Paediatric medico-legal reports
Paediatric Expert Reports in Private Law Children Disputes
We provide independent paediatric expert witnesses for private law children disputes, reporting on a child’s health, development and needs. Experts are instructed under the Family Procedure Rules, and you see the CV before you instruct.
Overview
What private law children proceedings involve
Private law children proceedings decide arrangements for a child between the parties, most often under a child arrangements order. A paediatric report may address a child’s medical condition, development, or particular health needs where those bear on what arrangements are in the child’s interests. The expert answers the medical questions; the welfare decision is the court’s. Where the concern is significant harm rather than arrangements, see care proceedings.
Reports we produce
The reports private law matters rely on
For private law matters we produce condition and prognosis reports on a child’s health, development and specific medical or care needs relevant to the arrangements in dispute. Many private law instructions are on a single-joint-expert basis.
Which experts report
The paediatric specialists in private law matters
A consultant paediatrician for most matters, with a child psychiatrist or other specialist where the questions call for it. We confirm the discipline and provide the CV before you instruct.
Jurisdiction and funding
Where these proceedings run, and how they are funded
Private law proceedings run in England and Wales under the Family Procedure Rules (FPR Part 25), and we can advise on the position in Scotland and Northern Ireland where relevant. Reports are usually privately funded, with legal aid available in limited circumstances. We provide a same-working-day quotation and confirm terms in writing before instruction.
From instruction to report
How an instruction proceeds
Send the instruction and the records, and we allocate a suitable expert within 48 hours and provide the CV. The standard report turnaround is two to four weeks, or one to two weeks where the matter is urgent. One named case manager stays with you throughout. For the documents we need at the outset, see how to instruct.
FAQ
Private law children: common questions
A child’s health, development or specific medical needs, where those bear on the arrangements in dispute.
Yes. Many private law instructions are on a single-joint-expert basis under FPR Part 25.
Usually a consultant paediatrician, with other disciplines where the questions require it; we confirm before you instruct.
Two to four weeks as standard, one to two weeks where the matter is urgent.
Instructing in private law children proceedings?
Send your case details and we will allocate a suitable expert within 48 hours, with a same-working-day quotation and the CV before you instruct.