What is a CFI, PRE and CLR?
When parents are unable to agree upon parenting time or decision-making responsibilities it may be necessary to appoint a third party to assist the parents and the court. The court may appoint one of the following professionals:
child and family investigator (“CFI”)
parental responsibilities evaluator (“PRE”)
child legal representative (“CLR”)
A CFI or PRE may conduct an investigation and make recommendations to the court regarding parenting time and decision-making authority for the minor children. The investigation often includes collecting background questionnaires from the parties, conducting home visits with parties and minor children, and gathering information from third parties such as teachers, family members, and friends.
The CFI process is intended to be less intrusive than a parental responsibilities evaluation, while providing a cost-effective way to delve into parenting issues. [1] A CFI can investigate both parenting time and decision making, but the CFI’s role was designed to focus on specific issues in dispute. A CFI’s total fees are typically limited to $2,750 and a CFI cannot conduct psychological testing.
A PRE may be necessary for high conflict matters and disputes involving complex issues such as substance abuse, domestic abuse and mental health concerns. A parental responsibilities evaluation can only be completed by a licensed mental health professional and a PRE may perform psychological testing. [2] There is no limit to the cost of a parental responsibilities evaluation, thus the PRE report and recommendations will be more thorough and can be far more expensive than a CFI investigation.
A CLR is an attorney appointed to represent the best interests of the child. [3] Similar to a CFI or PRE, the CLR serves an investigative role and may conduct home visits, as well as interview therapists, teachers, etc. The CLR is different from the CFI and PRE in that a CLR does not issue a report and cannot be called to testify. One potential benefit of a CLR is that the CLR can provide recommendations to the court during the pendency of the investigation, which can be helpful to the parents as they learn to navigate coparenting and may assist the parties in settlement.
[1] Chief Justice Directive 04-08 and C.R.S. § 14-10-116.5
[2] Chief Justice Directive 21-01 and C.R.S. § 14-10-127
[3] 14-10-116(1)