The bill amends section 61.122 of the Florida Statutes, which pertains to court-appointed psychologists involved in parenting plan recommendations. It introduces a requirement that a party must seek to disqualify a court-appointed psychologist before filing an administrative complaint against them. The bill specifies that any administrative complaint must include the complainant's name, address, and telephone number, and cannot be filed anonymously. Additionally, it allows parents to petition the presiding judge to appoint an alternative psychologist if they wish to disqualify the current one, with the court determining the responsibility for associated costs and attorney fees.
Furthermore, the bill revises the provisions regarding the award of costs and attorney fees in supplemental actions against court-appointed psychologists. It establishes that if a legal action is filed against a psychologist based on their participation in relevant family law matters, the claimant is responsible for all reasonable costs and attorney fees if the psychologist is found not liable. Conversely, if the psychologist is held liable in civil court, they must cover the claimant's reasonable costs and attorney fees. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.