CHILD AND FAMILY INVESTIGATOR

Denver Child Family Investigator

Denver Child and Family Investigators

Children are often caught in the middle of divorce disputes. Their needs and desires are often lost in the midst of parental conflict. Parents in highly conflicted matters are often convinced that each knows what is in their children’s best interests and these opinions often differ.

Child Support

CFI/CLR

Colorado has several options to address the needs of families involved in divorces. Two strong options for protecting the interests of a child are the court appointment of a Child and Family Investigator (CFI) or a Child Legal Representative (CLR).

Table of Contents

“David Littman brings a much-needed educational and therapeutic sensibility to the demanding Child and Family Investigator role. His ability to integrate those dynamics with the statutory framework in which we must all work is a hallmark of the service he provides.” — Client Testimony

Providing Child And Family Investigator Services

David Littman has the specialized education and training necessary to serve as a Child and Family Investigator (CFI) in your case. Appointed by the court, a CFI reports directly to the court on the child’s best interests, providing an objective assessment to help guide decisions regarding parenting arrangements. He can be appointed either by agreement of the parties or by a Court Order, particularly when it becomes evident that parents cannot reach an agreement on critical parenting issues.

These issues may encompass a wide range of concerns, such as managing a trust, extending child support beyond the age of nineteen for a disabled child, or other matters that demand the guidance of an experienced legal advocate. In situations involving family building, adoption, or other complex family law matters, the expertise of a CFI is invaluable in ensuring that the child’s best interests remain the top priority.

In cases where significant financial issues concerning children arise during a divorce action, a Child Legal Representative (CLR) may also be appointed. This is especially important when disputes involve substantial financial implications related to the child’s future, such as education expenses or healthcare needs. With David’s comprehensive background, he is well-equipped to handle both CFI and CLR roles, offering thorough advocacy and support in even the most challenging family law cases.

In the role of CFI, he writes a report to the court and may be called as a witness at a hearing. He has approximately 30 years of experience working with children and their families in this capacity, first as a guardian ad litem, then as a Special Advocate, and now as a CFI. He works hard to ensure that children’s best interests are protected in divorce actions. He is well respected by judges, magistrates, clients, and his peers in the Metro Denver community and outlying areas.

David has special child development and mental health training, earning advanced degrees in counseling psychology and behavioral science. He can also be an advisor in collaborative divorce cases if needed. One important role of the CFI is recommending a parenting plan to the court. While all parenting plans are difficult to develop as they involve balancing many factors, parenting plans for infants and toddlers are particularly complex. David strives to remain current in the latest developmental and neuroscientific research and literature concerning this area.

Accepting Child Legal Representative Appointments

While it is less common, a child may have an attorney appointed as their legal representative. The CLR acts in the child’s best interests. Providing this type of representation allows the child to have a lawyer acting in his or her best interests in the court process. The CLR assures that the child’s opinions and concerns are heard and that his or her needs are considered. A CLR may be appointed when there are significant financial issues concerning children in a divorce action.

These issues may involve managing a trust, extending child support beyond the age of nineteen for a disabled child, and other matters requiring an experienced legal advocate. A CLR can also play an effective role for to address the unique issues of teenagers impacted by the divorce process.

To learn more about appointing David as a CFI or CLR, please contact Littman Family Law. Contact us by phone at 303-832-4200 or by filling out an intake form.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is a Child and Family Investigator appointed in Colorado?zarah2024-07-31T14:56:03+00:00

When is a Child and Family Investigator appointed in Colorado?

In Colorado, a Child and Family Investigator (CFI) is typically appointed in custody cases where there is a dispute or concern about the best interests of the child. A CFI conducts an investigation and provides the court with a report and recommendations regarding parenting time, decision-making responsibilities, and other related issues. This appointment can occur in cases involving high conflict, allegations of abuse, or other complex family dynamics. The CFI’s role is to provide an objective assessment to help the court make informed decisions that prioritize the child’s well-being. Consulting with a legal professional can help understand when and how a CFI may be appointed in a specific case and how to work effectively with the CFI to achieve the best outcome for the child.

What does a Child and Family Investigator do during an investigation?zarah2024-07-31T14:56:36+00:00

What does a Child and Family Investigator do during an investigation?

A Child and Family Investigator (CFI) in Colorado conducts an investigation to assess the best interests of the child in cases involving disputes over parenting time and decision-making. The CFI’s role includes interviewing the parents, children, and other relevant individuals, observing interactions, and reviewing pertinent documents. They may also consult with professionals like therapists, teachers, or doctors involved with the family. The CFI compiles their findings into a report with recommendations to the court, which can significantly influence the judge’s decisions regarding custody and parenting arrangements. Their objective and thorough investigation aim to ensure that the court’s decisions prioritize the child’s well-being.

How can an attorney assist with a Child and Family Investigator’s involvement?zarah2024-07-31T14:57:15+00:00

How can an attorney assist with a Child and Family Investigator’s involvement?

An attorney can assist with a Child and Family Investigator’s (CFI) involvement in several key ways. They can help prepare their client for interviews and observations conducted by the CFI, ensuring that the client’s perspective and concerns are effectively communicated. The attorney can also guide the collection and presentation of evidence that supports the client’s case, such as relevant documents or witness testimonies. Additionally, they can provide advice on responding to the CFI’s report and recommendations, including challenging any findings that may be inaccurate or unfavorable. Overall, an attorney’s support can help ensure that the CFI’s investigation is thorough and fair, and that the client’s rights and interests are protected throughout the process.

What qualifications does a Child and Family Investigator need in Colorado?zarah2024-07-31T14:58:17+00:00

What qualifications does a Child and Family Investigator need in Colorado?

A Child and Family Investigator (CFI) in Colorado typically needs to meet specific qualifications to perform their role effectively. CFIs are usually required to have a professional background in law, mental health, social work, or a related field. They must undergo specialized training in issues related to child development, family dynamics, and the legal aspects of custody and parenting time disputes. Additionally, CFIs are expected to be familiar with the Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure and adhere to ethical standards.

These qualifications ensure that CFIs have the necessary expertise to assess complex family situations and provide the court with well-informed recommendations. If you’re looking for specific details or confirmation of a CFI’s qualifications, it’s advisable to consult with an attorney or directly contact the relevant court or professional regulatory body. If you need more information, contact us for assistance.

Additional Information in Colorado

Colorado Judicial Branch – Child and Family Investigator (CFI): Detailed information about Child and Family Investigators (CFIs). CFIs are appointed by the court to investigate and provide recommendations in cases involving parental responsibilities, such as parenting time and decision-making. The site outlines the qualifications required for CFIs, including specialized training in domestic violence and child abuse. It also provides resources for filing complaints against CFIs if they violate professional standards. This information helps ensure that CFIs involved in a case are qualified and conduct themselves appropriately, which is crucial for achieving a fair outcome.
American Psychological Association – Guidelines for Child Custody Evaluations: The guidelines emphasize the importance of impartiality, cultural competence, and the use of evidence-based methods in assessing parenting abilities, the needs of children, and the overall family dynamics. They also address the importance of understanding the legal and psychological complexities of high-conflict cases, including issues like domestic violence and child abuse. For a Child and Family Investigator (CFI) case, this document serves as a valuable reference to ensure that the evaluation process adheres to professional standards and ethical considerations. It helps CFIs understand the scope of their role, the appropriate methodologies to use, and the critical aspects to consider when making recommendations to the court. This guidance is crucial in providing a thorough and fair assessment that ultimately serves the best interests of the child.
Colorado General Assembly – Office of the Child Representative: The OCR oversees attorneys, including Guardians ad Litem (GALs), who advocate for the best interests of children in cases like dependency and neglect, delinquency, and other matters where children require representation. The document details OCR’s goals, such as ensuring children’s voices are heard, maintaining high standards for attorney performance, and optimizing the efficiency of legal practices. For a Child and Family Investigator (CFI) case, this document provides a framework for understanding the roles and responsibilities of legal representatives advocating for children. It emphasizes the importance of thorough and ethical representation, which aligns with the CFI’s duty to investigate and report on the best interests of children. This ensures that all aspects of the child’s welfare are considered in legal proceedings, supporting the court’s decision-making process.

Littman Family Law and Mediation Services

1772 Emerson Street
Denver, CO 80218
Phone: 303-832-4200
Fax: 303-832-9322
Denver Law Office Map

+1 303 832 4200