Child Family Investigator

---

A Child and Family Investigator (CFI) is an independent, court-appointed professional in Colorado who investigates cases involving child custody and parental responsibilities. CFIs do not represent any parent but rather focus solely on the child's best interests by providing the court with a neutral, written report and recommendations regarding parenting time, decision-making, and any other relevant issues. 

Role and Purpose

• Focus on the Child:  The CFI's primary responsibility is to investigate and make recommendations based on the child's best interests and well-being. 
• Neutrality:  CFIs are impartial third parties who are not affiliated with either parent or attorney in the case. 
• Court-Appointed:  A CFI is appointed by the judge or magistrate, and the order of appointment specifies the scope of the investigation. 
• Reporting and Testimony:  CFIs prepare a written report for the court and may provide testimony during hearings. 

What a CFI Does

A Child and Family Investigator is an independent expert on child custody who gathers information and makes recommendations in disputed child custody or visitation cases. Under Colorado Revised Statutes 14-10-116.5, the CFI can be a child development expert, mental health professional, or even a lawyer who is “acceptable to the court.”

The judge or magistrate appoints a CFI in either of two scenarios: 1) if the court itself needs a clearer understanding of the family’s circumstances, or 2) if one parent convincingly requests the court to assign a CFI to the case. 

• Investigates Issues:  CFIs look into concerns such as domestic violence, substance abuse, parental relocation, and other factors affecting the child. 
• Interviews:  They will interview both parents and often speak with the children privately, even conducting home visits to observe interactions. 
• Reviews Evidence:  CFIs may review police reports, photos, recordings, and other relevant evidence provided by the parties. 
• Release Records:  They can require parents to sign releases for privileged documents, such as mental health records, for review. 

When a CFI is Appointed

• Disagreements:  CFIs are appointed when parents cannot agree on issues such as parental responsibilities, decision-making, or parenting time. 
• Child Safety Concerns:  A CFI may be appointed if one parent has concerns about a child's safety in the other parent's care. 

CFI Fees

• CFI costs in Colorado vary by provider, but the Colorado Supreme Court capped the fees at $3,250 for the totality of a CFI’s work per case. Factors that affect an evaluator’s rate include the range of their investigation and their qualifications (all CFIs undergo training, but some have PhDs in psychology and the like). 
• Additionally, the CFI may charge a $500 fee to appear at trial. 
•  A CFI in Colorado is paid by one or both of the disputing parties, according to their agreement or, if they can’t agree, according to a court order. If any party cannot afford their share of CFI cost, they may show the court that they are “indigent” and ask for the court to pay their share. 

For CFI services, please email me directly at kristen@reflectftc.com or leave a message at 303.710.2455