What is a Child Legal Representative in Colorado?
A child legal representative (CLR), is a court-appointed licensed attorney who investigates and advocates for the best interests of a child in family law cases, ensuring their voice is heard in court proceedings. As a CLR, I investigate, interview parties, and provide recommendations to the court. As part of my role, I take the child’s age and maturity into consideration when listening to what they want, but I may not always agree that a child’s expressed wishes are in their best interest. I often work to find negotiated solutions for the family. I am appointed pursuant to C.R.S. §14- 10-116.

My typical role and responsibilities are as follows: 

• Investigate: Meet with the child, parents, therapists, teachers, and review records (medical, school) to understand the situation.
• Advocate: Represent the child’s best interests or wishes in court, ensuring their needs aren’t lost in parental disputes.
• Communicate: Explain legal options to the child (as appropriate for the age of the child) and make recommendations to the judge.
• Mediate: I often encourage the parties to engage in mediation to create a solution that is child focused. I routinely participate in the mediation to ensure that the child’s voice is heard in the process.
• Litigate: Participate in court hearings, present evidence, and questions witnesses like any other attorney.