Child & Family Investigations/Parenting Coordination & Decision-Making

Some Colorado courts appoint what is called a Child and Family Investigator, or CFI. A CFI is a court-appointed neutral who investigates the matter and provides information to the court regarding allocation of parenting responsibilities – i.e. parenting time, decision making and other issues such as substance abuse or domestic violence that the parties or court ask the CFI to investigate. A CFI may be an attorney, a mental health professional or another individual, such as a school professional, who has been trained as a CFI. A CFI does not represent either of the parties but instead acts as an expert for the court.

The CFI meets with each of the parents, the child(ren), and interviews other individuals who may have important information for the CFI. These other “collateral” sources may be friends and family of the parties, therapists, teachers, clergy and anyone else who may have information the CFI believes it needs to provide recommendations regarding parental responsibilities. At the end of his or her investigation, the CFI writes a report that is filed with the court. If the parties so desire, they may ask the CFI to testify in court if there is a hearing on the issues that the CFI was investigating.

Elle has been a child and family investigator since 2018. She has done numerous CFI investigations. Throughout the investigation, Elle maintains her neutrality to hear what each party’s concerns are and what is important for the court to know to make the best decision regarding the family. Elle takes appointments in numerous judicial districts.