Why choose Louann as your CFI?

ØGreat qualifications: , teaching, counseling and CFI specialized training

 Ø  Affordable Rates 

Ø  Excellent and Concise Report Writer

ØCalming Personality

Ø 26 years Teaching Children

Ø  5 years Counseling in Colorado

 Ø 2 years Counseling 'Mile High Council Drug and Alcohol Abuse' 

Ø Domestic Violence Training 

Ø High Conflict Experience

Ø Prompt

Ø Professional

Ø  Reliable

Ø Interested in Best Interest of  the Children 

Ø  Understands Investigative Role 

 What is a Child and Family Investigator (CFI)?

Children are sometimes caught in the middle of divorcing parents.  One of the best options for protecting the interests of a child in that situation is having the court appoint a Child and Family Investigator (CFI), formerly called a Special Advocate.

When are Child and Family Investigators appointed?

Some judges appoint a CFI whenever an issue involving a child is contested in order to have the assurance that an objective, knowledgeable person investigates, makes recommendations, and suggests solutions to problems involving a child.  Other judges appoint Child and Family Investigators only when one is requested by one or both parents.

How does the court choose a Child and Family Investigator?

Often judges ask the lawyers in a case for recommendations or they may appoint someone from their own list of qualified individuals.  You may also recommend a CFI of your choice to the court.

How does the CFI make a decision? 

The CFI will conduct a home visit and observe each parent with your child or children. 

Specifically, Louann will explain her role to your child in an age-appropriate way and may discuss parenting roles with your child, depending on his or her age.  A child's preferences are only one factor considered in making recommendations.  She meets personally with each parent and gathers the names and addresses of witnesses and reviews documents parents share with her.  She may or may not contact every witness a parent suggests. 

Louann then decides if evaluations or counseling services are needed and makes appropriate referrals, if needed.  Other professionals are consulted if warranted. 

What happens to the findings?

Louann writes a report, with recommendations.  Communications with a CFI are not confidential.  She will also appear in court for hearings when requested.

Who pays for the Child and Family Investigator?

Usually the parents divide the cost of the Child and Family Investigator according to the court's order.  Child and Family Investigators  expect some payment also called a retainer in advance.  If one or both parents are indigent, the state may pay the fees.  If this is your situation, ask the court for the forms to apply for assistance.

Louann accepts cases, with hourly rates that vary between $50 and $95 per hour (in contrast to typical $100-$250+ for some CFI s).   For a retainer, she will ask for 30 hours payment in advance ( or $2,500) and will bill against that amount.  Charge Cards are accepted.  If the 30 hours are not used, she will refund the balance to you.  If more than 30 hours are required, you will need to replenish the retainer for the remaining hours.

All services are billed in increments of 6 minutes (.1 hour).

Are Child and Family Investigators required to follow any standards?

Yes.  A Chief Justice Directive, Special Advocate standards CJD 04-08, requires Child and Family Investigators to follow certain standards, including possessing the knowledge, expertise, and training necessary to perform the court appointment; obtaining and proving specified hours of the required continuing legal education or other required courses. 

In addition, Child and Family Investigators are required to abide by the rules of their various professions (law, counseling, social work, psychology, etc.)