Legal Terms: C

A business entity taxed separately from its owners under Subchapter C of the Internal Revenue Code, subject to corporate income tax and potential double taxation on dividends.

A corporation taxed under Subchapter C of the Internal Revenue Code, meaning the entity pays income tax at the corporate level and shareholders pay tax again on dividends received, resulting in double taxation.

A form of relief from removal available to certain lawful permanent residents or nonpermanent residents who meet specific residency and hardship requirements.

A discretionary form of relief that allows certain qualifying noncitizens to remain in the United States despite being removable, with separate eligibility rules for lawful permanent residents and non-permanent residents.

A TTAB proceeding seeking to cancel an existing trademark registration on grounds such as abandonment, genericness, fraud, or likelihood of confusion with the petitioner's earlier mark.

A market-based approach to controlling pollution by setting a cap on total emissions and allowing companies to buy and sell emission allowances.

A bookkeeping account maintained for each partner or LLC member reflecting contributions, allocated profits and losses, and distributions, and used to determine economic entitlements.

A demand made by an entity (or its manager) on existing members or partners to contribute additional capital, typically pursuant to commitments in the operating or partnership agreement.

Cash, property, or services contributed by a partner, member, or shareholder to an entity in exchange for an equity interest.

A crime punishable by death, such as first-degree murder with special circumstances.

The gain realized from the sale or exchange of a capital asset, taxed at preferential rates if the asset was held more than one year (long-term).

A tax on the profit realized from the sale of a capital asset such as stocks, bonds, or real estate, with rates depending on the holding period.

A tax levied on the carbon content of fuels or carbon dioxide emissions, intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by making fossil fuels more expensive.

A derivative action alleging that directors breached their oversight duty by failing to implement reporting systems or by consciously disregarding red flags, considered one of the most difficult claims under Delaware law.

The application of an NOL or credit to a prior tax year to obtain a refund, with current law generally disallowing NOL carrybacks except for limited categories.

The application of an unused NOL, credit, or other tax attribute to future tax years, with post-2017 NOLs carrying forward indefinitely but limited to 80% of taxable income.

Law established through judicial decisions and court opinions, as opposed to statutes or regulations. Also called common law or judge-made law.

Cash or cash equivalents in which a creditor holds a security interest, which the debtor may not use without the creditor's consent or court approval.

Protection under the Convention Against Torture available to noncitizens who establish it is more likely than not they would be tortured if removed, granted as either withholding or deferral of removal.

EPA regulations limiting pollutant discharges from specific industrial categories into publicly owned treatment works.

A set of facts and legal theories that give a party the right to seek a judicial remedy against another party.

An order or letter demanding that a party stop an activity (such as trademark infringement) and refrain from resuming it.

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (Superfund), authorizing cleanup of hazardous waste sites and imposing strict liability on responsible parties.

A state-issued document permitting a foreign (out-of-state) corporation or LLC to transact business in the state, obtained through foreign qualification with the secretary of state.

The court's order under Rule 23(c) determining that an action may proceed as a class action after finding the prerequisites of numerosity, commonality, typicality, and adequacy are met.

A writ issued by a higher court directing a lower court to deliver the record of a case for review. The Supreme Court grants certiorari to hear appeals.

A discretionary writ by which the U.S. Supreme Court or other high court reviews lower-court decisions, granted in only a small fraction of petitions.

The documented chronological history of the handling, transfer, and location of physical evidence, ensuring its integrity for use at trial.

A documented record of an item's handling from collection through trial, used to authenticate physical evidence and rebut tampering claims.

A request to dismiss a prospective juror based on a demonstrated bias or inability to be impartial.

A defined event (such as a merger, sale of substantially all assets, or transfer of majority voting power) that triggers contractual rights such as acceleration, severance, or consents.

A form of bankruptcy that allows businesses to reorganize their debts and operations while continuing to operate.

A form of bankruptcy available to family farmers and fishermen with regular income, providing a streamlined reorganization process.

A form of bankruptcy allowing individuals with regular income to create a 3-to-5-year repayment plan to pay off debts while keeping their property.

A form of bankruptcy involving liquidation of non-exempt assets to pay creditors, with remaining eligible debts being discharged.

A person appointed by the court to administer a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case, including liquidating nonexempt assets and distributing proceeds to creditors.

A form of bankruptcy available to municipalities such as cities, counties, and school districts, allowing them to reorganize their debts.

Evidence of a person's general character traits, generally inadmissible to prove conduct on a particular occasion, with limited exceptions.

A witness's trait regarding honesty, attackable through reputation or opinion testimony and certain prior convictions under FRE 608 and 609.

A judicial remedy by which a judgment creditor of an LLC member or limited partner obtains rights only to distributions that would otherwise be paid to the debtor-member, without acquiring management or voting rights.

A statutory feature in many states limiting a creditor's remedy against an LLC or partnership interest to a charging order, thereby protecting other members from forced sale or interference by the creditor.

A donation of cash or property to a qualifying tax-exempt organization, deductible as an itemized deduction subject to certain percentage limitations.

The itemized deduction for contributions to qualifying 501(c)(3) organizations, generally limited to 60% of AGI for cash to public charities and lesser percentages for property and private foundations.

A split-interest trust paying an annuity or unitrust amount to charity for a term, with the remainder passing to non-charitable beneficiaries, providing potential transfer tax savings.

A split-interest trust paying an annuity or unitrust amount to non-charitable beneficiaries for a term, with the remainder passing to charity, providing income tax deduction and capital gains deferral.

Personal property that is movable, as distinguished from real property (land and buildings).

The age, varying by state, at which a court will give significant or controlling weight to a child's stated preference regarding custody or visitation, often around 12 to 14 years old.

Periodic payments by one parent to the other (or to the state) to contribute to the financial needs of a minor child, calculated under state guidelines.

Unpaid child support that has accumulated over time, treated as a judgment that bears interest in many states and is not dischargeable in bankruptcy.

A federal tax credit available to taxpayers for each qualifying dependent child, partially refundable for taxpayers who owe less tax than the credit amount.

A per-child credit available to taxpayers with qualifying children under age 17, partially refundable, with amounts and phaseouts adjusted by recent tax legislation.

The principle from Chimel v. California limiting searches incident to arrest to the arrestee's person and the area within their immediate reach.

The determination of which jurisdiction's law applies to a dispute when the parties or events are connected to more than one jurisdiction.

Excessive trading in a customer's account by a broker-dealer primarily to generate commissions rather than to benefit the customer.

Evidence that requires an inference to connect it to a conclusion of fact, as opposed to direct evidence.

A reference to a legal authority (statute, case, regulation) or a notice to appear in court for a minor offense.

A provision in many environmental statutes allowing private citizens to enforce environmental laws by filing lawsuits against violators or government agencies that fail to perform mandatory duties.

An arrest performed by a private person rather than law enforcement, generally limited to felonies committed in the citizen's presence under most statutes.

The status of being a recognized member of a country, acquired by birth in the country, birth to citizen parents, or through the naturalization process.

An oral examination during the naturalization interview testing the applicant's knowledge of U.S. history and government, requiring correct answers to six of ten questions selected from a list of one hundred.

An in rem proceeding against property allegedly used in or derived from criminal activity, requiring no conviction of the owner.

The body of law dealing with disputes between private parties, as opposed to criminal law. Encompasses contracts, torts, property, and family law.

A financial penalty imposed by HHS for violations of HIPAA, with amounts varying based on the level of culpability from unknowing violations to willful neglect.

The rights of individuals to receive equal treatment and be free from discrimination based on characteristics such as race, sex, religion, and national origin.

An assertion of a right to money, property, or a legal remedy; also, the legal basis for a lawsuit.

The judicial interpretation of the scope and meaning of patent claims, a critical step in patent litigation often resolved in a Markman hearing.

The judicial process of interpreting the meaning and scope of patent claims, a question of law for the court under Markman, often dispositive of infringement and validity.

The deadline set by the bankruptcy court by which creditors must file their proofs of claim or risk losing the right to participate in distributions.

A lawsuit brought by one or more plaintiffs on behalf of a larger group of similarly situated individuals.

A representative lawsuit under Rule 23 in which one or more named plaintiffs sue on behalf of a larger group of similarly situated persons. It allows efficient resolution of common claims that would be impractical to litigate individually.

The notice required by Rule 23(c)(2) to inform absent class members of certification, their rights to opt out, and any proposed settlement.

The primary federal law regulating air emissions from stationary and mobile sources, authorizing EPA to establish and enforce air quality standards.

A permit issued under the Clean Water Act (typically an NPDES permit) authorizing the discharge of pollutants into navigable waters subject to specified limitations.

A standard of proof higher than preponderance of the evidence but lower than beyond a reasonable doubt, requiring evidence that is highly and substantially more probable to be true.

The appellate standard for reviewing factual findings under Rule 52(a)(6), requiring a definite and firm conviction that a mistake was made.

A position in which a recent law school graduate works for a judge, assisting with legal research, drafting opinions, and other judicial duties.

A vesting feature under which no portion of an equity grant vests until a specified date (often one year), at which point a substantial portion vests at once.

The final step in a real estate transaction where the deed is delivered, documents are signed, and funds are disbursed to complete the transfer of ownership.

The final statement made by each attorney to the judge or jury, summarizing the evidence and arguments presented during trial.

Any claim, lien, encumbrance, or defect that may impair the owner's title to real property and reduce its value or marketability.

Acronym for charitable lead trust, which can be structured as grantor (income tax deduction) or non-grantor (estate planning) for different tax objectives.

A non-hearsay statement under FRE 801(d)(2)(E) made by a co-conspirator during and in furtherance of the conspiracy.

The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act provision allowing employees and dependents to continue group health insurance coverage after qualifying events such as job loss.

A supplement or amendment to an existing will that modifies, explains, or revokes specific provisions without replacing the entire will.

A supplemental document executed with the same formalities as a will that amends, adds to, or partially revokes the provisions of an existing will.

The use of force, threats, or intimidation to compel someone to act against their will.

A basis for reducing or terminating alimony where the recipient is living with a romantic partner in a supportive, marriage-like relationship.

A structured non-litigation process in which both spouses retain specially trained attorneys who agree in writing to withdraw if the matter cannot be settled, encouraging negotiated resolutions.

Property pledged as security for a loan or debt. If the borrower defaults, the lender can seize the collateral.

A challenge to a conviction or sentence in a separate proceeding rather than on direct appeal, typically through habeas corpus.

A doctrine preventing a party from relitigating an issue of fact that has already been determined in a prior proceeding. Also called issue preclusion.

A preclusion doctrine, also called issue preclusion, that bars relitigation of an issue actually litigated and necessarily decided in a prior action.

The judge-made exception to the final judgment rule, from Cohen v. Beneficial Industrial Loan (1949), allowing appeal from a small class of conclusively determined collateral orders.

The process of negotiation between an employer and a labor union representing employees regarding wages, hours, benefits, and working conditions.

The appearance of legal authority. Actions taken under color of law are those performed by government officials using their official power.

The doctrine from Colorado River Water Conservation District v. United States (1976) allowing abstention in favor of parallel state proceedings only in exceptional circumstances.

The principle by which courts of one jurisdiction give respect and deference to the laws, judicial decisions, and institutions of another jurisdiction.

The principle of mutual respect and recognition that one jurisdiction extends to the laws, judgments, and proceedings of another, particularly in international contexts.

Real property used for business purposes such as offices, retail, industrial, and multifamily residential properties.

To mix together, especially funds. Commingling personal and business funds can lead to piercing the corporate veil.

The mixing of separate property with marital property to such an extent that the separate character can no longer be traced, often resulting in the entire asset being treated as marital.

Joint access to or control over property sufficient to authorize one occupant to consent to a search binding on the others.

A company or individual that transports goods or passengers for compensation, owing a heightened duty of care.

An extension of attorney-client privilege protecting communications among parties pursuing a shared legal interest, even if not formally joint clients.

Law developed by judges through court decisions and precedent, rather than through legislative statutes or executive action.

The Rule 23(a)(2) requirement that there be questions of law or fact common to the class, sharpened by Wal-Mart v. Dukes to require a common contention capable of classwide resolution.

A doctrine recognizing certain noninvestigatory police functions, such as roadside assistance, that may justify limited intrusions without traditional Fourth Amendment justification.

A system of property ownership used in some states where assets acquired during marriage are considered equally owned by both spouses.

The marital-property regime used in nine states under which most assets acquired during the marriage are owned equally by both spouses and divided equally on divorce.

The reduction of a criminal sentence by executive action, such as the governor or president reducing a prison term.

A legal doctrine that apportions fault among parties in a negligence case, reducing the plaintiff's recovery by their percentage of fault.

Early release from imprisonment based on extraordinary and compelling reasons, such as terminal illness, under 18 U.S.C. 3582(c)(1)(A).

Money awarded to a plaintiff to compensate for actual losses suffered, including medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.

The legal capacity of a defendant to understand the proceedings and assist counsel, a prerequisite for prosecution under Dusky v. United States.

The initial pleading filed by the plaintiff that begins a civil lawsuit, setting forth the allegations and claims against the defendant.

The initial pleading filed by a plaintiff that commences a civil action by stating the basis for jurisdiction, the factual allegations, and the relief sought. Under Rule 8, it must contain a short and plain statement of the claim showing entitlement to relief.

The act of conforming to laws, regulations, rules, and standards applicable to an individual or organization.

Required joinder under Rule 19 of a party whose absence would prevent complete relief or impair an existing party's interests, and whose joinder is feasible.

A license granted by a government authorizing use of a patent or copyrighted work without the owner's consent, typically in exchange for a royalty.

The Sixth Amendment right of criminal defendants to subpoena witnesses to testify on their behalf.

Action taken by two or more employees to improve working conditions, protected under the National Labor Relations Act even when no union is present.

A voluntary process in which a neutral third party helps disputing parties communicate and reach an agreement.

When two or more courts have the authority to hear the same type of case.

Criminal sentences served at the same time rather than one after another (consecutive).

The exercise of eminent domain — the government taking private property for public use with just compensation.

The legal process by which the government exercises eminent domain, taking private property for public use through court proceedings.

Mutually dependent conditions that must be performed simultaneously, such as payment against delivery in a sale of goods.

An event that must occur before a party's duty of performance arises under the contract.

An event whose occurrence terminates an already existing duty of performance, less common in modern doctrine.

A noncitizen granted permanent residence on a conditional basis for two years through marriage to a U.S. citizen or EB-5 investment, who must file to remove conditions before the status expires.

A guilty plea that preserves the defendant's right to appeal specified pretrial rulings, with consent of the court and prosecutor.

Permission from a zoning authority to use property for a purpose not otherwise allowed in the zoning district, subject to conditions designed to minimize negative impacts.

A direct acknowledgment by a defendant of guilt for the charged offense, typically requiring corroboration and a voluntariness inquiry before admission at trial.

The court's approval of a Chapter 11 or Chapter 13 repayment plan, making the plan binding on the debtor and all creditors.

The Sixth Amendment guarantee that criminal defendants have the right to confront witnesses against them through cross-examination.

Criminal sentences served one after another rather than at the same time (concurrent).

A court order that formalizes an agreement between parties to a lawsuit, often used in civil rights, environmental, and antitrust cases.

A court-approved agreement between parties to an environmental enforcement action specifying the actions the defendant must take to come into compliance.

A warrantless search conducted with the voluntary consent of a person with authority over the area or items searched.

Special damages arising from circumstances peculiar to the non-breaching party, recoverable only if reasonably foreseeable to the breaching party under Hadley v. Baxendale.

A person appointed by a court to manage the financial affairs or personal care of an incapacitated adult.

Something of value exchanged between parties to a contract, which makes the agreement legally binding. Can be money, services, or a promise.

The bargained-for exchange of legal value that supports a promise and distinguishes enforceable contracts from gratuitous promises.

A single federal income tax return filed by an affiliated group of corporations (generally requiring 80% common ownership) that combines income and losses of group members.

The combining of two or more legal actions or businesses into a single proceeding or entity.

An agreement between two or more persons to commit an unlawful act or to accomplish a lawful purpose by unlawful means.

An agreement between two or more persons to commit an unlawful act, generally requiring an overt act in furtherance of the agreement.

The supreme law of the United States, establishing the structure of government, defining governmental powers, and protecting individual rights.

The body of law governing construction projects, including contracts, liens, licensing, safety regulations, and dispute resolution.

A condition imposed by law rather than the parties, such as the requirement that each side substantially perform before the other's duty matures.

When an employer makes working conditions so intolerable that a reasonable employee would feel compelled to resign, treated legally as a termination.

A situation where an employer makes working conditions so intolerable that a reasonable employee would feel compelled to resign, treated as an involuntary termination.

A situation where a landlord's actions or omissions make a property substantially unsuitable for its intended purpose, effectively forcing the tenant to vacate.

Legal notice that a person is deemed to have received even if they did not actually receive it, because the information was publicly available.

A U.S. State Department official stationed at an embassy or consulate abroad who interviews visa applicants and makes determinations on visa eligibility.

The procedure by which an approved immigrant visa petition is processed at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad, culminating in the issuance of an immigrant visa.

The process of obtaining an immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad, used when the applicant is outside the United States or ineligible to adjust status.

Laws and regulations designed to protect buyers of goods and services from unfair, deceptive, or fraudulent business practices.

A judicial finding that an obligor has willfully failed to pay court-ordered support, which can result in fines, wage garnishment, or incarceration.

Willful disobedience of a court order or disruptive behavior in court, punishable by fines or imprisonment.

A dissolution in which the spouses dispute one or more issues such as custody, support, or property, requiring negotiation, mediation, or trial to resolve.

A fee arrangement where the attorney's payment depends on the outcome of the case, typically a percentage of the recovery.

A HIPAA Security Rule administrative safeguard requiring covered entities to establish policies and procedures for responding to emergencies that damage systems containing electronic protected health information.

A future interest in property that depends upon the occurrence of some condition or the identification of an unascertained taker before it can become possessory.

A patent application filed to pursue additional claims based on the disclosure of a previously filed parent application, sharing the same filing date.

A patent application that includes some or all of the disclosure of a prior application plus additional new matter, receiving the parent's priority date only for shared subject matter.

A legally enforceable agreement between two or more parties, consisting of an offer, acceptance, consideration, capacity, and legality.

Secondary liability for copyright infringement imposed on one who, with knowledge of the infringing activity, induces, causes, or materially contributes to the infringing conduct of another.

A common law doctrine barring a plaintiff from recovering damages if they were at all at fault for their own injury.

A drug or chemical whose manufacture, possession, or use is regulated by the government under the Controlled Substances Act, classified in Schedules I through V.

The military officer who has the power to convene a court-martial and refer charges for trial, typically a commander at a specified level.

An international treaty prohibiting the return of individuals to countries where they would face torture, implemented in U.S. immigration law as a form of protection.

A treaty obligating the United States not to return any person to a country where they would more likely than not be tortured, implemented through CAT relief in immigration proceedings.

The wrongful exercise of control or dominion over another person's personal property, depriving them of its use.

The right of preferred stockholders to convert their preferred shares into common stock, typically at a 1:1 ratio adjusted for anti-dilution.

The transfer of legal title to property from one person to another by means of a written instrument such as a deed.

Legal protection for original works of authorship fixed in a tangible medium, giving the creator exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, and display the work.

The exclusive legal right granted to authors of original works of authorship fixed in a tangible medium of expression, covering literary, musical, dramatic, pictorial, audiovisual, and other works under the Copyright Act of 1976.

The unauthorized reproduction, distribution, public performance, or creation of a derivative work that violates the exclusive rights of a copyright holder.

The process of recording a copyright claim with the U.S. Copyright Office, which is a prerequisite to filing an infringement lawsuit and provides evidentiary benefits.

The duration of copyright protection, generally life of the author plus 70 years for works created on or after January 1, 1978, with different rules for works for hire and pre-1978 works.

An ancient writ used to correct fundamental errors in a criminal judgment, available in federal court only when no other remedy exists.

A public official responsible for investigating deaths, particularly those that are sudden, unexplained, or suspicious.

The system of rules, practices, and processes by which a company is directed and controlled, involving the interests of shareholders, management, and the board of directors.

The legal separation between a corporation (or LLC) and its owners that protects owners from personal liability for entity debts and obligations. The veil exists by default upon proper formation and observance of corporate formalities.

A legal entity separate from its owners (shareholders) that can enter contracts, own property, sue and be sued, and has perpetual existence.

An equitable doctrine preventing a party who has dealt with a business as if it were a corporation from later denying its corporate status to impose personal liability on the principals.

Latin for 'body of the crime.' The principle that a crime must be proven to have occurred before a person can be convicted.

A process under RCRA requiring facilities that have released hazardous waste or constituents to investigate and clean up contamination at their sites.

Additional evidence that confirms or supports testimony or other evidence already presented.

A claim made by the defendant against the plaintiff in the same lawsuit, asserting that the plaintiff owes the defendant.

A claim asserted by a defendant against the plaintiff in the same action, which may be compulsory (arising from the same transaction) or permissive under Rule 13.

A response to an offer that proposes different terms, operating as both a rejection of the original offer and a new offer.

A sequence of conduct between parties under previous transactions establishing a common basis of understanding for interpreting current dealings under UCC 1-303.

Conduct between the parties under the present contract that shows their mutual understanding of its terms, given particular weight under UCC 1-303.

The civilian appellate court that reviews decisions of the military appellate courts, composed of five civilian judges appointed by the President.

A directive issued by a judge that requires a party to do or refrain from doing a specific act.

A judicial proceeding under the UCMJ in which members of the military are tried for offenses against military law.

A formal promise or agreement, often found in contracts and deeds. In real estate, restrictive covenants limit how property can be used.

A binding agreement or promise in a deed or other instrument relating to the use or restriction of real property.

An organization subject to HIPAA regulations, including health plans, healthcare clearinghouses, and healthcare providers who transmit health information electronically.

A bankruptcy court's power to confirm a reorganization plan over the objection of certain creditor classes, provided the plan meets statutory requirements.

The principle from Crawford v. Washington that testimonial out-of-court statements by absent witnesses are inadmissible unless the witness is unavailable and the defendant had a prior opportunity to cross-examine.

The process of verifying a healthcare provider's qualifications, including education, training, licensure, and malpractice history, before granting clinical privileges.

A screening standard applied to asylum seekers in expedited removal, requiring a significant possibility that the individual could establish eligibility for asylum.

A mandatory pre-filing requirement for individual bankruptcy debtors, involving a briefing on available alternatives to bankruptcy from an approved agency.

A person or entity to whom money is owed, either through a loan, sale of goods, or provision of services.

A traditional category of intended beneficiary to whom the promisee owes a debt that the promisor's performance will discharge.

An act or omission that violates a law and is punishable by the state through fines, imprisonment, or other penalties.

An exception to attorney-client privilege when the client sought or used legal services to further a crime or fraud.

An initial sworn charging document, often filed by a police officer or prosecutor, typically used to commence prosecution before indictment or information.

An in personam forfeiture ordered as part of a defendant's sentence after conviction, requiring proof of a nexus to the offense.

A formal charging document filed by a prosecutor rather than a grand jury, used in many states and in federal misdemeanors or after a waiver.

The body of law that defines offenses against the state or public, establishes punishments, and governs the prosecution of those offenses.

Specific geographic areas designated as essential for the conservation of a threatened or endangered species under the Endangered Species Act.

A claim asserted by one party against a co-party (same side of the v.) that arises out of the same transaction or occurrence as the original action under Rule 13(g).

The questioning of a witness by the opposing party's attorney, designed to test credibility and challenge testimony given during direct examination.

A method of raising capital through small contributions from a large number of people, regulated under the JOBS Act and SEC Regulation Crowdfunding.

A takeover defense in which the target sells or grants options on its most valuable assets to a friendly third party, making the target less attractive to the hostile bidder.

Acronym for charitable remainder trust, including both CRATs (annuity trust) and CRUTs (unitrust) variants, governed by IRC Section 664 and used for tax-efficient charitable giving.

Punishment prohibited by the Eighth Amendment, interpreted to include torture, disproportionate sentences, and degrading treatment.

A full arrest involving transport to a police station or detention facility, distinguished from a brief stop or citation in lieu of arrest.

Questioning of a person by law enforcement after they have been taken into custody or otherwise significantly deprived of freedom, triggering Miranda obligations.

The legal right and responsibility to care for a child, including physical custody (where the child lives) and legal custody (decision-making authority).

A court-ordered psychological and social assessment of a family, performed by a neutral mental-health professional, that produces a written report and often a recommendation regarding custody and parenting time.

The licensed mental-health professional, typically a psychologist or social worker, who conducts interviews, psychological testing, and observations to produce a custody evaluation report.

The statutorily enumerated considerations a court must evaluate when allocating parental rights, often including each parent's caretaking history, the child's wishes, mental and physical health of all parties, and any history of domestic violence.