How many times have you gotten the advice that a second opinion can be very helpful? 

Many times, I'm sure.  I've heard it myself, and it is always sage advice. Even though it is assumed (eg. in the Family Court) that a single opinion is all that is needed, there is much to be said for having that opinion gone over by someone who has expertise in the processes by which such opinions are made.

Having been in the business many years, I have seen many times when reports have failed to address important issues, failed to use valid tests or protocols, or  omitted important details (often through no direct fault of the report writer).  Strategically, it can be helpful to have an existing report examined with a microscope for such errors.

It is not always the case that a report will find its way into a courtroom in the way in which you expect. If you forget to ask for leave to commission a second opinion, it may be thrown out without further discussion, because the judge is not happy that you obtained a piece of evidence without his or her permission.
 
Such an oversight may seem disastrous, but this is not necessarily the case. A second opinion on a psychological report can be done in a way that provides you with questions that can be directed to the reporter on the stand, which they may not be able to answer, or which they may answer incorrectly. A well-written second opinion will ensure that even if your commissioned piece is tossed by the judge, the main points can still be brought to bear, to question the report on scientific and/or logical grounds and at the very least expose its limits (which are not something opposing solicitors are keen to admit to). It may also be of some benefit if it is provided to carers who are working with children whose parent is providing misinformation in a context of parental alienation.

Dr. Gee has taught report writing as part of his past teaching of counselling skills in Psychology at the University level, and has written second opinion reports and professional opinion pieces for Family Law matters in Australia for many years.

Use the form below to describe your situation to Dr. Gee, and he can advise whether a second opinion report from himself would suit your purposes. If you are self-representing, Dr. Gee strongly recommends you raise the matter with the legal experts at http://www.familylawexpress.com.au , and if it is a simple question, he may be able to answer it (or add to a legal expert's answer) as he is a forum moderator there on the Psychological Reports group of threads.