A CFI simply put is the unbiased investigative arm to assist the court in breaking deadlock regarding parenting time to uncover the truth in the best interest for the children. 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.

Certified Family Investigative Professionals are well-respected, experienced family law attorneys who have experience litigating domestic violence (DV) and intimate partner violence (IPV) cases. Top reasons to hire a CFI include experience neutralizing resistance against removing children from abuse, understanding domestic abuse dynamics that an abuser may refuse or resist screening, and ensuring fair treatment of all parties concerned. See below for our CFIs.