Services
Child Custody Evaluations:
Navigating custody arrangements can be one of the most challenging aspects of family law. Dr. Axelson conducts child custody evaluations (CCEs) to help courts across Texas determine the parenting plans that best support a child’s well-being and long-term stability. These evaluations are forensic in nature and follow the highest professional standards, including those set by the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC) and the Texas Family Code.
Although Dr. Axelson’s practice is based in Lufkin, Texas—conveniently located for families in Angelina, Nacogdoches, Cherokee, San Jacinto, Polk, and surrounding counties—her expertise is regularly sought in counties across the state, including Collin, Gregg, Harrison, Denton, Dallas, Ellis, and beyond. If you're unsure whether she can serve your area, we welcome you to contact our office for more information.
Child custody evaluations can be emotionally difficult and time-intensive. Dr. Axelson approaches each case with neutrality, empathy, and professionalism, keeping the child’s best interest at the heart of every evaluation. Her goal is to assist families and the courts in finding thoughtful, child-focused solutions during times of transition.
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Adoption Evaluations:
Adoption evaluations—often referred to as home studies or social studies—are a vital part of the legal adoption process. Required by the court for all prospective adoptive families, these assessments are designed to provide insight into any potential challenges that may arise during the adoption journey.
Dr. Axelson offers comprehensive pre- and post-adoption evaluations for a variety of adoption scenarios, including non-relative domestic adoptions, stepparent and grandparent adoptions, and other kinship arrangements. She is also a trusted partner for several private adoption agencies, conducting professional assessments for individuals seeking to become foster parents.
With compassion, experience, and a deep understanding of the adoption process, Dr. Axelson is committed to supporting families as they grow through adoption.
Expert Consultant:
In addition to conducting custody evaluations and adoption evaluations, Dr. Axelson serves as a trusted expert resource for attorneys navigating complex family law cases. She is available to review child custody evaluations completed by other professionals to assess their adherence to the Texas Family Code and accepted standards of practice in the field.
Dr. Axelson offers her expertise in a variety of capacities—whether as a testifying expert in court or as a behind-the-scenes consultant assisting with case strategy and trial preparation. Her areas of specialization include relocation cases, allegations of parental alienation, developmentally appropriate parenting plans for young children (including those under three), and the ethical responsibilities of custody evaluators and mental health professionals involved in family law.
In addition, Dr. Axelson works collaboratively with attorneys and their clients to craft thoughtful, developmentally sound parenting plans—often helping families avoid prolonged litigation by reaching informed, child-focused agreements outside the courtroom.
Parenting Facilitation:
Co-parenting after separation can be challenging—especially in high-conflict or emotionally charged situations. Dr. Axelson offers parenting facilitation services designed to support parents who are navigating reactive dynamics or ongoing litigation. With a calm, impartial presence, she helps parents move beyond conflict and toward collaboration, always centering the best interests of the children involved.
Through structured guidance, clear communication strategies, and a focus on mutual accountability, Dr. Axelson empowers parents to embrace their co-parenting journey with clarity, confidence, and professionalism. Her goal is to foster healthier interactions and lasting agreements, helping families build a more stable and supportive foundation for their children’s future.
Evaluation Training & Supervision:
Dr. Axelson is deeply committed to shaping the next generation of professionals in the field of family law evaluations. Drawing from her extensive experience, advanced training, and years of hands-on practice, she provides meaningful mentorship to emerging evaluators seeking to specialize in child custody and adoption assessments.
With a passion for ensuring that families and children receive the highest quality evaluations, Dr. Axelson works closely with students from diverse backgrounds, guiding them through a thoughtfully paced, real-world training experience. Trainees are given the opportunity to observe, engage, and learn every step of the process—with ongoing support and personalized feedback throughout their journey.
By investing in the growth of future evaluators, Dr. Axelson helps uphold the integrity of this vital work, ensuring that more families receive the compassionate, competent, and child-focused evaluations they deserve.
Pineywoods Family Supervision:
Dr. Axelson’s support of families led her to create a space where healing and connection can thrive. She has her own supervised visitation facility designed to offer children and their families a safe, welcoming, and child-friendly environment to spend meaningful time together.
This thoughtfully designed space provides a peaceful and engaging atmosphere for families of all ages, with developmentally appropriate activities and a calming setting that encourages positive interactions. Whether visits are part of a court order or a voluntary arrangement, Dr. Axelson and her team ensure that every family feels respected, supported, and safe.
Through this service, Dr. Axelson continues her mission of supporting families during times of transition—creating opportunities for connection, growth, and renewed trust.