ROBERT M. GORDON, Ph.D., ABPP, P.C.
Diplomate in Clinical Psychology and
Diplomate in Psychoanalysis
1259 S. Cedar Crest Blvd., Suite 325 Allentown, PA 18103-6261
610-821-8015, FAX: 610-821-1072,
www.mmpi-info.com
Provisions for Accepting an Invitation to Serve as an Impartial Examiner for a Parenting Plan
1) The presiding judge, master, or by stipulation of the parties agree to appoint me the impartial examiner to conduct an evaluation of the concerned parties.
2) I will have available to interview all members of the family for as many interviews (individual and in any combination) as I consider warranted. In addition, I will have the freedom to speak to any and all parties whom I consider possible sources of useful information.
3) Accordingly, the parties shall agree to take any and all psychological tests and any procedure that I consider helpful. In addition, they will agree to have one or more of the children take such tests if I consider them warranted.
4) The parties shall agree to a modification of traditional rules of confidentiality in order that I have optimum freedom of inquiry. Specifically, I must be given the freedom to reveal to one party what is told to me by the other party (at my discretion) so that I have full opportunity to explore all pertinent points with both parties. This does not mean that at my discretion I will not respect certain privacies or that I will automatically reveal all information provided me, only that I will reserve the right to make such decisions. The parties shall agree to allow me to speak to anyone who could provide relevant information about the evaluation.
5) The parties shall agree to allow me to obtain reports from other individuals, e.g. psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, teachers, school official, pediatricians, hospital general and psychiatric, etc. This includes past records as well as reports from professionals who may be involved with any of the parties at the time of the litigation.
(6) By or at the initial interview, I must receive an advance retainer of $_______. This most often covers interviews with all the primary care givers, an interview with the child(ren), observation of parent-child interaction, collateral interview(s), test and record analysis, and dictation. An additional $250 per hour will be charged for additional time if required, such as with document review, and additional interviews. My fee for court appearance is $350 per hour. There is a minimum one day charge
($2800) for depositions and court testimony. There is a full charge for services if sessions or court appearance is canceled in less than 3 full business days. During the course of the evaluation, any additional payments shall be expected at the time that services are rendered.
You are to pay ________, which is ______% of the advanced retainer.
(7) Both attorneys and parents are invited to send me any materials they consider useful to me.
(8) After receiving 1) the court order, 2) this signed statement from both parties signifying agreement to the conditions of the evaluations and 3) the payment of the advance retainer, I will proceed with the evaluation as rapidly as is feasible. I generally can not promise to meet a specific deadline because I can not know in advance how many interviews will be required, nor can I predict how flexible the parties will be regarding the availability for appointments which I offer.
(9) On occasion, I am willing to consider serving as an examiner and/or expert witness in custody litigation, when I have not examined all parents or guardians and children. If I do feel that the participating party’s position merits my consideration, I will be willing to interview that party with no promise beforehand that I will support his or her position. On occasion I have seen fit to support the participating party in this manner, because it was obvious to me that the children’s needs would be best served by my involvement in the case. Such an evaluation will not be considered a child custody evaluation, and I will be limited in my opinions and recommendations.
(10) I recognize the possibility that Dr. Gordon may not ultimately support my position in the litigation, nevertheless I will still fulfill my obligation to pay his fees. I appreciate that this may entail the payment of fees associated with his preparing reports that do not support my position and even testifying in court in support of my adversary.
(11) I agree that if I file a lawsuit, licensure, or ethics complaint, or take any other legal action against Dr. Gordon, his employees or his practice concerning any aspect of serving as the custody evaluator for my family and there is a favorable ruling for Dr. Gordon the following will apply: All direct and indirect costs incurred by Dr. Gordon, including legal, professional, office and court costs will be paid by me and I will pay Dr. Gordon these fees within twenty days of the determination of such a complaint in favor of Dr. Gordon.
(12) I have read the above, and agree to proceed with the evaluation.
Parent’s Signature___________________________________Date__________