Business Details
40 Years
experience
Expert Forensic Psychological Assessments in San Jose
Kerner Evaluations has been a trusted leader in forensic psychological assessments and consulting since 1986. Our founder, Dr. Michael Kerner, brings over 35 years of specialized experience in forensic psychology, with a focus on family law cases, custody evaluations, and expert testimony. As an award-winning psychologist, author, and educator, Dr. Kerner has conducted over 700 family law cases and 450 child custody evaluations, establishing a reputation for rigorous analysis and ethical practice. Our team provides critical insights to courts, legal professionals, and law enforcement agencies through evidence-based assessments and consulting services. We are committed to advancing psychological standards through education, having developed law and ethics training materials used nationwide.With affiliations at institutions like Palo Alto University and Santa Clara University, we combine academic rigor with practical expertise. Our services extend to fitness-for-duty evaluations for police departments and specialized training programs for law enforcement. Recognized with multiple awards, including the California Psychological Associations Distinguished Contribution to Psychology Award, we maintain the highest standards of professionalism. Our work is grounded in decades of research, including published articles on child custody standards and stress in legal professions. At Kerner Evaluations, we prioritize client needs through transparent communication, personalized attention, and a dedication to resolving complex psychological and legal challenges.
Services
Forensic Assessments
Custody Evaluations
Expert Consulting
Parent Coordination
Mediation Services
Reunification Therapy
Psychological Testing
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- We have over 35 years of experience in forensic psychology since 1986.
- Our team has conducted 700+ family law cases and 450+ custody evaluations.
- We authored AATBS Law and Ethics training materials used nationwide.
- Our expert serves on the Palo Alto University Board of Directors.
- We provide fitness-for-duty evaluations to multiple California police departments.
Services
Forensic Assessments
Our forensic assessments provide comprehensive psychological analysis for legal proceedings. Specializing in family law, we deliver expert evaluations for custody disputes, competency hearings, and criminal cases. With decades of court experience, our reports and testimony are trusted by judges and attorneys statewide.
Custody Evaluations
We conduct thorough child custody evaluations to determine optimal parenting arrangements. Using standardized protocols, we assess family dynamics, parental capabilities, and child welfare. Our evaluations include detailed recommendations for custody and visitation plans in high-conflict divorce cases.
Expert Consulting
Our expert consulting services support attorneys with case strategy and psychological insights. We analyze evidence, prepare expert reports, and provide courtroom testimony. Clients benefit from our deep understanding of psychological factors in legal contexts.
Fitness for Duty
We perform fitness-for-duty evaluations for law enforcement agencies. These assessments determine psychological readiness for police officers through clinical interviews and testing. Our clients include San Jose, Salinas, and Monterey police departments.
Mediation Services
Our mediation services help resolve family law disputes through structured negotiations. As certified mediators, we facilitate agreements on custody, support, and property division. The process emphasizes cooperative solutions while protecting client interests.
People
Michael J. Kerner
Founder/Lead Psychologist
Dr. Michael Kerner is a clinical and forensic psychologist with 35+ years of experience in family law cases. He has conducted 700+ forensic evaluations and authored law and ethics training materials. A recipient of multiple psychology awards, he serves on Palo Alto University's Board of Directors.
Questions
What types of forensic services do you offer?
We provide forensic assessments, custody evaluations, expert testimony, and consulting for legal cases. Our expertise covers family law, criminal defense, and law enforcement evaluations.
How experienced are you in child custody cases?
Dr. Kerner has performed over 450 child custody evaluations since 1986, using standardized protocols to assess family dynamics and child welfare in divorce proceedings.
Do you work with law enforcement agencies?
Yes, we conduct fitness-for-duty evaluations for San Jose, Salinas, Monterey, and Greenfield Police Departments, ensuring officers meet psychological readiness standards.
What areas do you serve?
Our primary service areas include San Jose, Salinas, Monterey, and Greenfield, with additional consulting available for legal professionals statewide.
