If subpoenaed for custody testimony, the counselor should provide which type of information?

• A. Vague Hunches and Interpretations
• B. Only Factual Information
• C. Everything You and the Child Have Shared and Explored Together
• D. Opinions of Parent Competence and Who You Think the Child Should Live With

Answer: (B)

When a counselor is subpoenaed for custody testimony, focus on factual, documented information. The court relies on objective data you can support with records and direct observations from therapy, such as specific behaviors, dates of incidents, safety concerns, treatment history, and statements that are part of the record. Personal opinions, interpretations, or guesses about a parent’s fitness or where a child should live go beyond what is supported by the therapy record and can bias the proceedings. The goal is to inform the court with verifiable facts relevant to the child’s welfare, not to advocate a custody outcome or disclose every private detail from sessions.