The courts usually try to avoid bringing in children for testimony as much as possible. If a judge felt like the testimony of a child was going to be necessary, they most often look to appoint guardian ad litem. A Guardian ad litem is an attorney or other professional who talks with the child and then presents what the child wants to the judge and explains their own view of what’s best for the child. Sometimes if the court’s going to hear testimony from the child, the judge will hold a meeting with the child in the judge’s office. Parents and their attorneys may be permitted to view the interview, and may even be able to submit questions to the judge before or during the interview. These types of interviews are rare, because they can still be traumatizing to children. Ultimately, the court wants to avoid putting children in a situation where they are feeling like they must choose between their parents. Thus, they do what they can to keep children out of the witness seat.