A forensic evaluation is conducted to address one or more defined psycholegal questions within a legal, administrative, or court-related matter. Depending upon the referral, the process may include interviews, psychological or behavioral assessment measures, review of records, collateral information, behavioral observations, and other relevant sources of data.

Unlike treatment, the primary purpose is not to provide therapy or establish a treatment relationship, but to develop objective professional opinions relevant to the defined forensic questions.

The appropriate service is determined by the psycholegal question—not simply by the allegation, diagnosis, or type of litigation. Some matters require a comprehensive forensic evaluation, while others may be better addressed through focused consultation, expert review, risk assessment, or another specialized service.

Attorneys and other referral sources may submit a Case Inquiry for preliminary review of the requested scope.

Yes. Court-appointed and court-ordered matters may be accepted depending upon the requested scope, jurisdiction, professional competence, potential conflicts, availability, deadlines, and the terms of the governing court order.

Acceptance is confirmed only after the referral has been reviewed and the required engagement and financial arrangements have been completed.

There is no single standard timeframe. Completion depends upon the type and complexity of the evaluation, number of examinees, volume of records, availability of collateral sources, assessment procedures required, participant cooperation, and applicable court deadlines.

Relevant hearing, trial, or filing dates should be identified when the case inquiry is submitted so that availability can be considered before the matter is accepted.

No. Forensic evaluation and treatment are distinct professional roles. Participation in a forensic evaluation does not establish a psychotherapy relationship, and the evaluator does not serve as the examinee's treating clinician or advocate.

When treatment needs are identified, appropriate recommendations may be made when relevant to the scope of the evaluation.

Forensic evaluations have different confidentiality and privilege boundaries than psychotherapy or treatment. Information obtained during an evaluation may be incorporated into a forensic report or disclosed as authorized or required by the governing court order, applicable law, nature of the referral, or other controlling legal authority.

Examinees are informed of the reasonably anticipated uses of information and applicable limitations on confidentiality and privilege before substantive evaluation activities begin.

As a matter of practice policy, Upright Forensic Solutions does not ordinarily distribute completed forensic reports directly to examinees, litigants, family members, or other third parties.

In court-involved matters, reports are generally transmitted to the Court unless the governing court order, applicable law, or other controlling legal authority requires or authorizes a different method of distribution. Parties seeking access should ordinarily obtain the report through the Court or other authorized procedure.

Raw psychological test data, protocols, scoring materials, test items, and other protected assessment materials are handled separately from ordinary distribution of the forensic report.

Access is governed by applicable law, professional requirements, court orders or other legal process, appropriate authorization, and test-security requirements. Protected assessment materials will not be voluntarily released in a manner that compromises test security or violates applicable professional or legal requirements.

Forensic services are billed at the applicable professional rate established in the engagement agreement. Fees may include interviews, testing, record review, collateral contacts, scoring and interpretation, report preparation, professional consultation, case-related communication, and other activities necessary to complete the forensic service.

Retainers and other financial requirements vary according to the type and anticipated scope of the matter. Current fee and retainer information is provided before services begin.

No. Forensic evaluations, expert consultation, litigation support, and related forensic services are not billed to health insurance. These services are conducted for legal or administrative purposes rather than as medically necessary treatment services.

Payment responsibilities and financial arrangements are established before services begin.

Yes. Dr. Upright provides deposition and court testimony when appropriate to the forensic matter and within the scope of the services performed. Testimony, preparation, attorney conferences, and review of materials related to testimony are billed separately in accordance with the applicable engagement agreement.

Records and case materials should be submitted only after Upright Forensic Solutions provides instructions regarding what information is needed and how it should be transmitted.

Depending upon the matter, relevant materials may include court orders, pleadings, prior evaluations, treatment or medical records, educational records, investigative materials, communications, or other information relevant to the defined psycholegal questions.

Please do not submit confidential records, protected health information, discovery materials, photographs, recordings, or other case evidence through the initial Case Inquiry form.

Review all scheduling and evaluation instructions provided by Upright Forensic Solutions and complete any required forms or releases before your appointment. Arrive prepared to provide valid identification and any other information specifically requested.

Examinees should participate as completely and accurately as possible. There are no “right” answers designed to produce a particular legal outcome.

Yes, when appropriate to the scope and procedures established for the matter. Attorneys may communicate with the evaluator regarding scheduling, records, referral questions, procedural issues, and other matters necessary to the forensic service.

Communications should not be used to advocate for a predetermined conclusion, influence findings, or provide information outside the procedures established for the evaluation.

Upright Forensic Solutions, LLC considers matters in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida, as well as certain matters involving other jurisdictions when legally and professionally permissible.

Whether a particular matter can be accepted depends upon the requested service, location of the examinee and evaluation activities, applicable licensing and jurisdictional requirements, governing court orders, and the scope of the referral. Jurisdiction is reviewed before a matter is accepted.

The role of minors and collateral sources depends upon the type and scope of the evaluation. When minors participate, applicable consent, authorization, notification, and assent procedures are addressed according to the circumstances of the referral and governing legal requirements.

Collateral sources may include family members, treatment providers, educators, employers, agencies, or other individuals with information relevant to the referral questions. Participation as a collateral source does not create a treatment relationship with the evaluator.

Attorneys and other authorized referral sources may submit an initial Case Inquiry identifying the requested service, jurisdiction, relevant deadlines, and limited information necessary for preliminary review.

The inquiry allows Upright Forensic Solutions, LLC to consider scope, availability, potential conflicts, and appropriateness before substantive case information is exchanged. Submission of an inquiry does not constitute acceptance of the matter or establish a professional relationship.

Begin by submitting the Case Inquiry form with basic information regarding the matter, requested service, jurisdiction, parties involved for conflict-check purposes, and any relevant hearing or court deadlines.

If the matter appears appropriate for further consideration, Upright Forensic Solutions will provide instructions regarding the next steps, required engagement documents, financial arrangements, and secure submission of case materials.