Looking for help in your family court proceedings?Bridge The Gap is a free, community-built guide to UK family court, written by litigants and McKenzie Friends, for litigants. Real observations, plain English, and people who can help.
Assumption: "The court has appointed a psychologist to assess my family. They must be qualified."
1 min readThis content reflects observational insights and lived community experiences. It does not constitute legal advice — always consult a qualified professional for your specific circumstances.
What People Expect
Litigants assume that because the court appointed an expert, that expert must have proper qualifications and credentials.
Court Reality
Until February 2026, anyone could call themselves a psychologist and give expert evidence in family court. The President of the Family Division has now issued firm guidance that unregulated psychologists should not be used unless there is no alternative. Courts still have discretion — but must now explain their reasoning in writing.
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The Gap?
"The court has appointed a psychologist to assess my family. They must be qualified."
Court Reality
Until February 2026, anyone could call themselves a psychologist and give expert evidence in family court.
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