Wolf&Grayson EditorialFamily disputes are among the most emotionally charged matters to witness in a courtroom. At the center of these disputes are often questions about parental fitness, where court decisions can shape the trajectory of children’s lives for years to come. Celeste Simmons, Ph.D., a forensic psychologist and owner of Family & Forensic Solutions helps families navigate the aftermath of separation, with a focus on resilience, conflict resolution, and co-parenting.
Drawing on her experience in both therapeutic and forensic settings, she has emerged as a respected voice on how psychological insights can inform fair and effective custody decisions. “Forensic psychology brings together an understanding of law and human behavior, allowing for more informed choices when children’s futures are at stake,” says Dr. Simmons.
The Path to Forensic Psychology
Dr. Simmons’ journey into forensic psychology with therapy while working with children in the juvenile justice system. That experience left a lasting impression. “I did a master’s degree in general therapy first,” she shares. “I worked with juvenile courts and families, and I loved my job. My boss had a degree in forensic psychology and told me about it. That’s when I realized I wanted to go back to school and focus on working with families.” Prior to this shift, that period proved foundational to her approach today, where she saw how easily the system could lose sight of children’s realities. “Kids can go to juvenile justice for things that wouldn’t be considered a crime as an adult,” she says. “The goal should be rehabilitation, not punishment.”
Bridging Law and Human Behavior
At its core, forensic psychology is about bringing together two worlds that often operate in silos. “My job is to understand human behavior,” Dr. Simmons says. “Because I have the niche of forensic psychology, I also understand the law. If we only address human behavior, the legal issues get overlooked. If we only address the law, the human factors are ignored. Forensic psychology bridges the two, which makes for more informed decisions.” This dual lens is especially important when assessing parental fitness. Courts are tasked with making determinations that balance the best interests of the child with the rights and capacities of the parents.
Breaking the All-or-Nothing Myth
One of the most common misconceptions Dr. Simmons encounters is that parental fitness evaluations are all-or-nothing. “People think they’re going to lose their child completely or keep their child entirely,” she says. “That fear is real because the stakes are high, but it’s not usually the reality.” She stresses the importance of what psychologists call cognitive flexibility, or the ability to move beyond black-and-white thinking. Outcomes are rarely absolute. Instead, they are shaped by multiple factors unique to each family. “It’s not just horrible or great,” she explains. “There can be a range of outcomes, and parents need to prepare for that.” While Dr. Simmons no longer conducts custody evaluations herself, she works extensively with families once the evaluations are complete. She sees her role as helping parents move beyond the snapshot of an assessment and learn how to implement court recommendations in ways that keep children’s well-being at the forefront. “An evaluation might say joint custody is best, but the question becomes how parents actually make that work,” she says.
What Parents Should Keep in Mind
She offers three key insights for parents facing this process:
- Expect Overwhelm: It will feel overwhelming, and that is normal. “The stakes are high, and unless someone doesn’t care about their family outcomes, they will feel anxious. That anxiety is part of the process.”
- Avoid All-or-Nothing Thinking: Parents should understand that the process is not absolute. “It’s not about losing everything or nothing,” she says. “There are many possible outcomes, and keeping that in mind helps reduce some of the fear.”
- See It as a Beginning: Evaluations are only the starting point. “Whatever the recommendation is, you have to think about how you’re going to implement it. Sometimes that means doing things you don’t like for the sake of your children. It’s about keeping their needs as the priority.”
The Role of New Tools
As AI enters nearly every industry, Dr. Simmons acknowledges its potential to assist families, but remains cautious about its limits. “I don’t think AI will shape family law itself, but it can help people with day-to-day conflict issues. If someone doesn’t know where to start, they might use AI to get immediate tips. But ultimately, it comes back to the individual’s values and judgment,” she says. “It’s a tool, not a replacement for professional guidance.”
Humanizing a High-Stakes Process
Parental fitness evaluations are some of the most stressful experiences a parent can face which is why Dr. Simmons encourages parents to focus less on presenting perfection and more on managing their emotions honestly. “We understand you want to look good, but we also know you’re under stress. Evaluations take that into account,” she explains. Decisions about children’s futures are most effective when they account for both the complexities of human behavior and the demands of the legal system. By grounding her practice in compassion, Dr. Simmons has positioned herself as a trusted guide for families navigating some of life’s most difficult transitions.
To learn more about Celeste Simmons, Ph.D. and her work, visit her website or connect with her on LinkedIn.
