A court-appointed advisor, sometimes called a CAA in Maricopa County practice, is a court-connected professional appointed to investigate and advise the court on child-related issues. The CAA may interview parents, children, and other relevant people, review records, and prepare a report with recommendations about legal decision making and parenting time.

CAA reports carry weight with the court but they are not binding. The court makes its own determination after considering the CAA report along with all other evidence presented at trial.

The scope of the CAA's appointment, what they can investigate, and how their report reaches the court are all governed by the appointment order. Read the appointment order carefully. Help the court craft it if you are able.