How Colorado Courts Use CFI Reports in Custody Disputes

February 27, 2025

How Colorado Courts Use CFI Reports in Custody Disputes

Child custody disputes can be some of the most emotionally charged cases in family law. In Colorado, courts often rely on Child and Family Investigator (CFI) reports to make informed decisions regarding parenting time and decision-making responsibilities. These reports play a crucial role in helping judges determine what arrangement serves the best interests of the child.

What Is a Child and Family Investigator (CFI)?

A Child and Family Investigator is a neutral third party appointed by the court to assess the circumstances of a custody dispute. CFIs are typically attorneys or mental health professionals with experience in family law matters. Their primary responsibility is to investigate the situation and provide a report that includes recommendations for custody arrangements based on the child’s well-being.

The Role of a CFI in Custody Cases

When a CFI is appointed, they will conduct an investigation that includes:

Interviews with both parents and, when appropriate, the child
Home visits to assess the living environments
Interviews with relevant third parties, such as teachers, counselors, or extended family members
A review of court documents and other pertinent records

After gathering this information, the CFI compiles their findings into a detailed report, which is then submitted to the court.

How Courts Use CFI Reports

Judges consider CFI reports as an important piece of evidence when making custody determinations. These reports help clarify complex family dynamics and provide an objective analysis of the child’s needs. While the court is not required to follow the CFI’s recommendations, they are often given significant weight, particularly when they align with the statutory factors that guide custody decisions.

The court evaluates the CFI’s recommendations alongside other evidence, such as witness testimony and parental statements, before issuing a final custody order. If a parent disagrees with the findings, they may challenge the report in court by presenting counter-evidence or requesting additional evaluations.

Seeking Legal Assistance in Custody Matters

Navigating a custody dispute can be challenging, especially when a CFI is involved. At Peter A. Garin Attorney At Law, we provide legal guidance to parents facing custody proceedings in Colorado. Our team can help you understand the role of CFIs, prepare for the investigation process, and advocate for your parental rights in court.

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Factors a Colorado Court Considers in Divorce

By Peter Garin • August 31, 2023

Divorce can be a difficult and emotional process, especially if you have children and valuable assets involved. Couples who have decided to file for divorce in Colorado must understand the critical factors that the court considers to handle the divorce case. Understanding these factors can prepare parties for what to expect and help them make informed decisions. In this blog post, we will discuss the essential factors that a Colorado court considers during a divorce proceeding. 1. Property Division One of the significant issues in any divorce proceeding is the splitting of property between the parties. During a divorce proceeding, the court will consider several factors to achieve an equitable distribution of property. The court considers the length of the marriage, the financial disposition of each party, and the overall value of the property or assets to be divided. 2. Child Custody When a couple with children files for divorce, the court must consider the welfare of the children involved, including their best interest. Colorado courts usually award joint custody unless one parent is deemed unfit to be a custodial parent. Other factors that the court considers include the emotional, social, and educational needs of the child and the wishes of the child (if they are mature enough). 3. Child Support In Colorado, child support is calculated based on the combined gross income of both parents, the number of minor children involved, and the amount of parenting time allotted to each parent. The court may also consider the child’s medical and educational expenses. Child support is designed to ensure that the child’s financial needs are adequately met. 4. Spousal Support Spousal support, also known as alimony, is financial support paid by one spouse to the other after the divorce is finalized. The court considers several factors when determining the amount and duration of spousal support, including the length of the marriage, the earning capacity of each spouse, and the standard of living established during the marriage. Spousal support is usually meant to be temporary to allow the lower-earning spouse time to become financially stable. 5. Mediation Mediation is an alternative to divorce litigation whereby the parties work with a mediator to reach an agreement on various divorce-related issues. Mediation can save time, money, and emotional stress for the parties involved. The parties can also retain more control over the outcome, as opposed to leaving it entirely in the hands of the court. Divorce is never easy for anyone involved, but it can be less complicated if both parties understand what to expect. By knowing the factors that Colorado courts consider during a divorce proceeding, you can better prepare yourself for the process and make informed decisions. Working with an experienced family law attorney can help you navigate the process and achieve the best possible outcome. If you are considering filing for divorce or are currently involved in a divorce proceeding, consult with an experienced attorney today.