Our Services
Independent Family Law Assessments & Reports
Livian Consulting provides independent social work assessments that support the Court, lawyers and families in understanding children’s needs and family functioning. All reports are evidence based, child focused and written with neutrality. Our assessments help inform decisions about parenting arrangements, safety, and the wellbeing of children during separation and legal proceedings.
Private Family Reports
(Single Expert Reports)
Private Family Reports provide a comprehensive assessment of parenting capacity, family dynamics and the developmental needs of children. These reports follow the requirements for expert witnesses under the Family Law Rules and offer impartial insight to the Court.
A Private Family Report may explore:
• Each child’s lived experience and views
• The quality of parent child relationships
• Family violence and safety concerns
• Mental health, substance use or trauma impacts
• Parenting capacity and protective factors
• Cultural identity and community context
These reports are often ordered by the Court or commissioned by agreement between parties. They provide detailed recommendations that assist in long term planning for children.
Short Form Family Assessments
(Child Impact Style Reports)
Short Form Assessments provide a concise overview of a child’s experiences and family functioning. They are similar in style to Child Impact Reports used in Court but are commissioned privately.
A Short Form Assessment can assist lawyers and families when:
• Mediation is planned and early insight is needed
• An interim hearing is approaching
• There is limited scope or time for a full Family Report
• The child’s voice needs to be understood quickly and safely
These reports highlight key issues and safety considerations without the length of a full expert report.
Parenting Capacity Assessments
Parenting Capacity Assessments evaluate a parent’s ability to provide safe, stable and developmentally appropriate care. These assessments may be relevant where concerns exist about health, safety or the consistency of parenting arrangements.
A Parenting Capacity Assessment may explore:
• Parenting strengths and areas of challenge
• Understanding of child development
• The practical ability to meet day to day needs
• The impact of mental health conditions
• Trauma histories and their influence on parenting
• Family violence and risk factors
• Supports required for safe and consistent care
These reports provide practical recommendations that help guide decisions about parenting arrangements and support services.
Social Assessment Reports
Social Assessment Reports focus on the broader social and environmental context in which a family is living. These assessments provide the Court with an understanding of the child’s world outside direct parenting issues.
A Social Assessment Report may consider:
• Housing stability and living conditions
• Access to education, community and cultural support
• Financial stressors and practical care arrangements
• Family and social supports
• The presence of risk and protective factors in the environment
These reports are useful in family law matters, child protection concerns and pre court negotiations.
Make a Referral
Livian Consulting accepts referrals from family lawyers, Independent Children’s Lawyers and agencies. Each matter is reviewed to ensure suitability and alignment with professional independence requirements.
For more information or to discuss a referral, please contact us using the form below.