FAQs

How do I get the process started?

A CFE is typically initiated by one party and their attorney, by mutual stipulation, or by direct Court order. However, Dr. DiCarlo must be formally appointed by the Court before beginning any services.

Before requesting appointment, please confirm Dr. DiCarlo’s availability, as he conducts only one evaluation per month. A waitlist may apply.

All inquiries should be directed to Dr. DiCarlo’s forensic case manager, Kelli Benavides.

How much does this service cost?

Costs for a CFE vary based on:

• Number of caregivers and children

• Complexity of the issues

• Level of cooperation among parties and attorneys

An advance fee of $15,000 is required to begin. The Court determines how costs are split (e.g., 50/50 between parents). Dr. DiCarlo bills at his standard forensic rate of $375/hour for all services.

Final costs often exceed the initial advance, and additional funding may be required to complete the process. Forensic assistants may be used to manage costs when possible. Expert testimony (e.g., depositions or court appearances) is billed separately.

What does the evaluation include?

While individual cases may vary, a typical CFE involves:

• 30-minute initial consultation with attorneys

• 3–5 hours of clinical interviews with each parent

• 1–2 hours of interviews with each child

• Psychological testing for each significant caregiver

• 3–5 hours of collateral interviews (e.g., relatives, professionals)

• 10+ hours of record review

• 1–2 hours of home visits and interaction observations per household

• 10+ hours of report writing and formulation

This structure helps in estimating time and cost but may be adjusted based on case needs.

How long does the process take?

Most CFEs take 3–6 months to complete. Timelines may vary depending on:

• Complexity of the issues

• Availability of participants

• Access to records and information

• Cooperation from parties and attorneys

Dr. DiCarlo typically aims to deliver a written report within 90 days of completing the initial caregiver interviews.

How should we communicate with Dr. DiCarlo?

To protect the integrity of the evaluation:

• Parents/litigants must not contact Dr. DiCarlo directly before or during the evaluation.

• All procedural or scheduling inquiries should go to Kelli Benavides, forensic case manager.

• Do not send unsolicited case materials, records, or summaries unless requested.

• Attorneys and parties should only share information when both sides are informed or present.

Unilateral communication with the evaluator can compromise neutrality and potentially affect the process.

Does Dr. DiCarlo make recommendations during the process?

No. Dr. DiCarlo will not provide recommendations to the parties or the Court until the final written report is issued.

Please do not request legal advice, therapeutic direction, or informal feedback during the evaluation. If you have questions about parenting time, legal decision-making, or any legal concerns during the evaluation process, consult with your attorney.