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More Than 30 Years Of Work Involving Substance Use And Family Law California Licensed Marriage And Family Therapist Nationally Certified Master Addiction Counselor

Independent Forensic Assessment

Substance-Use
Evaluations

Clear, objective findings when substance use becomes a concern in a family-law matter.

Family-law referrals often involve conflicting accounts, incomplete records, or testing that does not answer the questions before the court.

The first task is to clarify the referral question and determine which sources of information are needed to address it.

01

Evaluation in a Legal Context

How the evaluation differs from a clinical assessment

A clinical assessment is generally used to understand how an individual views their substance use and to identify appropriate treatment. A forensic evaluation serves a different purpose.

Because the findings may be used in a legal proceeding, the evaluation considers information beyond the individual’s self-report. Records, collateral interviews, testing results, information submitted by both parties, and standardized diagnostic instruments may be considered. Conflicting, incomplete, or unavailable information is identified when conclusions are reached.

02

An Individualized Process

What the evaluation may include

  • 01

    A detailed clinical interview and substance-use history

  • 02

    Standardized diagnostic assessments

  • 03

    Review of relevant legal, treatment, medical, or testing records

  • 04

    Interviews with the other parent, treatment providers, or other collateral sources

  • 05

    Random alcohol or drug testing when appropriate

  • 06

    Consultation with attorneys or other authorized professionals

03

When Evaluation May Help

Clarifying the questions before the court

The parties provide substantially different accounts of alcohol or drug use.

There is a history of substance-related conflict, impairment, relapse, or treatment.

Substance use may be affecting judgment, supervision, transportation, or child safety.

Existing testing provides incomplete or difficult-to-interpret information.

01

Forensic substance-use evaluation

When the existence, nature, or extent of a possible substance-use problem is disputed or unclear, a forensic evaluation considers both parties’ accounts and relevant corroborating information. The resulting report provides the court and other family-law professionals with independent, evidence-supported findings and recommendations to inform decision-making.

02

Relapse-prevention evaluation

When a substance-use disorder or significant treatment history is already acknowledged, the focus shifts from determining whether a problem exists to evaluating recovery stability. The process examines substance-use and treatment history, current recovery supports, previous relapse patterns, and factors that may increase the risk of relapse. Recommendations may include treatment, recovery activities, testing, monitoring, or other measures to support and verify continued recovery.

Findings And Recommendations

Clear, practical, and proportionate

The written report explains the information considered, relevant findings, diagnostic conclusions when supported, and any limitations affecting the evaluator’s opinions.

Recommendations are tailored to the findings and may include no further intervention, education, treatment, recovery support, relapse-prevention planning, alcohol or drug testing, or professional monitoring.

Determine the Appropriate Evaluation

Request an Evaluation

For questions about whether a substance-use evaluation or relapse-prevention evaluation is appropriate for a particular matter, contact More Than Recovery.

Request an evaluation