Parental Capacity Assessment
Independent, objective parental capacity assessments for family law proceedings, child protection matters, and court-directed evaluations across Ireland.
WHO IS IT FOR?
Suitable for family law, child protection & courts
We provide independent, objective parental capacity assessments suitable for submission to solicitors, courts, and statutory agencies including Tusla. All assessments are evidence-based, clinically reasoned, and focused on the best interests of the child.
Family Court Proceedings
Custody & Access
Guardianship
Tusla / Child Protection
Safeguarding Concerns
Parenting Disputes
Risk & Protective Factors
Mental Health Contexts
Neurodevelopmental Conditions
At Mindful Space, we conduct independent parental capacity assessments using a structured, evidence-based approach. Reports are prepared to the standards required by Irish family courts, Tusla, and statutory bodies — impartial, clearly reasoned, and suitable for legal submission.
TRANSPARENT PRICING
Clear, Structured Fee Structure
An initial case review consultation is all that’s required to get started. The full assessment fee is agreed following scoping of your case.
Step 1
Initial Case Review Consultation
45–60 minutes
€180
Payable at booking. Everything you need to get started.
- Review of referral query
- Clarification of legal questions
- Review of available documentation
- Confirmation of scope and timelines
STEP 2 + REPORT
Comprehensive Assessment & Report
If you decide to proceed after scoping
€1,200 – €1,500
Fee dependent on case complexity, documentation volume, and number of parties.
- Comprehensive evaluation
- Detailed written report
- Suitable for court submission
- Collateral information if required
If the case is not suitable for assessment at Step 1, there is no obligation to proceed and you will not be charged for the full assessment.
Expedited reports, supplementary clarifications, and court attendance available on request.
Expedited: +€200–€400
Supplementary: from €100
Court Attendance: €180–€250/hr
ASSESSMENT PROCESS
Four Structured Steps
Each stage is carefully designed to build a complete picture of parenting capacity, history, and risk — so our clinicians can reach an accurate, well-evidenced professional opinion.
Step 1
Referral & Case Scoping
Referral from solicitor or agency · Fee agreed at this stage
During this stage, the clinician will:
- Receive referral from solicitor or agency
- Clarify legal instructions and key questions
- Agree scope, fees, and timelines
- Review available documentation
Step 2
Comprehensive Evaluation
Duration: 2–4 hours · Primarily remote · Multiple sessions if required
The assessment includes a structured evaluation of:
CORE PARENTING DOMAINS
- Parental insight into the child’s needs
- Emotional warmth, attachment & responsiveness
- Capacity for safety, supervision & protection
- Consistency of routines & caregiving
- Behaviour management & boundaries
- Decision-making & problem-solving capacity
- Impact of mental health or neurodevelopmental conditions
- Social supports & environmental stability
ADDITIONAL COMPONENTS
- Collateral information (partner, relatives, professionals)
- Review of medical, educational & social care records
- Evaluation of functional parenting capacity in daily life
Step 3
Report Preparation
Timeframe: typically 10–15 working days
Following the assessment, the clinician will prepare a comprehensive report. Reports include:
- Referral context and instructions
- Relevant background history
- Clinical findings and structured formulation
- Evaluation of parenting capacity
- Identification of strengths and risks
- Clear, defensible professional opinion
- Recommendations for care, support, or safeguarding
All reports are independent, impartial, evidence-based, and structured for legal readability. Standard turnaround: 10–15 working days. Expedited reports available on request.
Step 4
Clarification & Feedback
If required following report delivery
- Clarification for instructing solicitor
- Addendum reports if new information is provided
- Availability for case discussion where appropriate
REPORT STANDARDS
Court-Ready Reports
All reports are prepared to the standards required by Irish family courts, child protection agencies, and statutory bodies — structured for legal readability and suitable for submission to solicitors, courts, and Tusla.
✔ Independent & impartial
✔ Evidence-based & clearly reasoned
✔ Structured for legal readability
✔ Suitable for court submission
✔ Compliant with professional & ethical standards
⏱ Standard turnaround: 10–15 working days. Expedited reports available upon request at an additional fee.
Request an Assessment
To request an assessment, contact us with a brief case summary, the specific legal questions to be addressed, relevant documentation, and your required timeframe.