Legal and Ethical Issues for Expert Witnesses on Family Matters

This chapter discusses ethical and legal expectations that arise when a therapist is asked to write a report that is likely to be submitted to a court that deals with family matters. The chapter addresses topics of the difference between experts who are appointed by a Court or by a party; universal professional and legal ethics; Australian legal definitions of an expert witness; and ethical issues when a client is a parent or a child. An Information Sheet is offered to assist experts in meeting their professional obligations to inform clients.