How We Work Together

Whether you're an attorney seeking expert consultation or a parent navigating a high-conflict custody battle, Dr. Tolbert provides clear, compassionate guidance to protect what matters most—your children

Who Dr. Tolbert Helps

👨‍⚖️ Family Law Attorneys

Behind-the-scenes litigation consulting and expert witness testimony to strengthen your case strategy in high-conflict custody matters.

  • Strategic case planning under attorney-client privilege
  • Expert witness testimony (400+ courtroom testimonies)
  • Evaluation critique and cross-examination development
  • Psychological insights on narcissistic abuse and alienation

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents in Crisis

Direct consultation and guidance when you're facing manipulation, parental alienation, or unjust custody evaluations.

  • Understanding flawed custody evaluations
  • Identifying narcissistic abuse patterns affecting your children
  • Guidance on finding qualified local experts and attorneys
  • Strategic recommendations for protecting parent-child relationships

Dr. Tolbert's approach is methodical, evidence-based, and tailored to the unique dynamics of your situation. Whether working with your legal team or consulting with you directly, you'll have a strategic partner who understands both the psychological complexities and legal nuances of high-conflict custody matters.

The Engagement Process

1

Initial Contact & Case Assessment

Timeline: 1-2 Business Days

Begin with a brief, confidential discussion to understand your case challenges. This can be a quick phone call or email exchange to determine if Dr. Tolbert's expertise aligns with your needs.

What You'll Need:

  • Brief case summary (2-3 paragraphs)
  • Key concerns or challenges you're facing
  • Timeline constraints or upcoming court dates
  • Type of assistance needed (consultation vs. expert witness)

Deliverable:

  • Preliminary assessment of case fit
  • Proposed scope of work and fee structure
  • Engagement options (consulting vs. expert witness)
2

Engagement Agreement & Document Review

Timeline: 3-5 Business Days

Once engaged, you'll provide relevant case materials for Dr. Tolbert's comprehensive review. All documents are handled with strict confidentiality, and if engaged as a consultant, protected under attorney-client privilege.

Typical Documents Reviewed:

  • Existing custody evaluations or psychological assessments
  • Court filings, motions, and pleadings
  • Guardian ad litem reports
  • Therapist records and communications
  • Relevant emails, texts, or documented interactions
  • Parenting plans and visitation schedules

Deliverable:

  • Signed engagement letter and fee agreement
  • Secure document upload instructions
  • Initial timeline and next steps outline
3

In-Depth Analysis & Strategy Development

Timeline: 1-3 Weeks (depending on case complexity)

Dr. Tolbert conducts a meticulous analysis of all materials, identifying psychological patterns, methodological flaws in existing evaluations, and strategic opportunities for your case.

Analysis Includes:

  • Identification of high-conflict personality dynamics and patterns
  • Assessment of parental alienation indicators
  • Critique of existing psychological evaluations (methodology, bias, errors)
  • Review of child's best interests from forensic psychology perspective
  • Evaluation of narcissistic abuse or manipulation tactics
  • Strategic recommendations for case direction

Deliverable:

  • Written Report: Comprehensive analysis with psychological insights and strategic recommendations
  • Case Strategy Consultation: 1-2 hour session to review findings and discuss application to your legal strategy
  • Action Plan: Specific next steps tailored to your case needs
4

Trial Preparation & Expert Support

Timeline: 2-4 Weeks Before Trial/Hearing

As your case approaches trial or critical hearings, Dr. Tolbert provides intensive support to ensure you're fully prepared to present psychological evidence effectively.

Preparation Services:

  • Cross-Examination Strategy: Develop incisive questions for opposing experts, evaluators, or witnesses
  • Deposition Preparation: Brief you on psychological concepts and likely testimony patterns
  • Expert Witness Vetting: Help identify and vet additional experts if needed
  • Direct Examination Prep: If testifying as expert witness, coordinate testimony strategy
  • Rebuttal Analysis: Prepare responses to anticipated opposing expert opinions

Deliverable:

  • Cross-Examination Questions: Detailed question sets designed to reveal inconsistencies and psychological truths
  • Expert Report: If engaged as expert witness, formal written expert opinion
  • Trial Consultation: Ongoing availability for questions and strategy refinement
5

Expert Testimony & Case Resolution

Timeline: Day of Trial/Hearing + Post-Trial Support

If engaged as an expert witness, Dr. Tolbert provides compelling, evidence-based testimony that withstands rigorous cross-examination. With over 400 courtroom testimonies, she presents complex psychological concepts in clear, persuasive language that resonates with judges and juries.

Testimony Services:

  • Direct examination testimony with clear, compelling presentation
  • Confident handling of cross-examination with credible, evidence-based responses
  • Real-time courtroom consultation (if engaged as behind-the-scenes consultant)
  • Post-trial debrief and recommendations for appeals or modifications if needed

Deliverable:

  • Expert Witness Testimony: Professional, credible courtroom testimony (if applicable)
  • Post-Trial Analysis: Review of outcome and recommendations for next steps
  • Ongoing Availability: Support for appeals, modifications, or related matters

Engagement Options

Dr. Tolbert offers flexible engagement options for attorneys and families

Behind-the-Scenes Litigation Consultant

$400/hour

Protected Under Attorney-Client Privilege

Work with Dr. Tolbert confidentially as your strategic partner. All analysis, insights, and communications remain protected and non-discoverable.

Best For:

  • Strategic case planning and psychological insights
  • Critiquing opposing expert evaluations without disclosure
  • Developing cross-examination strategies
  • Confidential guidance on high-conflict personality dynamics
  • Cases where you need expert insights but not courtroom testimony

Expert Witness Testimony

$400/hour + Testimony Fees

Courtroom-Ready Expert Opinion

Leverage Dr. Tolbert's 400+ courtroom testimonies and qualifications in 5 states for powerful, evidence-based expert witness testimony.

Best For:

  • Cases requiring formal expert opinion and testimony
  • Rebutting opposing expert evaluations in court
  • Establishing patterns of narcissistic abuse or alienation
  • Complex personality dynamics requiring expert explanation
  • High-stakes custody battles where credible testimony is essential

Parent/Family Consultation

$400/hour

Direct Support for Parents in Crisis

If you're a parent facing a high-conflict custody battle, Dr. Tolbert can provide direct consultation to help you understand what's happening and guide you toward effective solutions.

Best For:

  • Understanding a flawed or biased custody evaluation
  • Identifying narcissistic abuse patterns in your case
  • Getting guidance on finding a qualified attorney and local experts
  • Learning how to protect your parent-child relationship
  • Strategic recommendations for your specific situation

For Attorneys: Choose consulting for strategic guidance protected under privilege, or expert witness services for courtroom testimony. These are separate engagements—Dr. Tolbert does not transition between roles, as this compromises objectivity and risks making privileged communications discoverable. For Parents: Direct consultation helps you understand the psychological dynamics of your case and empowers you to work more effectively with your attorney. Dr. Tolbert can discuss the best approach for your specific situation during the initial consultation.

What to Expect When Working with Dr. Tolbert

🎯 Focused Expertise

Dr. Tolbert specializes exclusively in high-conflict child custody matters. You're not working with a generalist—you're partnering with an expert who has seen every manipulation tactic, alienation pattern, and personality dynamic in family law.

📊 Evidence-Based Analysis

Every opinion, recommendation, and testimony is grounded in rigorous psychological research, forensic best practices, and empirical evidence. No speculation—only scientifically supported insights.

🔒 Complete Confidentiality

Whether working under attorney-client privilege or as an expert witness, Dr. Tolbert maintains the highest standards of confidentiality and ethical practice in accordance with APA guidelines.

⚡ Responsive Communication

High-conflict custody cases move quickly. Dr. Tolbert understands the urgency and maintains responsive communication throughout the engagement, ensuring you have the insights you need when you need them.

🎓 Proven Courtroom Credibility

With over 400 expert testimonies and qualifications in 5 states, Dr. Tolbert brings unparalleled credibility to the courtroom. Her testimony withstands even the most aggressive cross-examination.

🤝 Collaborative Partnership

Dr. Tolbert works collaboratively with attorneys and directly with parents, ensuring psychological insights strengthen your legal strategy and empower you to protect your children.

Ready to Get the Help You Need?

Whether you're an attorney seeking expert consultation or a parent navigating a crisis, start with a confidential case assessment. There's no obligation—just an honest evaluation of how Dr. Tolbert's forensic psychology expertise can help protect what matters most.

Request Case Consultation Call 561-429-2140