Running head:
Allen Family Court Order Forensic Evaluation
Jennifer DiSomma
Hofstra University
ALLEN FAMILY COURT ORDER
Abstract
On November 1, Y-1, David and Lynne Allen each retained separate counsel due to the marital discord that had been building over the past two years. After both parties attorney's met, the only agreement that could be reached was that the welfare of the children was priority to anything that occurred with the divorce and that Dave would continue to pay support and the bills for the Allen family. On November 17, Y-1, Lynne Allen began the divorce proceedings through filing of a complaint alleging adultery and cruel and inhumane treatment. She also applied for temporary custody of the children. On December 1, Y-1, David Allen cross-claimed for divorce alleging adultery, constructive abandonment, and cruel and inhumane treatment. Both spouses asked for custody, maintenance, equitable distribution, counsel fees and costs. Pursuant to C.P.L.R. 202.16, the Uniform Rules for Trial Courts, the attorney's for both sides moved for immediate ruling by the family court on the issue of temporary custody. The trial judge felt the welfare of the children was the kev issue. so he suggested mediation between the parties. The judge was also concerned with the possible relocation of the children to another state due to Lynne's career and the disagreement over the religion of the youngest child, Joey. The judge appointed a Law Guardian for the children and agreed that an independent evaluator from North Shore would be appointed by the court to evaluate the case and make recommendations as to possible custody arrangements.
Allen Family Court Order Forensic Evaluation
After reviewing the Allen Family case, it is confirmed that there are no potential biases. I
am confident in completing the forensic evaluation for this case without any conflicts of interest.
The structure and payment of fees were discussed with both parties. Fees were requested for the
clinical interviews, document reviews, telephone consultations, preparation of the final written
report, and all meetings with attorneys paid in full at the beginning of the evaluation.
Lynn and Dave received an equal amount of sessions, with having four (4) sessions each.
I first met with them separately and decided to not have a combined session due to the current
ALLEN FAMILY COURT ORDER
hostility between both parties. At the beginning of each session, it was explained to both parties
that confidentiality and privilege is waived because of the legal nature of the process and that
anything that is said or written can be referenced or quoted. Both parties were also reminded that
the clinician's role is to provide the court with an opinion and not a custody decision. A waiver
was completed and signed regarding an informed consent and document that the waiver was
explained to and accepted by both parties.
- Psycho-social Background History of Parents:
Lynne Grant was raised in Pound Ridge in Westchester County, New York. She was an
only child raised by upper-middle class parentings. Her father had a successful genera