CFI

New CFI Presumptive Cap updated: 2016

As of January 1, 2016 the CFI presumptive statutory cap on fees for investigation and report writing is $2,750.  The presumptive statutory cap on fees related to CFI work performed in preparation for testifying in court remains at $500.  Any CFI may request excess fees as necessary.  Gabriela Sandoval works to identify with parents, counsel […]

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Child & Family Investigation

Gabriela Sandoval serves as a Child and Family Investigator throughout the Denver Metro area.  She is a Board Certified Child Welfare Law Specialist and former Guardian ad Litem (GAL) who served the best interests of children in Dependency & Neglect Cases.  Her approach to Child and Family Investigation is to effectively identify the issues and […]

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Help build a healthy brain for your child!

CLICK THIS LINK FOR A SHORT VIDEO ON PARENTING, COMMUNICATION AND YOUR CHILD’S BRAIN!

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Happy National Breastfeeding Month!

August is America’s National Breastfeeding Month — the Proclamation is below: Whereas, the mission of the United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC) is to improve the Nation’s health by working collaboratively to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding; and Whereas, USBC envisions breastfeeding as the norm for infant and young child feeding throughout the United States; and […]

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Rants and Raves

RANTS: People walking around staring at their cell phones, completely unaware of the live people and action around them (myself included as I sit here blogging in the airport). Fast Food. Unnecessary C-Sections and medicated births. Formula. “Educational” Television Programming for kids. RAVES: Parents who limit their own “screen time” in front of their children.  […]

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Balancing Act: Working Parents

A good work/life balance is important for you and your children.  Sometimes that is easier said than done!  It is important to model responsibility, living within your family budget, making compromises when necessary and demonstrating a healthy work ethic.  You want your children to demonstrate appropriate behaviors (safe/healthy limit testing/rebellion is natural), develop motivation to […]

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Autism Spectrum Disorder

The number of kids diagnosed with Autism has been on the rise at a very high rate.  If you are a parent going through a divorce or separation AND you have a child on the spectrum, I would guess your stress level is at an all time high.  Know this: There is a light at […]

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‘Tis The Season

The holidays are supposed to be a time with family and friends, for reflection and cheer.  It’s a great opportunity to create new traditions or re-live your favorite ones.  Don’t put your kids in the middle of your battle over where they are going to spend the holidays — it will likely leave an unintended […]

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The CFI Process

Although all attorney Child & Family Investigators (CFIs) in the state of Colorado are bound by the same set of directives and standards, each has her own unique approach.  I have worked with many families struggling with high-conflict relationships and other various issues.  My goal as the CFI in your family law case is to […]

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Nursing and Divorce or Separation

Many questions and fears may arise when a nursing mother is facing divorce or separation.  She may ask – how can I nurse my baby if the father has parenting time?  Is it dangerous for my baby to stop nursing?  What do I do if I’m getting divorced and my baby is still breastfeeding?  First, […]

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How can a CFI help me?

Do you really want someone appointed by the judge in your divorce case to stick their nose in your family business?  Your first response is most likely, “No”.  However, a Child & Family Investigator (CFI) will put the focus back on your kids.  And focusing on them is what is most important in the long […]

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What is a CLR?

The Child’s Legal Representative (CLR) is an attorney in a domestic relations case, appointed to represent the child’s best interests (as opposed to the child’s wishes – although, as a rule – I think the child’s wishes should be expressed to the court unless there are special circumstances indicating otherwise).   The CLR does not file […]

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Television & Other Media: Resist the Urge

Infants and toddlers need to physically explore their environments through play, direct contact and interaction.  This critical stage sets the foundation for timely and proper cognitive development which will later lead to important milestones including proper motor skills, language development and the ability to problem-solve.  Although TV, media and electronic devices abound, they are not […]

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CFI or PRE?

In Colorado, if you have kids and you’re involved in divorce or allocation of parental responsibilities (“APR”) litigation, you may need to consider whether a Child and Family Investigator (“CFI”) or Parental Responsibilities Evaluator (“PRE”) needs to be appointed in your case.  You may also be faced with the fact that the appointment may happen […]

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Baby Mama

When you have kids but never married your ex, you still need to consider having an official court order as to parenting time and decision-making responsibility.  The parenting plan and court orders will help to ensure clarity and consistency.  Hopefully you and your ex can figure out a way to co-parent easily but the plan […]

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The CFI – my new best friend?

Nearly every parent involved in parental responsibility litigation wants to make a good impression upon the Child & Family Investigator appointed in their case.  However, the CFI is not, cannot be, and will not become your new best friend.  The Child and Family Investigator’s role is very clear in that the CFI provides recommendations in […]

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Parenting and Mental Illness

A mental health diagnosis does not necessarily preclude a parent from being designated the primary residential caretaker, having parenting time or being allocated decision-making responsibility.  The issue isn’t the illness itself but how the illness impacts that parent’s ability to identify and meet the needs of his or her children on a consistent basis.  If […]

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Child & Family Investigator

To learn more about my work as a Child & Family Investigator, visit my CFI blog by clicking on the blue CFI blog button located on the Home page.

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You have kids. You’re getting divorced. Keep this in mind…

Divorce is difficult for everyone.  Parents make it even harder on their kids when they continue fighting or pointing fingers in blame.  When parents can’t communicate with each other in a healthy way, the kids suffer.  If parents can’t speak directly for one reason or another, communication through a professional intermediary may become necessary.  Kids […]

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Divorce & Children with Disabilities

When parents who have a special needs child divorce, it is imperative that the new routine and environment meets the unique special needs of the child.  For example, frequent changes or transitions between homes may be especially detrimental for a child who has a difficult time dealing with disruptions to her regular routine.  A well thought out […]

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CFI Lists and New Caps on Fees

Several changes to CFI requirements and practice became effective in 2012.  One major change from previous years is that as of March, CFIs are required to undergo federal background checks and must be approved and listed on a statewide roster maintained by the Colorado State Court Administrator’s Office.  As of July, local counties are publishing […]

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How do I get a CFI appointed?

The CFI needs to be appointed by the judge assigned to your case.  If you have an attorney, discuss this option with her.  If you are representing yourself, you can ask the judge to appoint a CFI.  You can ask the judge during a hearing or you can file paperwork to request a CFI.  Check […]

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What is a CFI anyway?

A CFI (Child & Family Investigator) is appointed by a judge to investigate and make recommendations about contested issues in a family court case.  The CFI’s role is as an investigative arm of the court and is specifically investigating the best interests of the child or children involved.  Although the CFI performs the investigation and […]

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Child Welfare

Child Welfare includes a variety of issues and case types (Domestic Relations, Dependency & Neglect/PRNP, Juvenile Delinquency, Adoption).  In Gabriela’s current practice, she focuses on domestic relations cases where she serves as a Child and Family Investigator (CFI).  Divorce, separation and disputes regarding allocation of parental responsibilities are stressful events.  In addition to coping with […]

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