Family Law Psychological Assessments

Lucerna Opinions, founded and headed by HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist Dr Alexander Drake, provides independent clinical psychology expert assessments in matters of public and private family law, supporting the court and professionals to understand psychological functioning, cognitive needs, risk, and practical implications for parenting and child safeguarding.

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"I have always found Dr Drake’s reports to be easy to understand and concise. He makes the effort to travel to see clients and will put himself out to see them around their availability. He is always polite and courteous to clients and makes them feel at ease, which is important to them at a difficult time for them. Dr Drake, in my view, addresses the issues requested of him and ensures that his reports reflect what is asked."

Chris Evans Senior Paralegal, Tozers LLP

"I have used Dr Drake both at my current firm and previous firm and have always found the quality of his reports to be fantastic. They are helpful and clear, and he is always willing to answer any queries that arise. The recommendations are always useful and concise. His work is thorough, whilst also keeping client’s limitations in mind. Clients always seem to be at ease talking to Dr Drake. Instruction is always straight forward, with reports being delivered on time. I would have no hesitation in recommending Dr Drake and will continue to instruct him on cases to come."

Jessie Allen Solicitor, Rosie Bracher Solicitors LLP

"We often instruct Dr Drake and will continue to do so in the future. He is very professional and approachable throughout. He carries a compassionate nature immediately making clients feel very at ease which is reassuring for all especially when dealing with very vulnerable clients. Dr Drake’s turnaround times are very competitive and his reports are thorough, clear and concise with recommendations that are of great assistance. He is always willing to answer any questions and share his exceptional knowledge. We would have no hesitation in recommending Dr Drake to anyone seeking a psychological expert."

Michelle Brailey Paralegal, Rosie Bracher Solicitors LLP

"I have instructed Dr Drake on many occasions for the completion of psychological assessments, cognitive assessments, and capacity assessments. He was professional, approachable, and thorough throughout. Assessments are always provided to a very high standard. He is supportive and professional throughout, and the reports were clear, well-reasoned, balanced, and easy to follow. His work was genuinely helpful in informing decision-making and I would not hesitate to recommend him."

Emilie Collis Solicitor, Rosie Bracher Solicitors LLP

"Dr Drake is prompt. He files good clear reports. He comes to our office even though we are 40/50 miles away from civilisation. I cannot speak for his bed side manner as I rarely meet him but I think he is always very friendly and clients seem to like him."

Rose Bracher Solicitor and Partner, Rosie Bracher Solicitors LLP

"Dr Drake has been our “go-to” expert, clients appear to like him and feel comfortable with him. He is always very professional and willing to travel. His reports are clear and precise and always timely. I would highly recommend him."

Lisa McLaughlin Chartered Legal Executive, Rosie Bracher Solicitors LLP

What these assessments are for

Family proceedings often require clear, evidence-based answers to questions such as:

How does a parent or carer’s psychological functioning affect day-to-day parenting?
Are there cognitive or neuropsychological difficulties that impact decision-making, learning, or engagement with services?
How can solicitors, social workers, and the court work most effectively with a parent with cognitive and mental health issues?
Does the person have the relevant mental capacity to litigate in care proceedings and, vitally, how can capacity and participation be enhanced?
What support, treatment, or interventions are most likely to make a difference – and how should they be implemented?
What are the current and future risks, and what reduces or increases them?

My reports focus on direct, defensible reasoning and recommendations that can actually be put into practice.

Assessments offered in family law

Cognitive and neuropsychological assessment: Identification of cognitive strengths, difficulties (e.g. attention, memory, processing speed, executive functioning), and intellectual (i.e. learning) disability; and how these affect daily functioning, parenting tasks, engagement with professionals, and ability to benefit from intervention
Mental capacity assessment: Capacity opinions tied to the specific decision(s) in question, with clear links between functional criteria, evidence gathered, and conclusions
Psychological assessment: Formulation of psychological difficulties, trauma-related presentations, emotional regulation, interpersonal functioning, diagnostic status and impact on parenting and safeguarding
Risk assessment: Structured, evidence-informed analysis of risks relevant to the instruction, with a clear formulation and practical risk management recommendations

My approach: clear, transparent, defensible

A consistent theme in family cases is the need for a process the court can follow. I describe my methodology in plain language, set out what information I relied upon, and explain how I weighed it.

You can expect:

A clearly described process from instruction to conclusions
Evidence-based methods and appropriate psychometrics where indicated
Balanced reasoning, including limitations and alternative explanations
Opinions that address the legal questions directly (not generic clinical commentary)

Recommendations that professionals can implement

I’m known for providing extensive, clear, and implementable recommendations to help solicitors and social workers translate findings into action. Where useful, I include practical details such as:

You can expect:

The aim of an intervention and what “success” would look like
How to adapt communication and support to cognitive needs
Frequency, duration, and delivery suggestions (where appropriate)
Suggested wording for interventions, plans, or professional guidance to reduce ambiguity for non-mental health professionals

Legal aid rates and working with timescales

I can work to legal aid rates, am familiar with the practical realities of family proceedings, and always aim to file early. Turnaround is measured in weeks – not months. Urgent deadlines (e.g. an imminent due date or hearing) will be met.

If you contact me with the key questions and relevant dates, I can advise on feasibility, proposed scope, and what records would be required to complete the assessment properly.

I accept instruction in:

Coverage

Based near Exeter, Lucerna Opinions provides expert psychological assessments across the Greater South West and along the M4 and M5 corridors. Remote assessments are available for all assessment types except cognitive and neuropsychological assessments, or where a face-to-face appointment is deemed more suitable.

Instructing me

To get an instruction moving quickly, it helps to include:

The setting (e.g. private law, PLO, or child protection proceedings)
A one- or two-sentence background to the case
The assessments requested
Any deadlines (for example any due date or IRH or final hearing dates)
What records are currently available
Any specific questions