Requesting a medico-legal psychiatric report

Before you enquire

Start with the question the report needs to address, the type of proceedings and the date it is needed. These details help the team discuss whether the proposed work is a suitable fit.

• Give a brief, non-identifying outline in the website enquiry; ask for the agreed route before sharing case papers.
• Separate your first enquiry from the formal instruction, fee agreement and appointment confirmation.
• If later work may be needed, mention it early: a report, further questions and a hearing can require separate arrangements.

Begin with the decision the report needs to inform

A useful enquiry starts with the purpose of the report. Explain the type of proceedings and the psychiatric issue that needs expert consideration. A request for a general assessment can leave both sides unclear about the work required; a focused question gives the clinician a better basis for discussing suitability.

For example, asking about the possible psychiatric effects of an incident is different from asking about a person's ability to participate in proceedings. These are examples of different questions, not interchangeable assessments. The instructing legal team should identify the relevant issues and legal framework.

Check expertise and independence

Ask whether the proposed expert has experience relevant to the particular questions, age group and circumstances. Request the information needed to assess that fit, and agree how potential conflicts will be checked before sending a case bundle. Ask which identifying details are needed for that check and how to send them securely.

An expert witness provides an independent opinion within their expertise. The opinion cannot be commissioned on the condition that it supports a preferred outcome. Clear instructions should invite the expert's assessment of the evidence, including its limitations.

Make the first enquiry useful and proportionate

For an initial PsychCare website enquiry, a brief, non-identifying outline is enough to start a discussion. Describe the service sought and mention any deadline. Do not paste medical records, witness accounts or identifying case details into the form. Ask how any information needed for a conflict check or formal instruction should be provided.

Keep a short preparation note for the subsequent conversation:

• What psychiatric question needs answering, and for which type of proceedings?
• Is the request for preliminary advice, an assessment and report, or further work on an existing report?
• What is the report deadline, and are there separate hearing or report-exchange dates?
• What records are available, which are missing and when might they arrive?
• Are there access, communication or location arrangements to discuss?

Turn the discussion into an agreed instruction

Once suitability has been discussed, confirm the written questions, relevant documents, agreed work, fee basis and delivery arrangements. Give an accurate picture of the material available rather than selecting only documents that support one account. Flag missing records and later additions through the agreed route.

For civil proceedings in England and Wales, CPR Part 35 governs expert evidence. Permission to rely on an expert report is a separate matter from commissioning it. Family, criminal and tribunal proceedings have their own requirements; the legal team should check the rules and directions that apply.

Confirm acceptance before making plans

An enquiry is not an accepted instruction or a reserved assessment. Ask for confirmation of the proposed expert, scope, cost and timetable before relying on an arrangement. If the questions or deadline change, raise that promptly so the proposed work can be reconsidered.

PsychCare's Services page describes its medico-legal report areas. Use that as a starting point for an enquiry, then confirm the arrangements for the specific matter.