Legal & Court Policy
Our role is to provide therapy, not to serve as a forensic evaluator or custody expert. In most cases, involving a therapist in court proceedings can change the nature of the therapeutic relationship.
If legal involvement becomes necessary (including subpoenas, record requests, depositions, or testimony), the following policies and fees apply.
General Policy
We are not certified to provide custody recommendations or parenting fitness evaluations.
Testimony, if required, is limited to factual information and professional opinion within scope of practice.
Fees related to legal matters are not billable to insurance and are the responsibility of the client or requesting party.
A minimum of 72 hours’ notice is required for subpoenas or legal requests.
Requests received with less than 72 hours’ notice will incur an additional $250 express charge.
Legal & Court Fees
Preparation time (including record review and submission): $200/hour (billed in 15-minute increments)
Phone consultations with attorneys: $200/hour (billed in 15-minute increments)
Depositions: $250/hour
Court testimony: $250/hour
Time away from office due to court appearance: $200/hour
Filing documents with the court: $100
Minimum charge for court appearance: $1500
A retainer of $1500 is due at least 72 hours prior to a scheduled court appearance. Additional costs will be billed following the appearance and are due upon receipt.
If the therapist is subpoenaed and the case is reset with less than 72 hours’ notice, an additional $500 fee will apply.
All fees listed above are doubled if the therapist has previously been scheduled to be out of town at the time of appearance.