Independent Professional Analysis
Attorneys may seek an additional professional opinion when substance-related information is disputed or its reliability is unclear.
An independent review provides an experienced evaluator’s opinion regarding what the existing information can reasonably support and whether it is sufficiently reliable to inform case decisions.
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Two Areas of Review
An existing substance-use evaluation may lack sufficient forensic rigor or leave important questions unanswered. An independent review is not automatically a new evaluation. It examines whether material omissions, limitations, inconsistencies, or missing information affect whether the methodology and evidence reasonably support the findings, conclusions, and recommendations offered for use in a family-law matter.
Soberlink reports, random drug or alcohol testing records, and related information may be reviewed when the parties dispute compliance or the meaning of a testing event. The analysis may address test timing, missed or late tests, retesting patterns, confirmed positive results, possible incidental alcohol exposure, and whether the monitoring or abstinence-verification plan was capable of producing reliable information.
Testing events are considered in context. A single result, a period of negative tests, or a missed test may have limited meaning unless evaluated in relation to the monitoring or abstinence-verification plan and the available records.
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A Defined Review Process
The review begins by identifying the information in dispute, the questions the review is intended to address, and the specific concerns requiring another professional opinion.
Relevant evaluations, court orders, stipulations, pleadings, random testing reports, monitoring agreements, and other available materials are identified.
The methodology, completeness of the records, internal consistency, alternative explanations, and evidentiary limitations are considered.
Depending on the engagement, the review may result in oral consultation, a written opinion, recommendations for addressing identified deficiencies, or assistance developing examination questions.
Independent Does Not Mean Outcome Driven
A review is not undertaken to guarantee support for either party’s position. The analysis may support, qualify, or challenge the existing information, findings, or conclusions. Material limitations and questions that cannot be resolved from the available record are identified directly.
Begin With the Information in Dispute
An initial consultation can help determine whether the concern calls for a focused records review, interpretation of monitoring data, or a more comprehensive forensic substance-use evaluation.
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