TN HB1845

Courts must order expert evaluations of children in contested proceedings involving guardian ad litem appointments, unless the court makes written findings that such examination is unnecessary to determine the child's best interests.

Qualified examiners include medical doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, licensed professional counselors with mental health designations, or other authorized mental health professionals.

Expert reports must be sworn and submitted to the court and parties, including the child's medical/psychological history, current condition (including trauma, coercion, alienation, or undue influence symptoms), and treatment recommendations with clinical basis.

Sworn examination reports constitute prima facie evidence of the child's condition and best-interest factors, rebuttable by competent evidence or proof the report is incomplete, inaccurate, or unreliable.

Guardians ad litem must consider expert reports when making recommendations, and must explain in writing or on the record any material departures from the expert's conclusions; examination costs are allocated among parties based on ability to pay.