IPV assessments are comprehensive, trauma-informed evaluations that explore the full scope of relationship dynamics. Each assessment examines the presence of control, intimidation, fear, and coercive behavior within the relationship, as well as the context and motivation behind acts of conflict or aggression. Each assessment integrates clinical interviewing, collateral review, and careful behavioral analysis to differentiate between defensive responses, situational conflict, and ongoing patterns of abuse or domination.

The assessment process is designed to identify both risk and accountability, helping courts, attorneys, and families understand not just what happened, but why and how it happened. Reports are written with clarity, neutrality, and attention to detail, translating complex interpersonal dynamics into findings that can meaningfully inform legal and therapeutic decisions.

Co-parenting after separation or divorce can be challenging, especially when disputes arise over court-ordered parenting plans. Parenting Coordination offers a structured, out-of-court process to help parents resolve conflicts efficiently, improve collaboration, and focus on their children’s well-being.

When navigating challenges like schedule adjustments, exchanges, and communication breakdowns, mediation or structured decision-making can help resolve disputes efficiently. Parents receive guidance on reducing conflict, creating a stable environment, and understanding how tension affects their children. When necessary, parallel parenting strategies may be explored to minimize direct interactions and promote harmony. Parenting Coordination supports families in shifting from conflict-driven dynamics to a healthier, child-focused approach to co-parenting.

Navigating custody disputes can be challenging, especially when complex family dynamics are involved. Custody investigations provide a thorough, objective evaluation to help courts and families make informed decisions that prioritize the well-being of the children.

By conducting comprehensive assessments to address critical factors such as parenting skills, the parent-child relationship, home environment, and mental health. Using interviews, observations, and detailed record reviews - clear, evidence-based reports that support court proceedings and help resolve disputes can be produced. Custody investigations offer the insight needed to create safe, stable, and nurturing arrangements that focus on the child’s best interests.

Parenting assessments play a vital role in understanding family dynamics and supporting informed decisions that prioritize the well-being of children. These evaluations provide a detailed, objective analysis of a parent’s ability to provide a safe, stable, and nurturing environment.

Conducting thorough parenting assessments through interviews, observations, and comprehensive record reviews, it allows evaluation of key factors such as parenting skills, the parent-child relationship, home environment, and mental health. In a clear, evidence-based report, information is designed to assist families, attorneys, and courts in making decisions that focus on the child’s best interests. Parenting assessments offer valuable insights to guide families toward healthier and more supportive arrangements.

Melissa Skarbek, LMSW, LCSW offers specialized expert witness testimony in child welfare and child forensic interviewing. With extensive experience evaluating child safety, resist-refuse dynamics (RRD), trauma, and overall child well-being, she provides clear, credible, and informed testimony to support legal cases involving children and families.

Recognized as an expert in the Third and Fourth judicial districts of Alaska, Melissa assesses a wide range of issues, including risk factors in a child's environment—such as exposure to abuse, neglect, mental health challenges, parental instability, inadequate supervision, and unsafe living conditions. Within these judicial districts, she has been recognized as an expert in child forensic interviewing, child welfare, and resist-refuse dynamics (parental alienation). She evaluates and testifies on a parent’s capacity to meet their child’s needs considering critical factors such as parenting skills, mental health, and overall stability. In cases involving RRD, Melissa provides valuable insights into how one parent’s actions may be affecting the child’s relationship with the other parent and the potential long-term effects. Her testimony helps the court make informed decisions that revolve around criminal, civil and Child In Need of Aid (CINA) matters that prioritize the child’s best interests.

Whether you are an attorney seeking a knowledgeable expert to strengthen your case or a parent involved in complex legal proceedings, Melissa’s expert witness services offer the clarity and authority essential for the courtroom.

Immigration evaluations provide a compassionate, professional lens on the human stories behind legal cases. As a licensed clinical social worker, Melissa conducts trauma-informed psychosocial assessments to support immigration petitions such as hardship waivers, asylum claims, VAWA cases, and U-Visas.

Each evaluation is grounded in empathy and thorough clinical analysis, documenting the emotional, relational, and psychological impact of separation, trauma, or fear of return. Reports are written with clarity and precision to help attorneys and adjudicators understand the full context of an individual’s experience.

Melissa approaches every case with cultural sensitivity, respect, and professionalism which helps clients feel safe, heard, and accurately represented throughout the process.