Independent evaluations by an experienced forensic psychologist
Child Custody Evaluations in Lancaster & Central PA
getting started
Pursuing Psychological Well-Being for Every Child
Gransee & Associates provides court-focused psychological evaluations for child custody cases in Lancaster, PA & Central PA. These objective evaluations are not therapy or advocacy, but thorough, unbiased assessments that deliver clear, defensible insight for family law matters.
Common Reasons For Court-Ordered Evaluations
Courts often order custody evaluations when concerns are raised about parenting capacity, safety, or a child’s well-being, and when conflicting accounts require an unbiased, clinical review. Common circumstances include:
- High conflict custody cases
- History of abuse or neglect
- Documented behavioral issues in the child
- Substance abuse issues
- A child with special needs
Our values
What Do Child Custody Evaluations Entail?
The evaluation is limited to the court’s referral question and is not ongoing treatment. It’s time-limited and forensic in nature. Our thorough approach includes collateral interviews, document review, and interviews with all involved parties to provide a complete, objective perspective. Depending on the order, one or both parents may be evaluated.
Extensive Interviews & Observation
Interviews and observations include structured parent-child interaction sessions, along with separate interviews of both parents to compare perspectives and develop a balanced, evidence-based understanding.
Psychological Evaluations
Psychological testing includes approximately 6 hours of session time and utilizes a battery of standardized assessments, including personality tests and cognitive measures, to support impartial findings.
Comprehensive Research & Review
Research and review include gathering information across multiple areas of the client’s life, incorporating third-party interviews and review of records such as medical history, school reports, and other relevant documentation.
Report Submission & Testimony
A comprehensive report is prepared summarizing findings and recommendations for the court. When required, the evaluator may provide expert testimony to clarify conclusions.
What Will Our Report Assess?
Your report assesses parenting capacity, psychological functioning, parent-child relationships, and any factors that impact the child’s safety, stability, and overall well-being.
How Our Evaluation Impacts Your Court Decision
Our evaluation provides the court with objective insight aligned with Pennsylvania’s “best interest of the child” standard, addressing safety, stability, sibling relationships, the child's preference, and practical considerations such as proximity.
Our team
Learn More About Dr. Gransee
Dr. Gransee has extensive experience across complex child custody matters, applying state-of-the-art psychological testing and a structured, investigative approach. He is widely respected for producing thorough, well-supported evaluations that hold up under legal scrutiny.
OUR APPROACH
Supported By In-House Forensic Researchers
Our in-house research team conducts collateral interviews and reviews submitted records, adding independent verification and additional context that deepen and strengthen the credibility of each evaluation.
Who They Are
Our internal team includes master’s-level social workers and junior psychologists who conduct collateral interviews and independent review, helping surface details that may not emerge through direct evaluation alone.
What They Do
Team members review submitted records and conduct collateral interviews, gathering additional context and independent input to support a more complete, well-informed evaluation process.
Why It Matters
Our approach goes beyond a standard evaluation, adding depth and independent verification—an uncommon level of rigor not typically found in most forensic practices.
prepping
Stay Centered on Your Child
Keep your focus on your child’s needs, prioritizing their well-being, stability, and best interests throughout the evaluation process and your interactions with others.
Be Truthful
Provide accurate, honest information throughout the evaluation, even when topics are difficult, to foster a clear, credible, and objective understanding of your situation.
Remain Calm
Maintain steady, measured responses during interviews, even when topics are sensitive, for accurate interpretation of your communication, judgment, and overall presentation.
Talk With Your Child About the Process
Explain the evaluation in simple, age-appropriate terms to help your child understand what to expect and feel comfortable expressing their thoughts openly and honestly.
Don’t Speak Negatively About the Other Parent
Avoid criticizing the other parent, as it may raise concerns about your judgment, emotional regulation, and ability to encourage your child’s relationship with them.
Have All Requested Documents Ready
Have requested documents organized and accessible, including relevant records and communications, so the evaluator can efficiently review information without delays or the need for follow-up requests.
How to Prepare for A Child Custody Evaluation
It’s normal to feel anxious going into an evaluation. The most important thing is to focus on your child and what will best support their well-being. Approach the evaluation with honesty, consistency, and openness, focusing on your child’s needs, providing accurate information, and engaging respectfully throughout the process.
Where We’re Located
313 W Liberty St Suite 143, Lancaster, PA 17603, USA
Evaluations must be completed in person to ensure accuracy, consistency, and a thorough, clinically sound assessment process.
Serving clients across south-central pA and nationwide
- Lancaster
- York
- Dauphin
- Lebanon
- Berks
- Chester
- Adams
- Franklin
faqs
Can a parent refuse a court-ordered psychological evaluation for child custody?
A court order is not something someone can refuse, as there are usually stipulations regarding visitation with their child until it is completed.
What if child abuse or parental alienation is suspected?
Both things would be thoroughly researched and reported to the proper channels if child abuse/neglect were suspected.
Can I select an evaluator? Or does the judge choose for me?
It depends on the court order. Some will name an evaluator, and others will just advise the client to choose over a period of time noted by the court.
Are psychological evaluations for child custody cases covered by insurance?
Insurance plans generally do not cover child custody evaluations, as these services are performed for court-related purposes rather than medical treatment. Learn more about billing and payment options.
Who will have access to the finished report?
Counsel receives the report and generally shares it with the client, the opposing party, and the presiding judge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get Support From Licensed Forensic Psychologists
The skilled team at Gransee & Associates provides detailed, evidence-based psychological evaluations for child custody cases that address the court’s specific questions.
Begin the process here.