Family Reports (Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia)

Family Reports

A Family Report is an independent, evidence-informed assessment ordered by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia under section 62G of the Family Law Act 1975. Its purpose is to assist the Court in understanding the needs, experiences, and perspectives of children and their families when parenting arrangements are in dispute.

Family Reports are prepared by qualified clinicians—typically psychologists or social workers—who are recognised as independent experts in child development, family dynamics, and the effects of conflict, separation, and trauma. During the process, the clinician meets separately and together with parents, carers, and children to explore relationships, parenting capacity, safety issues, and each child’s emotional and developmental needs.

The report provides the Court with a balanced, child-focused evaluation of:

  • each parent’s capacity to meet their child’s physical, emotional, and developmental needs;
  • the child’s relationships with parents, siblings, and other significant people;
  • risks to the child, including exposure to conflict, neglect, or family violence;
  • the child’s views and wishes (where appropriate to their age and understanding); and
  • recommendations for care arrangements that support safety, wellbeing, and stability.

A Family Report is one piece of evidence considered by the Court. While its recommendations are not binding, they often assist in resolving disputes or guide judicial decision-making in the best interests of children.



Single Expert Witness Reports

In some family law proceedings, the Court or the parties may jointly appoint a Single Expert Witness (SEW) under Part 15.5 of the Family Law Rules 2021 to provide an independent professional opinion on specific questions before the Court. This may include complex issues such as parenting capacity, attachment, family functioning, or allegations of risk.

A Single Expert Witness Report offers a comprehensive, impartial assessment that draws upon psychological evaluation, collateral information, interviews, and structured observation. As the appointed expert, the clinician’s role is to assist the Court by providing an objective and clinically reasoned opinion—rather than to advocate for either party.

At Magnolia House Psychology, our clinicians are highly experienced in preparing Family Reports and Single Expert Witness Reports for matters before the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. All reports are guided by trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and evidence-based practice standards.

We offer:

  • Private Family Reports addressing section 62G requirements;
  • Single Expert Witness Reports tailored to the Court’s specific questions;
  • thorough interview and observation processes with children, parents, and other key figures;
  • comprehensive written reports suitable for tendering as expert evidence; and
  • optional attendance at Court for cross-examination, where required.

Private Family Reports and Single Expert Witness Reports can be commissioned by agreement between parties or by Court order. Fees for these assessments start at $4,500 + GST, which includes interviews, analysis, and preparation of a detailed written report.

Our goal is to provide clear, balanced, and ethically grounded assessments that assist the Court and families in making informed, child-focused decisions.

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