Q: Filing 4 custody, writing a formal letter to judge. Can a witness provide a statement but remain anonymous to defendant?
This witness is a neighbor to my child’s father who lives with his parents and has seen many things (domestic violence, severe alcohol abuse, aggressive breed dogs not being restrained properly etc.) she is concerned her name would come out to them and she would face scrutiny and drama from them and doesn’t want to risk it since she lives so close to them.
A: No, for two reasons: 1) a written statement means nothing without the ability and willingness to testify in court. 2) Due process requires all litigants and opportunity to confront and challenge adverse statements.
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