| Although the incidence is relatively small, high conflict divorces create significant challenges for the family court system at the time of divorce, as well as subsequent to the decree. High conflict divorces often include one parent trying to emotionally alienate the child from the other parent. Unfortunately, too often, false allegations of physical and sexual abuse occur in these high conflict cases. Furthermore, in the majority of the high conflict cases, one or both parties have a personality disorder that significantly impairs their communication and relationship with the other parent as well as their children. Doing custody evaluations in the context of a high conflict divorce requires the forensic expert have significant expertise and experience in a variety of areas.
Because of her extensive training and experience in the clinical treatment of adults and children, forensic training in custody evaluation standards and protocol, as well as 25 years of conducting custody evaluations, Dr. McNaught is a recognized expert in custody evaluations involving high conflict. Dr. McNaught has extensive experience in both the diagnosis and treatment of physical and sexual assault as well as boundary violations. Furthermore, Dr. McNaught’s training and experience in personality assessment enables her to identify parents with a personality disorder. Such an assessment is critical in evaluating the credibility of child and parental allegations. Dr. McNaught also recommends parenting plans that work most effectively in such situations.
Dr. McNaught is often appointed by the Court to work with High Conflict post-decree cases, involving endangerment or relocation. She makes recommendations to the Court, based on her evaluation of the parents and children.
Dr. McNaught also provides Parenting Consultation (PC), combining her understanding of divorce issues as they relate to children and adults. Because of her background in Child Development, and extensive experience, Dr. McNaught is able to assist adults in coming to decisions that are in the best interest of their children. In cases of high conflict, Dr. McNaught utilizes the skills of arbitration and mediation to assist the parents in resolving conflict. Dr. McNaught’s goal as a Parenting Consultant is to assist parents in developing a respectful, business-like relationship as they make decisions regarding their children.
Dr. McNaught also provides reunification therapy where allegations of physical or sexual abuse have/or have not been substantiated. Reunification between separated parents and children, where allegations of physical, psychological, or emotional abuse have occurred, is an area where particular expertise is required in a number of areas. Dr. McNaught’s training and experience in treating and diagnosing child physical and sexual abuse enables her to be particularly effective in reunification involving such issues. Developmental and safety issues are strong considerations in reunifying estranged parents with their child or adolescent. Dr. McNaught has also done reunification work with young children and adults, where allegations of abuse have been made, but not substantiated. |
