Child & Family Investigator (CFI)
Objective, Thorough, and
Child-Centered Court Investigations
When parents are unable to reach an agreement regarding the allocation of parental responsibilities, parenting time, or decision-making, the court may require an independent, neutral perspective to determine what environment will serve the child best.
I serve as a court-appointed Child & Family Investigator (CFI), eligible for appointment in several judicial districts throughout Colorado; please see the list of Judicial Districts in which I am on the CFI Roster below. Appointed directly by a magistrate or judge, my role is to step into highly contested domestic relations matters to conduct a thorough, unbiased investigation and provide clear recommendations to the court.
Eligible Judicial Districts (CFI Roster)
I am currently on the CFI roster and accept appointments in the following Colorado Judicial Districts:
1st JD (Gilpin, Jefferson)
2nd JD (Denver)
5th JD (Clear Creek, Eagle, Lake, Summit)
9th JD (Garfield, Pitkin, Rio Blanco)
14th JD (Grand, Moffat, Routt)
17th JD (Adams, Broomfield)
19th JD (Weld)
20th JD (Boulder)
What Does a CFI Do?
Unlike a child's attorney (CLR) or a parent's legal counsel, a CFI does not advocate for either party. Instead, I act as an independent evaluator for the court.
My responsibility is to gather facts, observe family dynamics, and assess the specific needs of the child. By remaining completely neutral, I can provide the judge with a clear, comprehensive picture of the family's reality, ensuring the court has the information necessary to make critical decisions about the child's future.
The Investigative Process
A CFI investigation is designed to be comprehensive while minimizing the stress placed on the minor children involved. My detail-driven approach involves:
In-Depth Interviews: Conducting interviews with both parents, the child (when age-appropriate), and other relevant individuals in the child's life, such as teachers, therapists, or pediatricians.
Observation: Observing the child's interactions and dynamics with each parent to understand the foundation of their relationships.
Document Review: Carefully analyzing relevant records, including court filings, school reports, medical records, and any other evidence submitted by the parties.
Home Visits: When necessary, visiting the child's living environments to ensure they are safe, stable, and supportive.
The Final Report & Recommendations
The culmination of my investigation is a formal, detailed written report submitted directly to the court and the involved attorneys.
This report outlines all gathered data and applies it to the statutory factors required by Colorado law. Most importantly, it concludes with definitive, actionable recommendations regarding parenting time, decision-making, and other relevant factors—always prioritizing the ultimate well-being and best interests of the child.
Appointments & Referrals I accept CFI appointments from magistrates and judges across the region, functioning through my contract with the Office of the Child's Representative.
If you are an attorney, court official, or parent seeking a diligent, compassionate, and highly objective CFI for an upcoming domestic relations docket in one of my eligible judicial districts, please reach out to confirm my availability.