19751 East Mainstreet, Suite 215, Parker, CO 80138
(303)791-0995
A Child Legal Representative (CLR) is an attorney appointed by the Court to represent the best interests of a child(ren) in any legal proceeding that involves Allocation of Parental Responsibilities (APR). The CLR is charged with representing the best interests of the child concerning parenting time, decision-making authority of the parents, child support, the child’s property, or any other issue identified by the Court.
CLR services are different than most forms of legal advocacy in that the “client” is considered to be the best interests of the child. This means that, while a CLR will take the wishes of a child into consideration, the CLR must represent what is best for the child, even if that conflicts with the child’s position. To obtain a CLR, a party must file a motion with the Court and the judge must agree to appoint a CLR. Not every case requires a CLR, and most appointments happen in cases with issues such as domestic violence, substance abuse, child abuse / neglect, long-distance parenting plans or relocation, and highly contested cases.
To represent the the best interests of the child(ren), the CLR will often:
After compiling information, the CLR will make recommendations to the Court that, from the investigation, serve the best interests of the child. Depending on the issues, CLR recommendations may cover: decision-making authority between the parties; divisions of parenting time; counseling or other therapeutic intervention for the family; mediation for the family; custody evaluation; or other interventions the CLR feels are in the best interests of the child.
Any recommendations by the CLR are considered evidence just like what is presented by any party. The judge/magistrate will consider the situation of the CLR uniquely, because the CLR is neutral and unbiased. Often, the goal is that any CLR recommendations will first assist the parties in reaching a mutual resolution to the case, but the parties still have the right to present evidence to the court along with the evidence of the CLR. The Court is not required to adopt any CLR recommendations. The role of the CLR is to make recommendations only.
Ashley M. Opfer with Opfer | Campbell | Beck P.C. is qualified to serve as a Child Legal Representative in Colorado. Ms. Opfer currently charges $275.00 per hour, generally evenly divided between the parties, for CLR services. In qualifying cases Ms. Opfer will reduce her rates to equal the applicable state pay rate. Please contact our office for CLR availability.
Opfer | Campbell | Beck P.C.