am having blonde moment. Why when I try nlapiGetFieldValue(‘name’); on a custom record that definitely has a name field with a value in it, am I getting “null”?

If the field is restricted it could return 'null'. Have you checked the settings for the field?

@jen If it's beforeSubmit you'd get away with what you used otherwise my money is on you need: <recordObject>.getFieldValue('name');

I’m just trying in teh console

Ah so, nlapiGetValue in the console, should work if the record is in edit mode and visible via the UI (IE on the form). I'd also try assigning it to a variable and check the variable, seen weird inconsistency just getting the value...