Neuropsychologische Gutachten in zivilrechtlichen Verfahren: Möglichkeiten und Grenzen psychometrischer Untersuchungsmethoden

The capacity to develop one’s objectives, in medical and psychological terms the capability of understanding, the ability to make criticism and the power of judgement, is crucial for assessing the individual’s competence to sign contracts and to make a will. Testamentary capacity is based on cognitive, including affective and motivational, as well as neurocognitive prerequisites. Forensic psychiatrists and clinical neuropsychologists have different expertise but complement each other in assessing a particular case. By requesting the expertise of both experts, civil chambers can form a comprehensive and well-founded judgement in the mostly complex disputes. This article is dedicated to lawyers and experts in the medical and psychological domains and explores the importance and validity of the neurocognitive perspective and the inclusion of psychometric test results during civil actions.