Rule 20 Presentation of evidence by proffer; limitation

When you go to a family court hearing, both sides normally need to actually present real evidence. This means bringing witnesses to testify and presenting documents or other proof, not just having your lawyer summarize what the evidence would show.

A "proffer" is when a lawyer simply tells the judge what a witness would say instead of having that witness actually testify. This rule says courts cannot hold a hearing based only on these summaries. The one exception is for temporary relief hearings, which happen early in a case when someone needs a quick decision on things like temporary custody or support while the full case is still being worked out.

This rule matters because it protects your right to have real evidence heard and tested in your case. It means the other side cannot avoid having their witnesses questioned by just having their lawyer describe the testimony. It also means you have the right to hear actual testimony and see actual evidence before the judge makes a final decision on the issues in your case.