Forensic Psychological Services

Jonathan D. Wall, Psy.D.

I provide psychological evaluations, psychological testing, and attorney consultation services at the intersection of psychology and the law—commonly referred to as forensic psychology. Forensic psychological services differ from clinical services in that they are designed specifically to address legal questions and assist the courts in making informed decisions.

For instance, while therapy for a trauma victim is clinical in nature, a psychological report evaluating the emotional damage from that trauma for litigation purposes is forensic. Most forensic evaluations require a broader, more comprehensive approach than standard clinical assessments and must be logically defensible, research-based, and clearly communicated.

Key Elements of a Forensic Psychological Evaluation

• Findings must relate directly to legal questions.

• Psychological data should be clearly connected to the issues before the court.

• Reports must follow established psychological standards and practices.

• Expert critiques are permissible when justified with evidence and professional reasoning.

• Recommendations must be realistic, clear, and implementable within available legal and community resources.

• Language must be free of jargon and understandable to non-psychologists.

• Psychologists must stay within their scope of expertise and be transparent about limitations.

Successful forensic evaluators combine a solid clinical background with advanced assessment skills and the ability to communicate complex ideas to judges, attorneys, and juries.

Specialized Services Provided

I conduct a variety of evaluations for legal purposes, including:

• Parenting Time Evaluations

• Parental Fitness Assessments

• At-Risk Evaluations (including substance abuse, domestic violence, or psychiatric instability)

• Termination of Parental Rights Evaluations

• Guardianship Evaluations

• Rebuttal Evaluations

• Trauma Evaluations (e.g., bullying-related trauma in children)

My training in neuropsychology informs my work, particularly in cases where neurological conditions in a parent or child may influence caregiving capacity or family dynamics.

Rebuttal Evaluations and Consultation Services

As a rebuttal expert, I offer critical reviews of existing forensic reports, evaluating their thoroughness, fairness, and accuracy. My neuropsychological expertise gives me a unique perspective, especially in identifying cognitive and adaptive impairments that other evaluators may miss.

Key questions I address in rebuttal work:

• Was the evaluator appropriately qualified and up-to-date on research?

• Were the assessment tools valid and used correctly?

• Were all relevant collateral contacts disclosed and their input verified?

• Were parenting time recommendations aligned with guidelines from professional associations (e.g., AFCC)?

If the initial evaluation was competent, I can assist your legal team in crafting alternative strategies for negotiation or court presentation. Consultation services can be a cost-effective alternative to full evaluations.

Collaborative Law & Divorce Coaching

A Healthier Approach to Separation

Collaborative Divorce offers a respectful, non-adversarial way for couples to end their relationship. The process is based on:
1. A commitment not to litigate.
2. Transparent and honest communication.
3. Family-centered, interest-based solutions.

This approach is ideal for parents who want to co-parent effectively, protect their children from conflict, and preserve privacy.

My Role in Collaborative Divorce

I serve as a Divorce Coach to support both parties throughout the process. Ideally, I meet with you before attorneys are retained. After a few coaching sessions, couples often gain clarity about whether reconciliation or divorce is the best path forward. If the decision is to proceed with divorce, I can connect you with collaboratively trained attorneys and financial specialists.

I also offer:

• Communication coaching for more productive negotiation

• Parenting plan development

• Emotional support and conflict resolution strategies

Video Coaching (with mutual consent and confidentiality safeguards) can be used to provide feedback and improve negotiation dynamics. This tool can help balance power, reduce defensiveness, and build mutual trust.

Contact

Jonathan D. Wall, Psy.D.

21 Water Street

Clinton, NJ 08809

Phone: (908) 295-1890

Fax: (908) 735-6871

Email: jonwall@jonwall.com