Experts Involved in a Custody Battle | Episode 46

High-Conflict Custody Battles in Colorado (CFI, PRE, PC/DM, and More)In this short Divorce at Altitude lesson, Ryan Kalamaya breaks down the main professionals and legal options available when parents can’t agree on parenting time or decision-making—what many people call a “custody battle” in Colorado. Ryan explains that these tools generally fall into two categories: forensic/evaluation professionals who investigate and make recommendations, and dispute-resolution professionals who help resolve ongoing conflict and, in some cases, make binding decisions.On the evaluation side, Ryan explains the role of a Child and Family Investigator (CFI)—a common, court-involved option that interviews parents, may speak with children, observes interactions, and issues a report with recommendations. He then discusses the more intensive Parental Responsibilities Evaluator (PRE), typically a licensed mental health professional who may conduct psychological testing and provide deeper analysis. Ryan also covers related evaluations like psychological assessments (when mental health is a concern) and substance use assessments through a Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC)—noting that not every evaluator can make parenting-time recommendations.Episode OutlineTwo Categories of Custody Professionals Forensic/evaluation vs. dispute-resolution options in high-conflict parenting cases.Child and Family Investigator (CFI) What CFIs do, what they evaluate, and how their reports influence parenting outcomes.Parental Responsibilities Evaluator (PRE) Why PREs are a “step up,” including mental health testing and deeper evaluation tools.Psychological & Substance Evaluations When to request psychological assessments or CAC substance use evaluations—and limits on recommendations.Child Legal Representative (CLR) What a CLR does as an attorney for the children, and why it can become expensive.Parenting Coordinator / Decision Maker (PC/DM) How PC/DMs work, when decision-making is binding, and why scope matters.Other Fast-Track Options Special masters, arbitration, and private judges for quicker decisions in urgent disputes.What is Divorce at Altitude? Ryan Kalamaya and Amy Goscha provide tips and recommendations on issues related to divorce, separation, and co-parenting in Colorado. Ryan and Amy are the founding partners of an innovative and ambitious law firm, Kalamaya | Goscha, that pushes the boundaries to discover new frontiers in family law, personal injuries, and criminal defense in Colorado. To subscribe to Divorce at Altitude, click here and select your favorite podcast player. To subscribe to Kalamaya | Goscha's YouTube channel where many of the episodes will be posted as videos, click here.  If you have additional questions or would like to speak to one of our attorneys, give us a call at 970-429-5784 or email us at [email protected].************************************************************************DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS ON THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL ADVICE. CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE OR AREA TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE ON ANY OF THESE ISSUES.