Monday, July 14, 2008

custody - in camera interview of child - presence of counsel - expert evaluation - admission into record

Ottolini v. Barrett - Superior Court - July 14, 2008

http://www.courts.state.pa.us/OpPosting/Superior/out/s39012_08.pdf

Pa. RCP 1915.11(b) mandates that counsel be present during in camera interview of child in custody case in which trial court relied at least in part on such interview. Sandra L.H. v. Joseph L.H., 444 A.2d 12241 (Pa. Super. 1982) is overruled to the extent that it may be inconsistent with the rule.

Remand is also required since a) the court relied on a psychological evaluation that was never entered into evidence, and b) the psychologist was not called as a witness or subject to cross-examination. Pa. CRP 1915.8(a).