the expert<\/td>\n<td>Through the court process<\/td>\n<td>Parties must not contact the expert on their own. The Independent Children&#8217;s Lawyer can<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>Under the court&#8217;s rules, a single expert&#8217;s duty to the court comes before any duty to the people instructing or paying them. Their opinion must therefore be objective, unbiased, independent and impartial.<\/p>\n<h2>What a parenting capacity assessment usually involves<\/h2>\n<p>Good practice draws on several sources of information, so no single test or interview decides the outcome. An assessment may include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>interviews with each parent or carer about their history, parenting and the child&#8217;s needs<\/li>\n<li>time with each child, in a way that suits their age and maturity<\/li>\n<li>observation of each parent with the children<\/li>\n<li>information from schools, doctors and services, with consent<\/li>\n<li>psychological questionnaires or cognitive tests where they help answer the questions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Research on parenting assessment notes that psychological tests were not designed to measure parenting on their own, so any results are checked against the other information. A disability or mental health condition does not, by itself, show that a person cannot parent. Instead, the assessment looks at how it affects day-to-day care, and what support is in place.<\/p>\n<h2>Parenting capacity assessments in child protection matters<\/h2>\n<p>In Victoria, when child protection is involved, the Children&#8217;s Court Clinic carries out court-ordered assessments of children and families. Only a judge or magistrate can request a Clinic assessment. Child protection may also refer some families with young babies to a Parenting Assessment and Skills Development Service. In any case, your lawyer can explain which process applies to you.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ih-note\">\n<p>This is general information, not legal advice. Every family law matter is different. So please speak with your lawyer about your situation.<\/p>\n<p>If you or your children are in danger, call 000. For support with family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, 24 hours a day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2>How Invictus Health can help<\/h2>\n<p>Our psychologists and neuropsychologists provide <a href=\"\/medico-legal-assessments\/\">medico-legal assessments<\/a>. This also includes parenting capacity assessments for family law matters, including as a jointly appointed single expert. We also provide cognitive assessments that can help explain a parent&#8217;s strengths and support needs, for example after a brain injury or where an intellectual disability is part of the picture.<\/p>\n<p>Fees depend on the number of people involved and the questions asked, and we discuss them with the lawyers before we start. For lawyers, our <a href=\"\/refer-a-client\/\">referral guide<\/a> explains how to send a letter of instruction and documents securely. For separated parents, <a href=\"\/services\/mediation\/\">family mediation<\/a> may help you reach agreement without going to court, where it is safe to do so.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; module_class=&#8221;ih-post&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||40px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; width=&#8221;90%&#8221; max_width=&#8221;800px&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px||true|false&#8221;  global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_heading title=&#8221;Frequently asked questions&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;0d2e527a-4607-4ae2-8846-c79e0fe77b57&#8243; title_text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; title_font_size=&#8221;30px&#8221; title_font_size_phone=&#8221;26px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||24px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_toggle title=&#8221;Who arranges a parenting capacity assessment in family law?&#8221; open_toggle_text_color=&#8221;#0b162b&#8221; icon_color=&#8221;#0b162b&#8221; open_icon_color=&#8221;#0b162b&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;3c819e1c-a1df-44e0-b295-91df504cac97&#8243; title_text_color=&#8221;#0b162b&#8221; body_text_color=&#8221;#0b162b&#8221; body_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||16px||false|false&#8221; border_width_all=&#8221;0px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-b0086ec0-695e-4e66-9415-2f92abceb706%22:%91%22background_color%22%93,%22gcid-primary-color%22:%91%22icon_color%22,%22title_text_color%22,%22open_toggle_text_color%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Either the court directs its own family consultant to prepare a report, or the parties and the Independent Children&#8217;s Lawyer agree to appoint a private single expert. The court can also order that a single expert give evidence. Your lawyer can then explain which applies.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=&#8221;Can I contact the single expert directly?&#8221; open_toggle_text_color=&#8221;#0b162b&#8221; icon_color=&#8221;#0b162b&#8221; open_icon_color=&#8221;#0b162b&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;3c819e1c-a1df-44e0-b295-91df504cac97&#8243; title_text_color=&#8221;#0b162b&#8221; body_text_color=&#8221;#0b162b&#8221; body_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||16px||false|false&#8221; border_width_all=&#8221;0px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-b0086ec0-695e-4e66-9415-2f92abceb706%22:%91%22background_color%22%93,%22gcid-primary-color%22:%91%22icon_color%22,%22title_text_color%22,%22open_toggle_text_color%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>No. Under the Federal Circuit and Family Court rules, a party must not communicate with a single expert witness on their own. Instead, communication goes through the agreed process, usually the lawyers. However, the Independent Children&#8217;s Lawyer may communicate with the expert.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=&#8221;Who does the expert work for?&#8221; open_toggle_text_color=&#8221;#0b162b&#8221; icon_color=&#8221;#0b162b&#8221; open_icon_color=&#8221;#0b162b&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;3c819e1c-a1df-44e0-b295-91df504cac97&#8243; title_text_color=&#8221;#0b162b&#8221; body_text_color=&#8221;#0b162b&#8221; body_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||16px||false|false&#8221; border_width_all=&#8221;0px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-b0086ec0-695e-4e66-9415-2f92abceb706%22:%91%22background_color%22%93,%22gcid-primary-color%22:%91%22icon_color%22,%22title_text_color%22,%22open_toggle_text_color%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>The expert&#8217;s main duty is to the court. The court&#8217;s rules say this duty comes before any obligation to the people instructing or paying them, and their opinion must be objective, independent and impartial.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=&#8221;Does a mental health condition mean I will be found unable to parent?&#8221; open_toggle_text_color=&#8221;#0b162b&#8221; icon_color=&#8221;#0b162b&#8221; open_icon_color=&#8221;#0b162b&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;3c819e1c-a1df-44e0-b295-91df504cac97&#8243; title_text_color=&#8221;#0b162b&#8221; body_text_color=&#8221;#0b162b&#8221; body_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||16px||false|false&#8221; border_width_all=&#8221;0px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-b0086ec0-695e-4e66-9415-2f92abceb706%22:%91%22background_color%22%93,%22gcid-primary-color%22:%91%22icon_color%22,%22title_text_color%22,%22open_toggle_text_color%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>No. A diagnosis on its own does not decide parenting outcomes. Instead, assessors look at how a condition affects day-to-day care of the children, what support you have and how you manage your health.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=&#8221;Can Invictus Health do a Children&#8217;s Court Clinic assessment?&#8221; open_toggle_text_color=&#8221;#0b162b&#8221; icon_color=&#8221;#0b162b&#8221; open_icon_color=&#8221;#0b162b&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;3c819e1c-a1df-44e0-b295-91df504cac97&#8243; title_text_color=&#8221;#0b162b&#8221; body_text_color=&#8221;#0b162b&#8221; body_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||16px||false|false&#8221; border_width_all=&#8221;0px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-b0086ec0-695e-4e66-9415-2f92abceb706%22:%91%22background_color%22%93,%22gcid-primary-color%22:%91%22icon_color%22,%22title_text_color%22,%22open_toggle_text_color%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>No. In Victoria, Children&#8217;s Court Clinic assessments are carried out by the Clinic itself and can only be requested by a judge or magistrate. By contrast, private assessments are a separate process, arranged through lawyers or the court.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||40px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; width=&#8221;90%&#8221; max_width=&#8221;800px&#8221; background_color=&#8221;gcid-primary-color&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;44px|40px|44px|40px|true|true&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|16px|16px|16px|16px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-primary-color%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_heading title=&#8221;Working on a family law matter?&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; title_level=&#8221;h2&#8243; title_font=&#8221;Montserrat|600|||||||&#8221; title_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; title_font_size=&#8221;28px&#8221; title_line_height=&#8221;1.3em&#8221; title_text_align=&#8221;center&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||12px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Montserrat||||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;17px&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; module_class=&#8221;ih-cta&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||20px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Lawyers and Independent Children&#8217;s Lawyers are welcome to contact us to talk through the questions, timing and fees.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;\/contact-us\/&#8221; button_text=&#8221;Contact us&#8221; button_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;0029f5c3-2d88-4291-9b82-fcc9a95d1c64&#8243; button_border_width=&#8221;0px&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;10px|28px|10px|28px|true|true&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; module_class=&#8221;ih-post&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||56px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; width=&#8221;90%&#8221; max_width=&#8221;800px&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px||true|false&#8221;  global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Montserrat||||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#172C57&#8243; text_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.75em&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;Montserrat|600|||||||&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#172C57&#8243; header_2_font_size=&#8221;26px&#8221; header_2_line_height=&#8221;1.3em&#8221; header_3_font=&#8221;Montserrat|600|||||||&#8221; header_3_text_color=&#8221;#172C57&#8243; header_3_font_size=&#8221;20px&#8221; header_3_line_height=&#8221;1.35em&#8221; link_text_color=&#8221;#1C386D&#8221; module_class=&#8221;ih-refs&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||28px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>References<\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li>Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), ss 60CA, 60CC and 62G. Federal Register of Legislation. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislation.gov.au\/C2004A00275\/latest\/text\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">legislation.gov.au\/C2004A00275\/latest\/text<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Family Law) Rules 2021, Part 7.1. Federal Register of Legislation. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislation.gov.au\/F2021L01197\/latest\/text\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">legislation.gov.au\/F2021L01197\/latest\/text<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Victoria Legal Aid. Independent children&#x27;s lawyers: fact sheet. VLA; 2022. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalaid.vic.gov.au\/sites\/default\/files\/2022-12\/vla-fls-icl-factsheet.docx.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">legalaid.vic.gov.au\/sites\/default\/files\/2022-12\/vla-fls-ic\u2026<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Department of Families, Fairness and Housing. Children&#x27;s Court Clinic. Child Protection Manual. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cpmanual.vic.gov.au\/advice-and-protocols\/service-descriptions\/courts-and-legal\/childrens-court-clinic\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">cpmanual.vic.gov.au\/advice-and-protocols\/service-descripti\u2026<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Department of Families, Fairness and Housing. Parenting Assessment and Skills Development Services. Child Protection Manual. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cpmanual.vic.gov.au\/node\/4838\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">cpmanual.vic.gov.au\/node\/4838<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Budd KS. Assessing parenting capacity in a child welfare context. Children and Youth Services Review. 2005;27:429. Reproduced by the Judicial Commission of NSW. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.judcom.nsw.gov.au\/publications\/benchbks\/children\/assessing_parenting_capacity.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">judcom.nsw.gov.au\/publications\/benchbks\/children\/assessing\u2026<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Montserrat||||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#172C57&#8243; text_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.75em&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;Montserrat|600|||||||&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#172C57&#8243; header_2_font_size=&#8221;26px&#8221; header_2_line_height=&#8221;1.3em&#8221; header_3_font=&#8221;Montserrat|600|||||||&#8221; header_3_text_color=&#8221;#172C57&#8243; header_3_font_size=&#8221;20px&#8221; header_3_line_height=&#8221;1.35em&#8221; link_text_color=&#8221;#1C386D&#8221; module_class=&#8221;ih-related&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3>Related articles<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"\/resources\/parenting-capacity-assessment\/\">More on parenting assessments in family law<\/a><a href=\"\/resources\/expert-witness-code-of-conduct-psychologists\/\">Expert witness duties for psychologists in Australian courts<\/a><a href=\"\/resources\/family-mediation-after-separation\/\">Family mediation after separation: what to expect<\/a>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px||false|false&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||0px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_code _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"@type\": \"FAQPage\", \"mainEntity\": &#91;{\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Who arranges a parenting capacity assessment in family law?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Either the court directs its own family consultant to prepare a report, or the parties and the Independent Children's Lawyer agree to appoint a private single expert. 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