The relationships between the legal system and mental health care providers have become increasingly interconnected in recent years.  The increased strain on the family and the emergence of the “disposable society” have resulted in overwhelming numbers of divorces, re-marriages and blended families having become much more commonplace and acceptable.  As a consequence both legal and mental health care professionals have struggled to meet these families’ needs.

The purpose of this paper is to provide a framework for understanding this psycholegal situation that both sides now confront.