Formerly known as "Special Advocates" Child and Family Investigators (CFI) are Court appointed professionals who "investigate, report, and make recommendations" regarding the best interests of children in domestic relations cases when the children's parents or guardians have been unable to agree on parenting issues on their own. The Child and Family Investigator role is defined in C.R.S. 14-10-116.5.
As a Child and Family Investigator, I meet with both parents, each parent's attorney, and the children. I may also meet with other professionals involved with the family, such as a child's teacher, medical or mental health professionals. I then write a report for the court and may be called as a witness in related hearings. My job is remain neutral and provide objective recommendations to the court that are in the best interest of the child or children.
Parent Coordinator
The role of Parent Coordinator has multiple responsibilities. These are more specifically granted through court order, but may include: educating parents on the impact their conflict has on their child's development, teaching parents affect management and effective communication skills, assessing overall family functioning and the need for outside referrals. A Parent Coordinator assists parents in shifting their role from former spouse to coparent, helps parents identify conflict and monitors progress and compliance in therapy.
My work as a CFI and Parent Coordinator is for the court, although the parties involved are responsible for payment. After receiving a letter from the courts notifying me of my appointment, my services are secured through a retainer. You many pay your retainer securely online using your credit card or Pay Pal here.
We all live with the objective of being happy; our lives are different, yet the same.