Serving Denver, CO
303-558-7056

Dr. Richard F Spiegle

Family Law Psychology

303-558-7056Let's Get Started
Welcome

Family Law Psychology in Denver, CO

Child & Family Investigator

A Child and Family Investigator (CFI) is appointed by the court to assist in determining the best interests of the child in families experiencing a high degree of conflict. A CFI conducts a thorough investigation involving clinical interviews, home visits, review of records, and interviews with professionals and friends. Psychological testing may be administered. The CFI submits a report to the court with findings and recommendations based on the court’s order.

Dependency and Neglect (D&N)

These cases involve neglect or abuse of children that come to the attention of child protection services or the court. These evaluations typically include obtaining a review of the facts of the case and the relevant history, interviewing the specified parties to the case, contacting collateral sources, administering psychological testing and very often conducting parent-child interactionals. Reports include findings and conclusions pertaining to the questions and issues raised in the D&N.

Evaluating Competency to Proceed in Domestic Cases–Sorensen Precedent

Commonly termed Sorensen Evaluation, this evaluation determines an individual’s competency to proceed in a domestic case and addresses the question of the need for a court-appointed guardian ad litem. The individual’s ability to understand the case proceedings and to act and make critical decisions in his or her best interests will be evaluated. In some instances, cognitive problems or mental health symptoms may impair the individual’s ability to proceed.

Parental Responsibilities Evaluator

When parents cannot reach a resolution about parenting time or decision-making for their children, or if they request a second opinion following a CFI evaluation, a licensed mental health professional may be appointed by the court as a Parental Responsibilities Evaluator (PRE) to evaluate members of the family, report findings, and provide recommendations to the court aimed at reducing the conflict and promoting the best interests of the child. Psychological testing may be administered. The evaluator will investigate and file a report to the court that will include recommendations about decision-making responsibilities and parenting time.

Reintegration Therapy

Reintegration Therapy is a form of family therapy in circumstances where there has been serious conflict and/or disruption in a parent-child relationship. The therapeutic process requires an understanding of the conflict and disruption and a plan to ameliorate and normalize the parent-child relationship to the optimal degree. An essential element in this type of therapy is the protection and well being of the child.

Supervised Parenting Services

For families involved in serious domestic disputes the court may order supervised parenting time or therapeutic supervised parenting time for a particular parent. We provide these services either in the office, in their home, or in a specified location outside of the home.

Termination of Parental Rights

These evaluations are instigated when a petition is filed with the court to terminate an individual’s parental rights. The focus of this evaluation will be on the respondent parent, their progress and compliance with the treatment plan established by the local department of human services, and will often include a parent-child interactional evaluation. Review of all pertinent records is an important part of this evaluation and psychological testing might be included. An evaluation report and testimony are often required.

Three Levels of Parenting Coordinator

Parenting Coordinator:
A Parenting Coordinator (PC) is a neutral third party appointed to assist parties in resolving disputes concerning parental responsibilities, including but not limited to, implementation of a court-ordered parenting plan. The PC has no court authority to make decisions or issue orders.
Decision Maker:
A Decision Maker has binding authority to resolve disputes between the parties as to implementation or clarification of existing orders.
Arbitrator:
An Arbitrator has binding authority to resolve disputes between parties concerning the minor or dependent children, including but not limited to, disputed parental decisions.

Reviews

Dr. Spiegle has been amazing in helping us get to the roots of the abuse our girls experienced with their biological father. He has also helped us figure out how to have conversations with them without alienating their biodad, but also be honest with them about what they are experiencing. Our 10 year old loves talking with him and will often ask to talk with him when she gets stressed, and he will do his best to accommodate us when this happens. I think the other reviews calling him a hired gun are from people who lost custody because they were abusive
- Josh
My 20-year-old son saw Dr. Spiegle for evaluation and reporting. Dr. Spiegle made him feel welcomed and very comfortable from the start, which is important for my son who deals with various disabilities. The process went smoothly. I'm so pleased with the thoroughness of the testing and completeness of the report. Dr. Spiegle also provided testimony at a hearing and was an excellent witness.
- Sylvia L.
My son with aspergers, PTSD and suicidal thoughts has been to many therapists, social workers and counselors. He's been prescribed multiple medications over many years. The only real help and support from any professional has come from Dr.Spiegel. I feel comfortable with him in the knowledge that he truly does put his patients first.
-LJ

Let's Get Started

PO Box 17766Denver, CO
Mon - Fri: 7:00am - 6:30pmWeekends: By appointment
Colorado Licensed Psychologist 803
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