40-4-216. Hearings. (1) Custody proceedings shall receive priority in being set for hearing.
     (2) The court may tax as costs the payment of necessary travel and other expenses incurred by any person whose presence at the hearing the court deems necessary to determine the best interest of the child.
     (3) The court without a jury shall determine questions of law and fact. If it finds that a public hearing may be detrimental to the child's best interest, the court may exclude the public from a custody hearing but may admit any person who has a direct and legitimate interest in the particular case or a legitimate educational or research interest in the work of the court.
     (4) If the court finds it necessary that the record of any interview, report, investigation, or testimony in a custody proceeding be kept secret to protect the child's welfare, the court may make an appropriate order sealing the record.

     History: En. 48-336 by Sec. 36, Ch. 536, L. 1975; R.C.M. 1947, 48-336.