I85PREP
⌘ K
NBTA Family Trial study materials
NBTA Family Trial study resources

NBTA Family Trial practice questions

One question at a time. Build your NBTA Family Trial understanding.

First 50 of 200 questions. Each one lists the choices, the correct answer, and an explanation. The checker at the top of this page saves progress in this browser when it is available.

Continue in the practice tool above to load more questions, 50 at a time.

Question 1Family Trial Law

In a family law trial, which standard of proof generally applies when a party asks the court to terminate parental rights?

  1. Reasonable suspicion
  2. Preponderance of the evidence
  3. Clear and convincing evidence Correct answer.
  4. Beyond a reasonable doubt

Explanation

Termination of parental rights is a severe deprivation of a fundamental liberty interest, so most jurisdictions require clear and convincing evidence rather than the ordinary civil preponderance standard. The beyond-a-reasonable-doubt standard is reserved for criminal cases, and reasonable suspicion is an investigative threshold, not a trial standard.

Question 2Family Trial Law

A parent seeks to modify an existing custody order two years after entry. Under the typical standard, what must the parent first establish?

  1. That the original judge made a legal error
  2. That the other parent has moved to a new residence
  3. That the child has reached school age
  4. A substantial change in circumstances affecting the child's welfare Correct answer.

Explanation

Modification of custody generally requires the movant to show a substantial change in circumstances that affects the child's best interests and was not anticipated at the time of the original order. Absent that threshold showing, courts usually will not revisit the arrangement.

Question 3Family Trial Law

Which doctrine allows a court to decide a child custody issue even when the family has recently moved to the state?

  1. In rem jurisdiction over the marital res
  2. Home state jurisdiction under the UCCJEA Correct answer.
  3. Pendent jurisdiction
  4. Forum non conveniens

Explanation

The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act makes the child's home state the preferred forum for initial custody determinations. Home state status is generally based on residence for at least six months before the proceeding.

Question 4Family Trial Law

During a divorce trial, one spouse offers evidence of the other spouse's confidential statement made during marriage counseling. What is the most likely ruling?

  1. Admitted because spouses have no privilege
  2. Excluded only if the counselor testifies
  3. Excluded under the marital communications privilege Correct answer.
  4. Admitted because counseling is not confidential

Explanation

Many jurisdictions recognize a marital communications privilege covering confidential statements between spouses, and some extend protection to communications made during counseling. The privilege belongs to the spouses and can generally be asserted to bar the testimony.

Question 5Family Trial Law

What is the primary legal standard a court applies when allocating parenting time?

  1. The length of the marriage
  2. The best interests of the child Correct answer.
  3. The parents' preference stated in the petition
  4. The financial resources of each parent

Explanation

Parenting time and custody determinations are governed by the best interests of the child, which courts assess through statutory factors such as stability, caregiving history, and each parent's capacity to support the child's relationship with the other parent. Financial resources and marriage length are at most secondary considerations.

Question 6Family Trial Law

Which type of relief is a family court most likely to grant when a spouse hides community assets during divorce proceedings?

  1. An automatic award of sole custody
  2. An unequal division of the marital estate as a sanction Correct answer.
  3. Dismissal of the divorce petition
  4. A criminal contempt conviction without a hearing

Explanation

Courts in equitable distribution jurisdictions may adjust the property division to account for a spouse's concealment or dissipation of marital assets. Sanctions aim to prevent one party from benefiting from concealment.

Question 7Family Trial Law

A party fails to respond to discovery requests in a divorce case. What is the most common first step a court takes?

  1. Referring the matter to criminal prosecution
  2. Dismissing the case with prejudice
  3. Entering a default judgment on all issues
  4. Compelling discovery and awarding sanctions Correct answer.

Explanation

When a party fails to respond to discovery, the opposing party typically files a motion to compel, and the court may order compliance and impose sanctions such as fees or evidentiary limits. Default judgment is a more severe remedy reserved for persistent or egregious noncompliance.

Question 8Family Trial Law

In a trial over child support, which document is most directly used to calculate the presumed obligation?

  1. The state child support guidelines worksheet Correct answer.
  2. The child's school attendance record
  3. The marital settlement correspondence
  4. The parties' prenuptial agreement

Explanation

Child support is generally calculated using statutory guidelines that consider each parent's income, the number of children, and related factors, often summarized on a worksheet. Prenuptial agreements and school records do not set the guideline amount.

Question 9Family Trial Law

What is the effect of a court granting a legal separation rather than a divorce?

  1. Property division is prohibited
  2. The parties may not later seek a divorce
  3. The marriage is dissolved immediately
  4. The marriage remains intact while rights and obligations are defined Correct answer.

Explanation

A legal separation defines the parties' rights and obligations, such as support and property, without dissolving the marriage. The parties remain married and may later convert the separation into a divorce.

Question 10Family Trial Law

A party challenges a custody evaluator's report at trial. What is the most appropriate method for the party to test the evaluator's conclusions?

  1. Appealing before the trial concludes
  2. Cross-examining the evaluator and presenting competing expert testimony Correct answer.
  3. Requesting that the judge testify
  4. Filing a motion to suppress all custody evidence

Explanation

An expert's report is tested through cross-examination of the expert and by offering competing expert testimony. The trial court then weighs the evidence and determines the weight to give the report.

Question 11Family Trial Law

Which factor is central to a court's determination of whether to award spousal maintenance?

  1. The number of attorneys involved
  2. The parties' wedding location
  3. The recipient's need and the payor's ability to pay Correct answer.
  4. The filing date of the tax return

Explanation

Spousal maintenance focuses on the recipient's reasonable needs and the payor's ability to meet them, along with factors such as marriage duration and standard of living. Procedural details like the wedding location are irrelevant.

Question 12Family Trial Law

A parent repeatedly violates a visitation order. Which remedy is a court most likely to consider?

  1. Automatic termination of parental rights
  2. Transfer of the case to criminal court
  3. A finding of contempt with remedial orders Correct answer.
  4. Immediate dismissal of the custody order

Explanation

Violation of a visitation order is typically addressed through contempt proceedings, which may result in remedial orders, make-up parenting time, or sanctions. Termination of parental rights requires a separate, heightened showing.

Question 13Family Trial Law

In many jurisdictions, what must a court find before granting a divorce on no-fault grounds?

  1. Proof of adultery by clear and convincing evidence
  2. A criminal conviction of one spouse
  3. Irreconcilable differences or an irretrievable breakdown Correct answer.
  4. Written consent from all adult children

Explanation

No-fault divorce statutes typically require a finding that the marriage is irretrievably broken or that irreconcilable differences exist. Fault-based grounds such as adultery are not required under a no-fault theory.

Question 14Family Trial Law

A court is deciding whether to admit a hearsay statement made by a child to a therapist about abuse. Which analysis is most relevant?

  1. Whether a hearsay exception for statements made for medical diagnosis or treatment applies Correct answer.
  2. Whether the child was represented by counsel
  3. Whether the statement was made on a weekday
  4. Whether the therapist is a licensed attorney

Explanation

Statements made for purposes of medical diagnosis or treatment may fall within a recognized hearsay exception, and courts assess whether the declarant's motive supports reliability. The therapist's licensure status as an attorney or the day of the week is irrelevant.

Question 15Family Trial Law

Which concept limits a court's ability to modify a support order retroactively?

  1. Modification generally applies only from the date the petition is filed Correct answer.
  2. Support orders may never be modified
  3. Retroactive modification is required in all cases
  4. Only the payor may request modification

Explanation

Most jurisdictions allow modification of support only prospectively from the date the modification petition is filed, absent statute or agreement providing otherwise. This rule prevents parties from accumulating arrearages unilaterally.

Question 16Family Trial Law

What is the purpose of a pretrial conference in a family law case?

  1. To determine the final custody award
  2. To issue the final divorce decree
  3. To narrow issues, resolve discovery disputes, and encourage settlement Correct answer.
  4. To swear in the jury

Explanation

A pretrial conference allows the court and parties to narrow contested issues, address procedural disputes, and explore settlement before trial. Final rulings on custody or divorce are made after evidence is presented.

Question 17Family Trial Law

A spouse claims an asset titled in the other spouse's name is marital property. What must the claimant typically show?

  1. That the asset was purchased before the marriage
  2. That the asset is located in another state
  3. That the asset was acquired during the marriage with marital funds or effort Correct answer.
  4. That the title lists both spouses

Explanation

Property acquired during the marriage through marital funds or effort is generally presumed marital, even if titled in one spouse's name. The claimant must rebut the separate-property presumption with evidence of marital contribution.

Question 18Family Trial Law

In a custody trial, a parent's history of domestic violence is most likely treated how?

  1. As conclusive proof that the parent should lose custody
  2. As irrelevant unless a criminal conviction exists
  3. As a matter only for the criminal court
  4. As a statutory factor weighing heavily in the best-interests analysis Correct answer.

Explanation

Many custody statutes expressly list domestic violence as a factor, and courts may impose restrictions or rebuttable presumptions against awarding custody to a perpetrator. A criminal conviction is not required for the conduct to be considered.

Question 19Family Trial Law

What does the tender years doctrine historically presume?

  1. That young children are generally better cared for by their mother Correct answer.
  2. That fathers are the preferred custodians
  3. That custody should be decided by the child
  4. That custody disputes should be dismissed

Explanation

The tender years doctrine was a historical presumption favoring maternal custody for young children. Most modern jurisdictions have replaced it with gender-neutral best-interests analysis.

Question 20Family Trial Law

A party seeks to enforce an out-of-state custody order in a new state. Which statute most directly governs recognition and enforcement?

  1. The Hague Service Convention
  2. The UCCJEA Correct answer.
  3. The Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure
  4. The Uniform Commercial Code

Explanation

The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act provides mechanisms for registering and enforcing another state's custody determination. The other listed authorities address commercial transactions, criminal procedure, or service abroad.

Question 21Family Trial Law

Which of the following best describes the role of a guardian ad litem in a custody proceeding?

  1. To collect child support payments
  2. To represent the parent with primary custody
  3. To investigate and advocate for the child's best interests Correct answer.
  4. To serve as the judge's legal advisor

Explanation

A guardian ad litem is appointed to represent the child's best interests, often by investigating the family circumstances and reporting to the court. The guardian does not represent either parent or serve as the court's advisor.

Question 22Family Trial Law

A court must decide whether to admit a recorded phone call between spouses. Which factor is most important to the admissibility analysis?

  1. Whether the recording is authentic and not privileged Correct answer.
  2. Whether the call occurred on a holiday
  3. Whether both spouses owned smartphones
  4. Whether the call lasted more than ten minutes

Explanation

Admissibility of a recording depends on authentication and whether a privilege or exclusion applies. Duration, date, and the type of device are not determinative.

Question 23Family Trial Law

What is the general rule regarding a parent's duty to pay child support after the child reaches the age of majority?

  1. Support continues indefinitely in all jurisdictions
  2. Support ends only when the child marries
  3. Support is automatically doubled at majority
  4. Support typically ends at majority unless a statute or agreement extends it Correct answer.

Explanation

Child support generally terminates when the child reaches the age of majority, though statutes or agreements may extend support for adult children in school or with disabilities. Support does not continue indefinitely by default.

Question 24Family Trial Law

A judge is considering a request to relocate with a child over the other parent's objection. Which approach is most consistent with modern practice?

  1. Deferring entirely to the child's stated preference
  2. Applying a multi-factor best-interests test that includes the relocation's effect on the child's relationship with the other parent Correct answer.
  3. Denying relocation whenever the other parent objects
  4. Granting relocation automatically to the custodial parent

Explanation

Modern relocation standards require a case-specific best-interests analysis, often weighing the reason for the move, its effect on the child's relationship with the nonmoving parent, and the feasibility of substitute visitation. Automatic rules in either direction are disfavored.

Question 25Family Trial Law

Which pleading typically initiates a divorce action?

  1. A subpoena duces tecum
  2. A motion in limine
  3. A notice of appeal
  4. A petition or complaint for dissolution Correct answer.

Explanation

A divorce action begins with a petition or complaint for dissolution, which states the grounds and requested relief. Motions in limine, subpoenas, and notices of appeal are procedural tools used later or in different contexts.

Question 26Family Trial Law

Under the best interests of the child standard, which factor most directly reflects a court's concern about a parent's capacity to meet a child's daily needs?

  1. The parent's income relative to the other parent
  2. The parent's demonstrated ability to provide routine care, supervision, and structure Correct answer.
  3. The parent's preference for a particular parenting philosophy
  4. The parent's desire to relocate to another state

Explanation

Best interests analysis weighs each parent's actual caregiving capacity, including the ability to meet routine physical and emotional needs. Courts look at demonstrated conduct rather than abstract preferences or income alone, since financial resources are weighed separately as one factor among many.

Question 27Family Trial Law

A spouse petitions for divorce and the other spouse files a response asking the court to dismiss the petition and order the parties to attend counseling. What is this response called?

  1. A motion in limine
  2. A counterclaim
  3. An answer Correct answer.
  4. A petition for intervention

Explanation

The responsive pleading that admits or denies the petition's allegations and raises defenses is the answer. Requests for affirmative relief against the petitioner are pleaded separately as a counterclaim.

Question 28Family Trial Law

During a divorce trial, a spouse offers a bank statement to prove the balance of a joint account. The other spouse objects that the document is hearsay. How should the court most likely rule?

  1. Exclude it because bank records are always hearsay
  2. Exclude it unless both spouses stipulate to the balance
  3. Admit it only if the account holder testifies first
  4. Admit it as a record of a regularly conducted activity Correct answer.

Explanation

Bank statements generated in the regular course of business fall within the business records exception to the hearsay rule. A qualified custodian or other foundation witness must authenticate the record, but the account holder's testimony is not required.

Question 29Family Trial Law

Which standard of proof generally governs the termination of parental rights?

  1. Preponderance of the evidence
  2. Beyond a reasonable doubt
  3. Clear and convincing evidence Correct answer.
  4. Probable cause

Explanation

Because termination permanently severs a fundamental liberty interest, courts require clear and convincing evidence. This heightened standard sits between the ordinary civil preponderance standard and the criminal beyond-a-reasonable-doubt standard.

Question 30Family Trial Law

A party wants the court to order the opposing spouse to produce documents and answer written questions before trial. Which discovery device requests written answers under oath?

  1. An interrogatory Correct answer.
  2. A notice of deposition
  3. A request for production
  4. A subpoena duces tecum

Explanation

Interrogatories are written questions that the responding party must answer in writing under oath. Requests for production seek documents, while subpoenas and deposition notices compel testimony or document delivery from witnesses.

Question 31Family Trial Law

A court is dividing marital property in a state that follows the equitable distribution model. Which statement best describes the court's task?

  1. The court must divide all marital property in exactly equal shares
  2. The court must award each spouse only the property titled in that spouse's name
  3. The court divides marital property fairly in light of statutory factors, which may or may not be equal Correct answer.
  4. The court must award all marital property to the spouse with primary custody

Explanation

Equitable distribution requires a fair division based on statutory factors such as duration of marriage, contributions, and economic circumstances. Fairness does not demand a 50/50 split, and title alone does not determine ownership.

Question 32Family Trial Law

A parent seeks to modify an existing child custody order, alleging that the other parent has begun leaving the child unsupervised overnight. What threshold must the moving parent generally satisfy?

  1. A showing of a substantial change in circumstances affecting the child's welfare Correct answer.
  2. A showing that the moving parent earns a higher income
  3. A showing that the child prefers the moving parent
  4. A showing that the other parent committed a crime

Explanation

Modification of custody ordinarily requires a material or substantial change in circumstances that affects the child's best interests. The change must be significant and not merely a continuation of pre-existing conditions.

Question 33Family Trial Law

In a divorce trial, a spouse testifies that the other spouse admitted hiding cash in a safe deposit box. The other spouse objects on hearsay grounds. Which principle most directly supports admission?

  1. The statement is admissible as an opposing party's statement Correct answer.
  2. The statement is admissible because it was made during the marriage
  3. The statement is admissible as a present sense impression
  4. The statement is admissible as a learned treatise

Explanation

A statement offered against an opposing party and made by that party is admissible as an opposing party's statement, a recognized hearsay exemption. The declarant's own admission need not satisfy another exception.

Question 34Family Trial Law

A party in a divorce case believes the judge has a personal financial interest in a business owned by the opposing spouse. What is the most appropriate procedural step?

  1. Request that the court reporter strike the judge's statements
  2. Appeal the final judgment after trial
  3. File a motion to disqualify the judge for bias or conflict Correct answer.
  4. File a motion for a new trial immediately

Explanation

A party who believes a judge cannot be impartial may move to disqualify the judge, often supported by a sworn affidavit or certificate of good faith. Raising the issue promptly preserves the objection for review.

Question 35Family Trial Law

Which document typically sets out the factual allegations and the relief requested when a spouse begins a divorce case in a state that uses petition practice?

  1. A notice of appearance
  2. A summons
  3. A scheduling order
  4. A verified petition for dissolution of marriage Correct answer.

Explanation

In petition-practice jurisdictions, the petitioner files a petition alleging the grounds and stating the relief sought, often verified under oath. The summons notifies the respondent but does not itself plead the case.

Question 36Family Trial Law

A court is evaluating a proposed parenting plan submitted by one parent. Which feature most strongly supports the plan's approval under a best interests framework?

  1. It specifies a detailed schedule for exchanges, holidays, and communication Correct answer.
  2. It conditions the other parent's time on payment of support
  3. It assigns all decision-making authority to one parent
  4. It requires the child to choose which parent to live with each month

Explanation

A parenting plan that provides clear, workable schedules and communication rules promotes stability and predictability for the child. Courts favor plans that foster both parents' involvement rather than concentrating authority or tying contact to money.

Question 37Family Trial Law

A spouse wants to enforce a child support order from another state where the obligor now resides. Which uniform law most directly provides for registration and enforcement of the foreign support order?

  1. The Uniform Premarital Agreement Act
  2. The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act
  3. The Uniform Parentage Act
  4. The Uniform Interstate Family Support Act Correct answer.

Explanation

UIFSA governs establishment, registration, and enforcement of support orders across state lines, including continuing exclusive jurisdiction rules. UCCJEA addresses custody and visitation jurisdiction, not support.

Question 38Family Trial Law

A party in a custody trial offers a screenshot of text messages sent by the other parent. The other parent objects that the screenshot is not authenticated. What must the offering party generally do?

  1. Prove the messages were sent during a court-ordered period
  2. Present testimony or other evidence sufficient to show the messages are what they purport to be Correct answer.
  3. Obtain a notarized statement from the recipient
  4. Show that the messages were printed on the sender's home printer

Explanation

Authentication requires evidence sufficient for a reasonable jury to find the item is what the proponent claims, such as testimony identifying the phone number, device, or message content. Notarization and printer details are not authentication requirements.

Question 39Family Trial Law

Which of the following best describes the difference between separate property and marital property in a community property state?

  1. Separate property is property a spouse uses for business, while marital property is property used for the family home
  2. Separate property is any property titled in one spouse's name, while marital property is jointly titled property
  3. Separate property is property awarded by the court, while marital property is property the parties agree to divide
  4. Separate property is property acquired before marriage or by gift or inheritance, while marital property is generally acquired during marriage Correct answer.

Explanation

In community property states, property acquired during marriage through the spouses' efforts is community property, while property owned before marriage or received by gift or inheritance remains separate. Title alone does not resolve characterization.

Question 40Family Trial Law

A parent who is the obligor on a child support order loses a job and files a motion to modify support. Which principle most directly limits the relief the court can grant?

  1. Support may be modified only from the date the motion was filed or served Correct answer.
  2. Support may never be modified once a final order is entered
  3. Support may be modified retroactively to the date the parent lost the job
  4. Support may be modified retroactively to the date of the original order

Explanation

Most jurisdictions prohibit retroactive reduction of support before the date the modification motion was filed or served. The obligor's earlier job loss does not by itself entitle the parent to a retroactive reduction.

Question 41Family Trial Law

A spouse claims that a home purchased during the marriage with funds from an inheritance is separate property. What must the spouse typically establish to succeed?

  1. That the inheritance funds were traceable to the home purchase and were not commingled Correct answer.
  2. That the inheritance was received before the marriage
  3. That the home is titled in both spouses' names
  4. That the other spouse agreed to the purchase

Explanation

Separate property retains its character only if it can be traced through the transaction without losing identity through commingling. Tracing inheritance funds into the purchase is the key to a separate property claim.

Question 42Family Trial Law

During a divorce trial, one spouse seeks to introduce evidence of the other spouse's extramarital relationship to show dissipation of marital assets. What must the proponent generally connect the evidence to?

  1. The other spouse's knowledge of the relationship
  2. The spouse's reputation in the community
  3. The expenditure of marital funds on the relationship Correct answer.
  4. The spouse's moral fault in causing the marriage breakdown

Explanation

Dissipation claims require proof that marital assets were spent for a non-marital purpose, such as funding an affair. Evidence of the relationship alone is insufficient without a link to the use of marital funds.

Question 43Family Trial Law

A parent seeks a protective order alleging domestic violence. Which showing is generally required to obtain the order?

  1. Clear and convincing evidence of serious bodily injury
  2. Proof beyond a reasonable doubt of an assault
  3. A criminal conviction for domestic violence
  4. A preponderance of the evidence that domestic violence occurred and that protection is needed Correct answer.

Explanation

Protective order proceedings are civil, and the petitioner must prove the statutory predicate by a preponderance of the evidence. A criminal conviction is not a prerequisite, and the higher criminal standards do not apply.

Question 44Family Trial Law

A court is deciding whether to admit a recording of a phone call between spouses. One spouse secretly recorded the call. Which factor is most important to admissibility?

  1. Whether the recording was made during the marriage
  2. Whether the recording device was owned by one of the spouses
  3. Whether the call lasted more than ten minutes
  4. Whether the recording was made lawfully under the applicable wiretap or consent law Correct answer.

Explanation

Recordings must be obtained lawfully, and state and federal wiretap statutes vary on whether one-party or all-party consent is required. A recording made in violation of those laws is generally inadmissible.

Question 45Family Trial Law

Which of the following best describes the role of a parenting coordinator appointed by the court?

  1. To represent the child's legal interests in court
  2. To help the parties resolve day-to-day parenting conflicts within the authority the court order grants Correct answer.
  3. To conduct the child's psychological evaluation
  4. To decide custody disputes in place of the judge

Explanation

A parenting coordinator assists parents with implementation of the parenting plan and resolution of minor disputes, acting only within the scope the court order defines. The coordinator does not replace judicial decision-making or represent the child.

Question 46Family Trial Law

A party fails to appear at a scheduled divorce trial after receiving proper notice. What is the court most likely to do?

  1. Continue the trial indefinitely until the party appears
  2. Proceed with the trial in the party's absence and enter judgment based on the evidence Correct answer.
  3. Sanction the party's attorney by striking the pleadings
  4. Dismiss the case with prejudice automatically

Explanation

When a properly noticed party fails to appear, the court may proceed in absentia and enter judgment on the evidence presented. Dismissal, indefinite continuance, and automatic striking of pleadings are not the ordinary response.

Question 47Family Trial Law

Which of the following statements about a premarital agreement's enforceability is most accurate?

  1. It may be set aside if it was entered without fair disclosure or was unconscionable at enforcement Correct answer.
  2. It becomes void automatically upon the birth of a child in all jurisdictions
  3. It is enforceable without any disclosure of assets in every jurisdiction
  4. It must be approved by the court before the marriage to take effect

Explanation

Premarital agreements can be set aside for procedural defects such as inadequate disclosure, lack of voluntariness, or unconscionability at the time of enforcement. Many jurisdictions also address child support and custody issues separately from the agreement's property terms.

Question 48Family Trial Law

A party in a support hearing wants to prove the other parent's income. Which source is generally most reliable for establishing income for a support calculation?

  1. The other parent's oral estimate at the hearing
  2. Pay stubs, tax returns, and employer records obtained through discovery Correct answer.
  3. The parent's social media posts about purchases
  4. Neighbors' statements about the parent's lifestyle

Explanation

Support calculations rely on documented income such as pay stubs, tax returns, and employer records. Courts may consider other evidence when income is hidden, but documentary records are the most reliable foundation.

Question 49Family Trial Law

A court is considering a request to relocate with a child over the other parent's objection. Which approach is most consistent with modern best interests analysis?

  1. Automatically grant relocation whenever the custodial parent requests it
  2. Weigh the reasons for relocation, the effect on the child's relationship with the other parent, and the child's best interests Correct answer.
  3. Automatically deny relocation whenever the other parent objects
  4. Defer entirely to the child's stated preference

Explanation

Modern relocation analysis weighs the legitimate reasons for the move against the impact on the child's relationship with the nonrelocating parent and other best interests factors. Neither automatic denial nor automatic approval is consistent with that balancing.

Question 50Family Trial Law

Which of the following best describes the purpose of a child custody evaluation ordered by the court?

  1. To enforce the existing custody order against a noncompliant parent
  2. To mediate a settlement between the parents and bind them to it
  3. To provide the court with an objective assessment of the family and recommendations regarding custody and parenting time Correct answer.
  4. To represent the child's legal position in contested hearings

Explanation

A custody evaluator investigates the family and provides the court with findings and recommendations on custody and parenting time. The evaluator does not act as the child's attorney, enforce orders, or bind the parties to a settlement.