Court reports
How to instruct an expert witness psychologist
From first contact to the final report, and oral evidence if the court needs it.
From instruction to report in seven steps
- Get in touch
Tell us the type of case, the court and any hearing date, your deadline, and whether the matter is legally aided or privately funded. If the assessment would be face to face, tell us where.
- We confirm the details
We confirm availability, check for any conflict of interest, and agree a fee and a timescale before you send papers.
- Legal aid approval, if the case is publicly funded
You may need prior authority from the Legal Aid Agency before instructing us. We quote at LAA rates, and can provide more than one quote where the LAA requires it, so that step is as quick as possible.
- You send the instruction
A letter of instruction setting out the questions, with the relevant papers.
- We carry out the assessment
Remotely or face to face, in a prison, a secure hospital, your offices or elsewhere. Some assessments, such as cognitive and IQ testing, work considerably better in person. An interpreter can be arranged.
- We write the report
Typically within four weeks of instruction, answering the questions you have asked and setting out our reasoning.
- Oral evidence, if needed
We attend court or give evidence remotely, and we are used to being cross-examined on our reports.
Travel and coverage: London, the South East, the East of England and the Midlands
For legally aided cases, travel is charged as public transport costs at Legal Aid Agency rates. For privately funded instructions it is included in the quote. We cover London, the South East, the East of England and up to the Midlands, and assess in prisons, secure hospitals, solicitors’ offices, or remotely.
Questions solicitors ask before instructing
Can you take an urgent instruction?
Often, yes. Our typical turnaround is four weeks, and we consider urgent instructions. Tell us your deadline when you first get in touch.
Do you accept legal aid?
Yes. We accept legal aid rates, and travel is quoted in line with legal aid guidelines.
Can the assessment be done remotely?
Many assessments can. Some, such as cognitive and IQ testing, work considerably better face to face, and we will advise which is right for the case.
Do you work with interpreters?
Yes. Assessments can be carried out with an interpreter.
Do you assess children?
We assess adults, and have some availability for children and young people.
Do you take family court instructions?
Not as a rule. Our work is in criminal, extradition, civil, insurance and tribunal matters, and mental capacity.
Track record and registrations
- 100+court reports written
for solicitors and the courts 
Dr Mareike Suesse, Consultant Clinical Psychologist
HCPC registration PYL32511
Registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office
Every clinician insured and DBS checked
Instruct us
Send us a short note about the case to get started.