Expert Witness

Barry Goldstein to Remain as Active Partner

When Veronica York came to work with Barry Goldstein, the plan was that she would become Barry's partner which she did when we created Goldstein & York, DV Experts (2023). The rest of the plan was that in April of
2027 Barry would either retire or at least cut back on his work. We have now decided that Barry will continue working with Veronica after next April and will reduce his work only slightly. There are still too many children to save, courts to help improve their practices, and reforms that can provide exciting benefits from preventing DV and child abuse, and Barry wants to be part of the exciting changes that are possible. The abuser groups are welcome to help Barry retire by ending their abuse. The courts and legislatures can speed his retirement by implementing the reforms in our new book Preventing Domestic Violence and Child Abuse. Or like Barry's childhood hero, President Kennedy who directed his Surgeon General to create the investigation that led to the enormous benefits from preventing smoking; a new leader who opposes domestic violence and child abuse can create a similar campaign and win us the enormous financial, criminal, health, and human benefits by ending our tolerance for domestic violence and child abuse.

If anyone has any questions, they can contact us here.

Veronica York

In addition to conducting expert witness work along with Barry Goldstein, Veronica York is a Certified High Conflict Divorce Coach and advocate for reform in the family court system. After a 20-year career in Sales and Marketing within the Television Industry, she was driven by personal experience to help others navigate the challenges of custody disputes involving domestic violence and child abuse. As a survivor herself, Veronica understands the deep flaws within the system—where father's rights often outweigh child safety. She holds advanced training in Family Law Mediation and frequently speaks and writes about: the current scientific research in the context of Domestic Violence and Child Custody, the misuse of Parental Alienation in family court, and Post-Separation Abuse. Her mission is to create a family court system that prioritizes the safety, well-being, and voices of survivors and their children.

Here we grow again!

About Thilanka

Thilanka Dissanayake headshot Thilanka Dissanayake is a certified victim's advocate, specializing in intervention, response, and justice, as well as an empowerment coach, consultant, advisor, and a dedicated supporter of women’s rights and victims’ rights. Her career began as a successful Chemical Engineer, but her own experience and her witness to the injustices to numerous victims by the institutions meant to protect them ignited her passion for advocacy and the desire to strengthen women’s confidence. She is on a mission to bring awareness to systemic injustices and contribute to policy changes on violence against women, provide empathetic support and guidance to victims and survivors, and guide women to strengthen and rebuild their identities. Thilanka sees her efforts as her life's work and a way of making the world a better place for her children and future generations. Thilanka enjoys reading, writing, painting, meditating, and spending time with her children.

Serving as Expert Witness and Consultant in Domestic Violence Cases

Serving as Expert Witness and Consultant in Domestic Violence Cases
The Saunders’ study found that there is now a substantial body of current scientific research about domestic violence. This research would strongly support protective mothers’ cases and encourage reform of practices that work poorly for children. The problem is that the often unqualified “experts” and other professionals relied on in domestic violence cases are rarely familiar with current scientific research and so substitute their personal beliefs and biases instead. In our new book, Representing the Domestic Violence Survivor, we encourage attorneys, particularly at the start of a case to inform the court that there is now substantial research that could help courts make decisions that better protect children and ask the court to be open to hearing this information. The attorney will then need to present a genuine expert who understands domestic violence dynamics and is familiar with current research. We hope to train advocates and others to serve in this role but in the meantime, there are few people available with this needed expertise. Accordingly, Barry Goldstein and Veronica York have decided to make themselves available as expert witnesses and consultants in domestic violence cases. We wish we could afford to do this without charge but the best we can do is keep the costs reasonable.

DV is about control, including financial control. Since most of our work is with protective mothers, we use flat fee packages to reduce the cost and allow our clients and their attorneys to speak with us without the meter running.

EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES/TERMS OF AGREEMENT

Flat Fee/Non-Refundable
All packages are offered as flat fees and are non-refundable. The fee is due upon engagement and is not contingent on case outcome.

Scope of Services
Each package includes a defined set of services. Not all components (including testimony or meetings) may ultimately be utilized due to settlement, case strategy, or court decisions. Unused services do not reduce or alter the fee.

*Travel Costs*
All travel expenses are billed separately and must be paid in advance.

Any In-person testimony requires a $1000 fee (per trip) + travel costs to include airfare, hotel, and transportation.

Independent Contractor Status
All expert services are provided as independent professional services. Engagement does not create an employment relationship.

Scheduling & Availability
Testimony and court appearances are subject to scheduling availability and require adequate notice.

EXPERT WITNESS SERVICE PACKAGES

$100 One-hour consultation
* Barry and/or Veronica will meet by phone or zoom with client and/or attorney during which they will make suggestions for strategies and research that can help the client.
* They also may follow-up by providing links to specific articles and information to support the case.

$2000 (Non-refundable Flat Fee) + Travel Costs* (if needed)
Includes:
* Review of a reasonable case summary and key documents
* Initial consultation with attorney and/or client
* High-level case analysis and identification of DV dynamics
* Verbal strategy guidance and recommendations
* One (1) day of testimony

Does Not Include:
*Written report or affidavit
*Ongoing case involvement beyond scope

$3500 (Non-refundable Flat Fee) + Travel Costs* (if needed)
Includes:
* Review of case materials
* Meetings with client, attorney, and relevant professionals
* Assistance identifying and documenting pattern of abuse
* Preparation of expert report or affidavit (for qualification)
* Ongoing consultation (phone/email/Zoom)
* Trial preparation support
* One (1) day of testimony

$6,000: (Non-refundable Flat Fee) + Travel Costs* (if needed)
Includes:
* Everything in $3500 package, plus:
* Expanded document review (larger/more complex cases)
* Detailed written report(s) and rebuttal support
* Up to (2) days of testimony
* Ongoing case strategy collaboration through resolution
* Assistance with cross-examination strategy and opposing expert analysis

$10,000 (Non-refundable Flat Fee) + Travel Costs* (if needed)
Includes:
* Everything in $6000 package, plus:
* Comprehensive review of extensive and complex case materials (no standard “reasonable” limitation)
* Multiple expert reports or affidavits, including rebuttal and supplemental opinions
* Intensive case strategy collaboration with legal team throughout litigation
* Unlimited Testimony
* Priority scheduling with expedited turnaround when needed
* Ongoing consultation with attorney and team through case resolution

ADDITIONAL SERVICES (IF OUTSIDE PACKAGE SCOPE)
* Additional testimony days: $400/hour
* Depositions: $400/hour (to be paid by opposing party)
* Expedited/Rush work: $300/hour
* Additional document review beyond reasonable scope: $300/hour

We won our relocation case ...The judge understood everything! …I am so happy. She said she found it so "disturbing" that the DV was so minimized (probably a side eye to the GAL) because she doesn't think that DV just goes away because the parties don't live together. That he took no responsibility, no accountability, didn't do the therapy, continued to have excuse after excuse and that there are new allegations about his home life don't speak to any meaningful change. I mean it was all so beautiful.

Client, IL

In a time where there is no shortage of misconceptions and a general lack of understanding surrounding domestic abuse and the effects of trauma on survivors and their children within local justice systems, Barry Goldstein has the experience and expertise to shed light on this very important issue. Having personally worked with Mr. Goldstein as an expert witness, I can speak to the justice that occurs for abuse survivors and the children at issue as a direct result of Mr. Goldstein's insight and expert opinions contributing to the evidence before the court. I highly recommend Mr. Goldstein for any party or attorney in need of an expert to establish the dynamics of abuse and effects of trauma for their bench officer.

Sarah Yacoub, Esq., Equal Justice Inc., WI

Thank you for your unwavering patience and support through this difficult process. The judge provided her ruling yesterday ... I got the move away and they kept the restraining order in place for both my daughter and me. I could not hold back my tears as the judge read specific messages of harassment from my ex-husband in her ruling. It was very hard to listen to…Even though we did not end up requiring your testimony, the fact that we had presented you as a witness kept the opposing counsel on their heels. Thanks so much, God bless both of you.

Client, CA

The judge listened to Barry and the relevant info…Thanks to you both for your fantastic work on this case and the support.

Thea Gilbert, Esq., AZ

I just wanted to say thank you for your testimony yesterday. I know that the judge prides herself on her knowledge of DV but the information you provided I believe made her take a step back and rethink what she is going to do in this matter.

GOLDSTEIN & YORK