Child & Family Investigator

Amy L. Petersen is a trusted, thorough, and compassionate child and family investigator. She has worked with hundreds of families throughout Colorado.

Amy interviews parties, children, family members and collateral sources such as teachers and therapists in order to assess what parenting time schedule would best serve the interests of the children. Her child and family investigations focus on many family issues such as:

Domestic Violence
Substance Abuse
Mental Health Issues
Parental Alienation
Relocation

Amy understands that parent conflict is the most dangerous thing in the life of a child whose family has come apart. She has been commended by family law professionals for her tireless work on behalf of the children stuck in the middle of family law disputes. Amy regularly testifies as an expert in cases regarding parental responsibilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at amy@amypetersenlaw.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Why would I want a CFI appointed on my case?

The other parent and I cannot agree on a parenting plan
My child does not want to spend time with the other parent
The other parent’s lifestyle is concerning
I fear my child is being abused or neglected in the other parent’s home
The other parent (or someone in the other parent’s home) abuses drugs or alcohol
I have been falsely accused of abuse or neglect
The other parent has alienated my child against me
The other parent (or someone in the other parent’s home) has mental health issues

How much do child and family investigations cost?

The current statutory cap for child and family investigations in Colorado is $2,750, though excess fees may be granted by the Court if there extenuating circumstances that justify excess fees.

The Court will allocate the portion of the retainer that is to be paid by each Party, taking into consideration the financial circumstances of each Party. In some cases, one Party pays 100% of the retainer, in other cases there is a 75/25 split. More commonly the Parties are Ordered to split the cost 50/50,

If you cannot afford the cost of the child and family investigation, you may file a request with the Court for the state to pay your portion of the retainer. The Court will determine if you meet the qualification of indigency.

How long do child and family investigations take?

Child and family investigations usually take between 90-120 days, depending on factors such as the cooperation of the Parties, the availability of collateral sources, the amount of information to review, and timely retainer payments.

Testimonials

My daughter's light is shing bright again! I can't fully express my gratitude to you for really hearing her, seeing her and allowing her voice to be heard. This has shifted the trajectory of her life for the better.

- Mindy C., parent

I have had the pleasure of having several cases when Amy Petersen was appointed as the Child & Family Investigator ("CFI"). I find Amy to be whip smart, thoughtful, very child centered and knowledgeable. Her reports are clear and concise and I have never had to go to Court after the receipt of one of her reports due to her thoroughness, fairness and ability to act in the children's best interests at all times. Amy learned at the feet of a Master, Judge Dana Wakefield as she was his assistant for many years. Amy is one of my "go-to" CFIs and I would not hesitate to recommend her as one of the best CFIs in the Denver Metropolitan area.

- Madeline W., Denver Attorney

Until my retirement, Amy worked in our firm for over four years and assisted me directly on more than one hundred fifty CFI cases. Her work as a CFI is excellent and I have no hesitation recommending her.

- The Honorable Dana U. Wakefield