Colorado Child and Family Investigator (CFI)

Colorado Child and Family Investigators act as the investigative arm of the state's domestic courts.  The CFI is appointed by the court to investigate the child-family relationships and to make a recommendation to the court on parenting arrangements.  Recommendations are to be based on what is in the children's best interest.  This is often a difficult process for parents.  Having a trained and unbiased CFI can help.  I have no preconceived ideas on which parent the children should reside with.

The CFI process does not necessarily have to be overly complex and expensive.  Many parents have heard horror stories of CFI’s routinely ordering psychological testing, substance abuse testing and reviewing medical records.  While these measures may be called for in some cases, I do not presume they are needed, instead letting the circumstances of the case dictate the level of testing and examination needed.  Plus, all CFI’s are required to follow the directions laid out in the court order appointing them to the case.  As a Colorado CFI, my job is to investigate the relationship of each parent with the child and report back to the court with recommendations.  My job is not to intrude into your life beyond what is necessary to get the job done.

Parents involved in the CFI process are often unhappy with the recommendations the CFI makes to the court.  Often, one parent will feel that his or her parenting rights have been abrogated.  Please try to remember that the CFI must make her recommendations based on the best interest of the child, including the numerous statutory factors included in making that determination.  The decision is not based on what is “fair” to the parents.  A CFI’s recommendation is about the child, first and foremost.  That said, as a parent, you do have rights.  You and your attorney are free to challenge a Colorado CFI’s recommendation in court.

I recognize that the CFI process can be cost-prohibitive for some parents.  That's why I offer a sliding scale fee for my CFI services, based on the parties' combined income.

I offer CFI services in the following Colorado counties: Denver, Adams, Arapahoe, Jefferson, Douglas, Boulder, Broomfield, Gilpin, Weld, Larimer, Clear Creek, Park, Elbert, El Paso, Summit, Teller, and Morgan.  For a small extra travel fee, I offer CFI services in Logan, Washington, Lincoln, Grand, Kit Carson, and Cheyenne counties.