A lay witness gives fact testimony based on their personal knowledge of events they observed, communications they heard, or conditions they perceived. Lay witnesses are distinct from expert witnesses who offer opinions based on specialized knowledge.

Common lay witnesses in family law cases include family members, friends, coworkers, neighbors, teachers, and other people with direct knowledge of the parties, the children, or the disputed facts.

Lay witnesses can offer opinions in limited circumstances based on their own perceptions, a lay witness can testify that a person appeared to be intoxicated without being a medical expert. But lay opinion is limited and differs from expert opinion in significant ways.