Child And Family Investigator Attorney In Denver, Colorado
Putting Your Children's Best Interests First
When parents are involved in a divorce, custody dispute, or disagreement over parental responsibilities, issues involving their children can quickly become some of the most difficult and emotional parts of the case. Parents may have very different perspectives about parenting time, decision-making responsibilities, living arrangements, and what will best support their child moving forward. In some Colorado family law cases, the court may appoint a Child and Family Investigator (CFI) to provide a neutral perspective on these concerns.
A Child and Family Investigator is appointed to investigate specific issues identified by the court and provide recommendations based on the best interests of the child. Rather than representing either parent, the CFI serves in a neutral role and gathers information that can help the court better understand the circumstances surrounding the family.
Attorney Peter A. Garin serves as a Child and Family Investigator in Colorado family law matters. His investigation may involve learning about each parent’s relationship with the child, the child’s home environment, parenting arrangements, family dynamics, and other circumstances relevant to the issues identified in the court’s appointment order.
At Law Office of Peter A Garin, PC, we recognize that every family is different. The goal is to approach each CFI investigation carefully and objectively while remaining focused on the needs, safety, stability, and overall well-being of the children involved.
Call Law Office of Peter A Garin, PC at 303-997-3290 to schedule a consultation with a lawyer today.
Understanding Your Child’s Perspective
Children can experience divorce, separation, and parenting disputes very differently from their parents. Depending on the circumstances of the case, a child’s experiences, relationships, routines, and individual needs may provide important information during a Child and Family Investigator’s evaluation.
As part of an investigation, a CFI may speak with the children when appropriate. How these conversations are handled can depend on several factors, including the child’s age, maturity, family circumstances, and the particular issues the court has asked the CFI to investigate. The CFI may seek to better understand the child’s daily life, relationships with each parent, home and school environment, routines, and other factors that could be relevant to the child’s best interests.
Importantly, the purpose of speaking with a child is not to ask the child to choose between parents or make decisions about parenting time. Children should not be placed in the position of resolving disputes between the adults in their lives. Instead, the information gathered can help the CFI develop a more complete understanding of the family and the child’s individual circumstances.
Attorney Peter A. Garin approaches these sensitive matters with care and attention to the impact family disputes can have on children. By considering information from multiple sources, a CFI can provide the court with a broader perspective when making recommendations regarding the child's best interests.
How Does the CFI Investigation Process Work?
A Child and Family Investigator is appointed by the court to investigate specific issues involving children and parental responsibilities. The court’s appointment order establishes the scope of the CFI’s investigation, meaning the investigator is generally focused on particular questions or areas of concern rather than every aspect of the family’s life. Colorado Judicial Branch materials similarly describe the CFI's role as investigating, reporting, and making recommendations concerning the issues identified in the appointment order.
The investigation may include interviews with both parents and the children, when appropriate. A CFI may also review relevant documents and records and gather information from other individuals who have knowledge of the child or family. Depending on the circumstances, this may include teachers, medical providers, counselors, family members, or other individuals who can provide relevant information.
Throughout this process, the CFI evaluates the information gathered from different sources rather than relying solely on the perspective of one parent. This can help provide the court with a more complete understanding of the family’s circumstances and the issues affecting the child.
Once the investigation is complete, the CFI generally prepares a report addressing the issues identified by the court and providing recommendations concerning the child’s best interests. The CFI does not make the final decision regarding parenting time or decision-making responsibilities. The court ultimately determines how these matters will be resolved after considering the CFI’s recommendations along with other relevant evidence.
Attorney Peter A. Garin brings extensive family law experience to his work as a Child and Family Investigator. At Law Office of Peter A Garin, PC, each CFI matter is approached with neutrality, thorough preparation, and careful consideration of the children and families involved.
Child and Family Investigator FAQs
What is a Child and Family Investigator in Colorado?
A Child and Family Investigator (CFI) is a neutral professional appointed by the court to investigate issues involving children in certain family law cases. The CFI gathers information about the family’s circumstances and provides recommendations to the court based on the best interests of the child.
When might a CFI be appointed in a family law case?
A CFI may be appointed when parents disagree about issues involving parental responsibilities, such as parenting time or decision-making. The court’s appointment order identifies the issues the CFI is responsible for investigating.
What does a Child and Family Investigator look at?
The investigation depends on the circumstances of the family and the scope of the court’s appointment order. A CFI may interview the parents and children, review relevant records, and speak with other individuals who have information about the child or family.
Will a CFI interview my child?
A CFI may interview a child when appropriate. The manner in which the interview is conducted can depend on factors such as the child’s age, maturity, circumstances, and the issues being investigated.
Can a CFI speak with teachers, doctors, or other people who know my child?
Potentially. Depending on the scope of the investigation, a CFI may gather information from individuals who have relevant knowledge about the child and family. The firm’s current page notes that this can include teachers, medical personnel, friends, and others familiar with the child's life.
What should I expect during a CFI investigation?
You should be prepared to provide information about your child, your parenting arrangements, and the issues involved in the case. The CFI may also request documents or other information relevant to the investigation. Being organized, responsive, and focused on your child’s needs can help you navigate the process.
Does a CFI decide child custody or parenting time?
No. A CFI investigates the issues identified by the court and makes recommendations. The judge ultimately makes the court’s decisions regarding parental responsibilities. A CFI may prepare a written report and may also testify at a court hearing.
What is included in a CFI report?
A CFI report generally discusses the investigation, relevant findings, and recommendations concerning the issues identified in the appointment order. Those recommendations may address matters such as parenting time or decision-making responsibilities.
What happens if I disagree with the CFI’s recommendations?
A CFI’s recommendations are not the court’s final decision. Depending on the circumstances, a parent may have opportunities during the court process to present evidence, address concerns regarding the report, or question the CFI. The appropriate response will depend on the facts of the case.
How long does a CFI investigation take?
The timeline can vary depending on the issues being investigated, the complexity of the family’s circumstances, the information that needs to be reviewed, and the deadlines established by the court.
How can I prepare for a Child and Family Investigator?
It can help to gather relevant documents, keep communications organized, respond promptly to requests, and approach the investigation with your child’s best interests in mind. Parents should also understand what issues the CFI has been appointed to investigate.
Have Questions?
If a Child and Family Investigator has been appointed in your case or you have questions about how the CFI process may affect your family law matter, we are here to help. Call Law Office of Peter A Garin, PC at 303-997-3290 today to speak with an attorney about your case and next steps.