grammar - My family *is* or My family *are*?





Are collective nouns always plural, or are certain ones singular?
Which is correct: The rest of the staff is or are? The rest of my family is or are?



I've done a bit of research and I understand that "family" should be preceded by singular or plural verb depending on how you want it to be treated. For example,



His family is one of the oldest in the county.



and



His family are all doctors.



These are apparently both correct.


But in the following instance, could a grammar expert tell me which should be be?



When his family are abducted



or



When his family is abducted



?


Thanks.




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