On June 13, 2024, John F. Schutz, partner at John F. Schutz, P.L., participated as a speaker at a seminar hosted by the National Business Institute. The Psychology School for Attorneys seminar was designed to help lawyers understand the role and impact of mental health experts in various types of litigation. Mr. Schutz was joined by Dr. Jerome H. Poliacoff, Psy.D., a renowned forensic psychologist and expert witness who has testified in numerous high-profile cases involving family law, personal injury, and criminal law.
The seminar covered a range of topics related to mental health experts, such as:
- What records to request from mental health experts and how to analyze them
- The rules, guidelines, laws, and administrative regulations that govern mental health experts and their testimony
- How to prepare for deposing a mental health expert and what questions to ask
- How to conduct direct and cross-examination of a mental health expert and how to challenge their credibility and methodology
- When to employ a mental health expert during litigation and how to select the best one for your case
The seminar also discussed the differences between mental health professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and licensed clinical social workers, and how their qualifications, training, and scope of practice may affect their opinions and testimony. Mr. Schutz and Dr. Poliacoff shared their insights and experiences working with mental health experts in various cases and provided practical tips and strategies for attorneys to use or counter mental health experts in litigation effectively.
Get In Contact With Us
John F. Schutz is a board-certified marital and family law attorney and a partner at John F. Schutz, P.L., a boutique law firm in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, specializing in complex family law matters. Mr. Schutz has extensive experience in handling high-asset and high-conflict divorces, alimony, child support, custody, paternity, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and domestic violence cases. He is also a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and the International Academy of Family Lawyers. He can be reached at schutz@palmbeachdivorcelawyer.com or (561) 228-7100.