Frequently Asked Questions

It is an independent expert report ordered by the court under the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964. Its purpose is to help the judge understand what is best for your child — their welfare, their circumstances, and importantly, their own views. The report is written by a qualified, independent assessor who does not take sides with either parent.

When parents cannot agree on arrangements such as custody or access, the judge often wants an objective, professional view before making a decision — and a safe way to hear what the child thinks without the child having to come to court. A Section 32 report provides both.

Under Irish and international law, children have the right to have their views heard in decisions that affect them. Our assessments provide a safe, structured setting where your child can express their views, which are then conveyed to the court within a robust clinical framework. It does not mean your child decides the outcome — the judge always makes the final decision.

Neither. The assessor is strictly independent and works for the court, not for either parent or solicitor. Both parents are treated equally throughout, and the report is a balanced, unbiased professional analysis.

The process typically includes separate meetings with each parent, and sessions with your child in a calm, child-friendly setting. The exact structure depends on what the court has ordered and your family's circumstances — it is explained clearly to both parents at the outset, along with the methodology used.

No. The whole purpose of the report is to spare your child from that. Their views are gathered gently in assessment sessions and conveyed to the judge in the written report.

The assessment window is typically 6 to 8 weeks from commencement to completion of the report, depending on availability, scheduling of sessions, and the requirements of the court order.

Keep it simple and neutral: your child will be meeting someone whose job is to listen to them. Please do not coach, rehearse, or suggest answers — assessors are trained to recognise this, and it can affect the report. Children do best when they arrive relaxed and free to speak for themselves.

Our consultation bases serve Donegal, the Inishowen peninsula, and the wider Northwest, and we accept instructions across all of Ireland. Practical arrangements for your case are confirmed at the outset.

The total assessment fee is £4,000, split equally between parents — £2,000 each. This covers the full assessment process and the written report to the court.

Yes. To ease the financial impact on families, structured payment plans allow you to pay in installments over the course of the 6-to-8-week assessment window.

We accept instructions covered under Legal Aid, provided the relevant authorisations are secured by your solicitor at the outset. Speak to your solicitor about whether you qualify and how to arrange it.

The final report cannot be released to solicitors or submitted to the judge until all fees are paid in full by both parties (or fully settled via confirmed Legal Aid). This strict policy protects the independence of the report — it ensures the assessor is never financially beholden to one side.

The report is prepared for the court. Once fees are settled, it goes to the judge and to the instructing solicitors. How and when it is shared with the parties is a matter for the court and your legal representatives — ask your solicitor about access in your case.

Children are told honestly, in an age-appropriate way, that what they share will be conveyed to the judge. The assessor handles their views sensitively and professionally, and how the report is disclosed to the parties is managed by the court. Your child is never asked to "choose" between parents.

No. It is one piece of expert evidence to assist the judge. The judge weighs it alongside everything else in the case and always makes the final decision.

Over 13 years of expert court reporting experience, with dual accreditation (IACP & NCPS) and professional indemnity insurance specifically covering Irish court-ordered evaluations. A comprehensive CV is provided with every instruction, in line with Law Society guidelines.

We operate with full transparency. If you have a concern, raise it with us directly first. You also have recourse to our professional regulation body — see the IACP Code of Ethics and complaints procedure.