Capacity, Medicolegal & Family Law Assessments

Capacity Assessments

A capacity assessment evaluates an individual’s ability to make a specific decision at a specific point in time.

Capacity is decision-specific and time-specific. A person may demonstrate capacity in one domain while requiring support in another.

Capacity assessments may address:

• Financial decision-making capacity

• Medical consent capacity

• Guardianship and administration matters

• Testamentary capacity

• Capacity to enter contracts or agreements

• NDIS-related functional capacity considerations

Assessment focuses on the individual’s ability to:

• Understand relevant information

• Retain information

• Weigh options and consequences

• Communicate a decision

A medicolegal psychological assessment involves structured psychological evaluation conducted in the context of legal or tribunal proceedings.

The purpose is to provide:

• Objective evaluation of cognitive and psychological functioning

• Considered clinical opinion relevant to the referral question

• Clear, structured and professionally written reporting

My role in medicolegal matters is independent and evaluative rather than therapeutic.

In family law contexts, psychological assessments may be requested to clarify cognitive, functional or psychological factors relevant to legal proceedings.

These may include:

• Cognitive or psychological assessment relevant to parenting capacity considerations

• Evaluation of decision-making capacity in family law matters

• Assessment of psychological functioning where it may impact legal processes

• Clarification of neurodevelopmental or intellectual factors relevant to proceedings

These assessments are not therapy and do not involve advocacy. They are independent clinical evaluations conducted to address the specific legal question posed.

Referrals are welcomed from:

• Solicitors and legal representatives

• Family law practitioners

• Medical practitioners

• Guardianship tribunals

• Government or administrative bodies

• Individuals or families seeking independent evaluation

Clear written instructions outlining the referral question are required prior to commencement.

Capacity, medicolegal and family law-related assessments are comprehensive and structured. The process typically includes:

1. Clarification of the referral question

2. Review of relevant documentation

3. Structured clinical interview

4. Standardised cognitive and psychological testing (where indicated)

5. Functional and decision-specific analysis

6. Comprehensive written report addressing the referral question

Reports include clinical findings, relevant diagnoses (if applicable), and professional opinion grounded in evidence and careful formulation.

My assessments are:

• Independent and impartial

• Evidence-based

• Structured and methodical

• Clearly documented and defensible

• Focused strictly on the referral question

I understand the significance of legal proceedings and approach each assessment with professionalism, neutrality and clinical rigour.

If you are seeking a capacity assessment, medicolegal psychological assessment, or family law-related evaluation, please contact me to discuss the referral question and suitability.