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I literally wrote the book on Forensic Psychology Consulting in child custody cases. I lead and continue to blaze the trail. But more than my skill and leadership in the field, I approach my work with a level of humanity and pragmatism that sets me apart from others in this field. For me, it is not just about winning the case. It is about benefitting families and working to obtain good outcomes that support the reconfigured family and its members going forward. It is also about being ever-aware of the impact of the work on the community and even the world at large. Nothing exists in isolation. Everything we do reverberates outside of our realm of direct influence or even our direct awareness.

The basic distinction is found in the underlying goal of each of these roles. An Expert Witness, even when proffered by one side to a case, has the job of educating the Court and assisting the trier of fact to more fully understand complex and nuanced issues. The Expert Witness is neutral to the outcome of the case and does not advocate for outcome. The Case Strategist is a part of the litigation team. The Case Strategist works arm-in-arm with the attorney, assisting with strategic and tactical decisions, helping identify witnesses, preparing questions for deposition and trial and assisting in deposition and trial if desired. The Case Strategist is a part of the team of advocates and is, therefore, focused on case process and case outcome. When functioning as an Expert Witness, it is Dr. Simon's practice not to meet with or consult directly with the litigant. When working as a Case Consultant, Dr. Simon is free to meet with the litigant.

My interests vary but the goal of writing is always to communicate what I believe to be important ideas and concepts and to educate professionals in my field and/or parents and family members involved in family law litigation. I enjoy writing conceptual pieces in which I explore ideas and look at innovative approaches to solving the problems we work with. I am always thinking of what works well and what does not work well in our field, and how we can do achieve greater levels of excellence in the work. I enjoy writing instructional pieces in which I explore how the work we do is best done, what our aspirations as professionals should be and how we can assure that our impact on families is most likely to be beneficial. I love writing for parents to help them understand their own experience of going through divorce, of how to support their children in divorce and how to co-parent effectively to minimize conflict and maximize the benefits for the children.

Yes. I co-authored a cutting edge and best selling book with another forensic psychologist, Philip M. Stahl, Ph.D. This book, entitled "Forensic Psychology Consulting in Child Custody Litigation", published in 2013 by the American Bar Association, set the standard in the field and has received wide-spread rave reviews from attorneys, judicial officers and mental health professionals.

I enjoy speaking for both professionals audiences (Attorneys, Psychologists and Judges) as well as for the General Public (Parents and Families). When speaking to professional audiences, I speak on wide array of issues, ranging from the basics to advance to cutting edge. I particularly enjoy speaking about new developments and innovations in our field and on topics that inspire the audience think and aspire. When speaking with general public audiences, I focus on pragmatic, practical and useful information that they can put to use in their lives immediately.

I enjoy and appreciate opportunities to speak and educate, no matter what the format or style of presentation. Educating colleagues as well as supporting parents and children is an honor and privilege.