judge ordered psychiatrist visit for custody

[Bethy]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? NJ

This is regarding a friend -- the judge ordered a court appointed psychiatrist to evaluate parents/children to give a report regarding custody. This evaluation includes both parents to pay $500 to the psychiatrist. What if both (or at least 1) parents do not have the money and can't find anyone to borrow it from. Could the evaluation be delayed?

 

[liandrajade]

I suggest they hock the IPOD or whatever it is because the Judge is obviously going with a professional opinion for SOME REASON. I suggest you get your friend on here to explain the details of the case or help your friend get the money asap. You do not know all the details therefore they should be the ones to tell the story.

The Judge could postpone the case until funds are available, the Judge could say no, there are way too many variables.

 

[candg918]

There are clinics which offer psyc care with charges based on ability to pay. Check with your local medical school as a start.

If the evaluation can be done by a psychologist, there are other options.

 

[LdiJ]

There are clinics which offer psyc care with charges based on ability to pay. Check with your local medical school as a start.

If the evaluation can be done by a psychologist, there are other options.

Its unlikely that there are any options at all. When a judge orders a psych eval, the judge appoints the evaluator, or requires the parties to select the evaluator from a court approved list.

 

[candg918]

In my area the med school has a pediatric psyc clinic; one of the school's faculty members had a reputation for work in the child abuse area. I would hope that this type of setting would be court approved and also work on sliding scale.

It just means that OP needs to check out the specific situation in their area; with any luck there will be one which meets the court's requirements that is within their means.

 

[torimac]

It is highly unlikely there are options. If a "court appointed psychiatrist" was ordered, only court approved people are required; some random psychiatrist from a free clinic will not be appropriate.

When we had to hire a court appointed psychiatrist, we were given two names approved by the court. We could use only one of the two. Our total cost was $1500 just for the report. If the court requires a report, only psychiatrists approved by the court can be used.

 

[stealth2]

And again - OP's "friend" should be the one asking about his/her specific situation.