A child family investigator “CFI” is a neutral third-party (usually a licensed attorney or mental health professional) who is appointed by the court. A CFI is appointed when parties cannot agree on parenting time and/or decision-making. If there are concerns regarding another party’s “fitness” to parent (such as drug and/or alcohol use concerns, neglect, physical/emotional abuse) the court may appoint a CFI to investigate the claims or concerns of the parties and issue a report to the court with their recommendations, which proceed under the child(ren)’s best interest.

When parties cannot agree on parenting time and/or decision making, a Child and Family Investigator (CFI) may be appointed by the court. A CFI is usually a licensed attorney or mental health professional with knowledge of child development. The CFI’s job is to conduct an investigation and write a report for the court in which they make recommendations on what they believe is in the child(ren)’s best interest.