Family Reports for the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
✓ Independent, unbiased assessments
✓ Clear recommendations grounded in child safety and wellbeing
✓ Qualified clinicians with family-law and forensic experience
✓ Transparent process with structured interviews and observations
Our Family Reports examine key areas that help inform safe and practical care arrangements. This includes each parent’s capacity to meet their child’s physical, emotional, and developmental needs; the child’s relationships with parents, siblings, and significant others; and any risks such as conflict, neglect, or family violence.
Where appropriate, the child’s views and wishes are explored in a safe and age-sensitive way. The final report offers recommendations that support the child’s long-term safety, wellbeing, and stability.
What is a Family Report and how is it used?
A Family Report is an independent, evidence-informed assessment ordered by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia under section 62G of the Family Law Act 1975. Its purpose is to assist the Court in understanding the needs, experiences, and perspectives of children and their families when parenting arrangements are in dispute.
Family Reports are prepared by qualified clinicians—typically psychologists or social workers—who are recognised as independent experts in child development, family dynamics, and the effects of conflict, separation, and trauma. During the process, the clinician meets separately and together with parents, carers, and children to explore relationships, parenting capacity, safety issues, and each child’s emotional and developmental needs.
The report provides the Court with a balanced, child-focused evaluation of:
- each parent’s capacity to meet their child’s physical, emotional, and developmental needs;
- the child’s relationships with parents, siblings, and other significant people;
- risks to the child, including exposure to conflict, neglect, or family violence;
- the child’s views and wishes (where appropriate to their age and understanding); and
- recommendations for care arrangements that support safety, wellbeing, and stability.
A Family Report is one piece of evidence considered by the Court. While its recommendations are not binding, they often assist in resolving disputes or guide judicial decision-making in the best interests of children.
Providing Single Expert Witness Reports
In some family law proceedings, the Court or the parties may jointly appoint a Single Expert Witness (SEW) under Part 15.5 of the Family Law Rules 2021 to provide an independent professional opinion on specific questions before the Court. This may include complex issues such as parenting capacity, attachment, family functioning, or allegations of risk.
A Single Expert Witness Report offers a comprehensive, impartial assessment that draws upon psychological evaluation, collateral information, interviews, and structured observation. As the appointed expert, the clinician’s role is to assist the Court by providing an objective and clinically reasoned opinion—rather than to advocate for either party.
At Keep Connected Psychology and Therapies Centre, our clinicians are highly experienced in preparing Family Reports and Single Expert Witness Reports for matters before the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. All reports are guided by trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and evidence-based practice standards.
We offer:
- Private Family Reports addressing section 62G requirements;
- Single Expert Witness Reports tailored to the Court’s specific questions;
- thorough interview and observation processes with children, parents, and other key figures;
- comprehensive written reports suitable for tendering as expert evidence; and
- optional attendance at Court for cross-examination, where required.
Private Family Reports and Single Expert Witness Reports can be commissioned by agreement between parties or by Court order. Fees for these assessments start at $4,500 + GST, which includes interviews, analysis, and preparation of a detailed written report.
Our Brisbane Family Law Reporting Specialists
Our goal is to provide clear, balanced, and ethically grounded assessments that will assist the Court and families in making informed, child-focused decisions.
Family Reports Frequently Asked Questions
Find clear answers to the most common questions about our Family Reports in Brisbane work before you book.
What is the difference between a Family Report and an Expert Witness Report?
A Family Report is a court-ordered assessment about children’s needs and parenting arrangements, prepared by a family consultant and usually at no cost to the respondents. An Expert Witness Report is written by a specialist, such as a social worker or psychologist, to give expert opinions on parenting and related issues. It follows strict court rules and is paid for by the parties.
How does the expert witness gather information?
The expert witness meets with all parties who have an interest in the wellbeing of the child/ren involved in the matter. They read all relevant information and documents relating to the parties who have been supporting the child/ren, or who have an interest in the outcome of the court proceedings. This may include parents, carers, extended family and authorities such as Child Safety and police. They consult with health providers, childcare and schools, gathering any relevant information and speaking to as many people as possible.
How are interviews conducted?
By arrangement, the expert witness meets with the relevant parties in homes, family access centres, parks and other locations. Where a physical meeting is not possible, phone or video calls can be made. The expert witness will ask a series of questions and make observations. Later, this information will be used to develop a comprehensive report. The expert witness is not seeking to pass judgement on anyone, but rather to work out what is the best and safest care arrangement for the child/ren.
Are children interviewed?
It is always the expert witness’s position to take into account the child’s views and wishes as to the outcome of the court case. The expert witness will decide if the child is old enough and shows some understanding of the process. If so, an interview may be attempted. There may be other factors to consider, such as mental capacity or health issues and whether the child wishes to engage.
How do I know that the expert witness will give a fair opinion?
The expert witness is accountable for any statement given in a court of law under Part 15.5 of the Family Law Rules 2021 of the Family Law Act. It is their job to look at all the facts and give an unbiased opinion to assist the court in its decision. They use their knowledge and experience to examine all the factors influencing best and worst case scenarios and can recommend what action needs to be taken now and into the future.
Still have a question?
Call our Brisbane clinic or send a quick message—our team replies within one business day.
