Choosing the Right Parenting Expert for Your Custody Case

In Colorado, the court can appoint a parenting expert to weigh in on the circumstances of your custody case. Your family law attorney may also suggest hiring a parenting expert to provide influential testimony that supports your child's best interests.

But how do you know which type of parenting expert you need to work on your case? Below I've outlined the different kinds of parenting experts a family law attorney may recommend.

What is a Parenting Expert?

These professionals have specialized knowledge in family dynamics, child development, and parenting best practices. The parenting experts who testify in Colorado custody cases fall into one of three categories.

1. The Child and Family Investigator (CFI)

A Child and Family Investigator (CFI) is a professional who often practices law or serves in the mental health field.

What is a CFI in Court?

The CFI acts as a court's investigative arm. A CFI's job is to evaluate the family's situation and provide the court with a recommendation based on his or her observations and interviews.

The CFI will visit each party's home to observe how the children and parents interact with each other, conducting interviews with each parent and all children involved in the matter. If necessary, the CFI may contact the children's teachers or other adults who play an important role in the children's lives.

Once his or her investigation is complete, the CFI will make recommendations to the court and may also serve as a witness.

2. The Parental Responsibilities Evaluator (PRE)

Parental Responsibilities Evaluators (PRE) must be certified mental health providers to serve in this capacity. A PRE may use a standardized test to conduct mental health assessments of one or both parties as part of his or her case evaluation.

Unlike a CFI, a PRE does not provide his or her opinion. Rather, they provide the court with test results.

3. The Special Advocate

In Colorado, the Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is essentially a child's legal advocate. These voluntary positions provide the court with independent and objective information about the children involved in legal proceedings.

While not licensed legal professionals, CASA volunteers are trained in how to advocate for the children's best interests in accordance with Colorado Law.

How Much Do Parenting Experts Cost?

While CFIs, PREs, and CASA volunteers each act as neutral third parties in custody cases where parenting time and decision-making determinations are at stake, their services vary in terms of cost and who foots the bill.

Many of my clients prefer to work with CFIs, as they tend to be the most cost-effective.

The state has established a cap on the amount CFIs can charge for their services. In 2024, The Supreme Court of Colorado raised the maximum total fee per appointment of a CFI to $3,159.

In contrast, there is no established limit on what a PRE can charge. I have seen PREs bill clients anywhere from $5,000 to $40,000 for services.

CASA volunteers are prohibited from accepting compensation for their duties and responsibilities and are provided at no cost to the parties involved.

Do You Need to Hire a Parenting Expert?

High-conflict family law cases often require outside professionals to provide unbiased recommendations to the courts. Our Family Law Team can evaluate your case and suggest the right parenting expert for your circumstances. Call 303-688-0944 to begin your case assessment.