By: Beth Andersen

Sometimes a Child Family Investigator (CFI) is not enough and the parties need to seek a Parental Responsibilities Evaluator (PRE).

One reason may be training. CFI candidates must participate in training in order to be certified as a CFI. But they are NOT necessarily a psychologist, psychiatrist, therapist, or trained in complex issues such as domestic violence, mental health and substance abuse. That may require a PRE.

There are many reasons to seek a PRE who is, by definition, a licensed health professional. 

• Sometimes a party thinks the CFI did not explore enough depth or was inexperienced on complex issues. 
• Maybe a party disliked the CFI conclusions and wants to contradict the findings with a better trained PRE. 
• Maybe both parties want a more in-depth report. 
• Maybe a psychological exam or an alcohol evaluation is needed. A CFI often lacks the training to do these things. 

The scope of a PRE’s responsibilities are listed under Colorado Revised Statute Section 14-10-127. They are health professionals and they must be qualified to testify as an expert on parenting issues. They will evaluate the parties and children, and make recommendations that go beyond the scope of a routine CFI investigation. 

For example, a PRE may perform psychological examinations and evaluation. And a PRE report may take more time and cost more money than a CFI. While a CFI may be less than $3,000, a PRE may cost $3,000, $5,000, $10,000 or more. 

Again, this is a method for your child to be heard and to weigh in on the parenting issues without being put in the middle or made to testify. You can tell them to simply tell the truth and the adults will take it from there. 

You should decide whether to have a CFI or PRE early in the proceeding, ideally by the time of the initial status conference so you can plan the case around it.

If you are thinking about hiring a CFI or PRE, call Andersen Law PC 7at 20-922-3880 for a free initial consult. We will be sure to discuss your options and get you in the right direction at no cost or commitment to you.