Services

Report Services

Often the court appoints qualified professionals to observe a family and report back to the court regarding previously identified concerns. It is recommended that attorneys or parties contact Premela before seeking her appointment for any of these report services to ensure that she is able to accept the appointment as well as to include her service contract in the court appointment order.

Supervised Visitation Reports

As a licensed certified social worker, Premela conducts supervised visitation for the purpose of observing and reporting on the parent/child interaction, parenting skills, and any other areas of concern specific to each family. The number of supervised visitation sessions is typically outlined by Court order.

Guardian ad Litem (“GAL”)

Premela is often appointed by the Court as a neutral court investigator to conduct assessments related to custody, parenting plan, removal, and other areas of concern. Premela has experience in Massachusetts as both a Category E GAL and a Category F GAL. These investigations typically include interviews of the parties and their children, relevant collaterals, record review, and parent/child interaction observations. A sample copy of Premela’s Guardian ad Litem agreement and frequently asked questions is uploaded to this website under “resources” and it is highly recommended that those interested in Premela’s services contact her before motioning the Court.

Guardian for Therapeutic Privilege

Privileged information is confidential information that cannot be introduced into evidence in a court proceeding by testimony or document. At times, professionals working with high-conflict families, such as a Guardian ad Litem or a Parenting Coordinator, may wish to speak to the child’s therapist to inform their work and recommendations for the family. These professionals are prohibited from speaking to a child’s therapist without the psychotherapist-patient privilege being waived by the Court. This typically requires the appointment of a Guardian to conduct an investigation into the nature of therapy and whether the therapeutic privilege should be waived. As a mental health professional and as an attorney, Premela is uniquely positioned to understand the psychotherapist-patient privilege and she is frequently appointed to conduct such investigations.