Investigator/Alternative Dispute Resolution Facilitator

The Friend of the Court is a state court agency dedicated to supporting families involved in domestic relations cases, including matters related to child custody, parenting time, child support, and medical support. Typically operating within the legal and family court system, this agency serves as a neutral entity to investigate, mediate, and recommend resolutions that serve the best interests of children and families undergoing the complexities of divorce, separation, or paternity disputes. Their primary goal is to provide timely, fair, and empathetic investigations and services to address and resolve conflicts surrounding family law issues.

The role of Investigator under the Friend of the Court serves as an essential position that bridges the gap between the court and families. Under the general direction of the Friend of the Court and the direct supervision of the Senior Investigator, this professional is responsible for conducting comprehensive investigations into issues surrounding custody, medical support, domicile, child support, and parenting time for both pre-judgment and post-judgment cases. This position requires a commitment to impartiality, strong analytical skills, and the ability to communicate effectively with families, court personnel, and professionals from different disciplines.

The key responsibilities include conducting interviews with parents, children, and other involved parties, observing family dynamics, and evaluating the living environments to provide comprehensive reports and court recommendations. The Investigator plays a mediator’s role by conducting Alternative Dispute Resolution conferences aimed at assisting parents in resolving conflicts amicably. They also ensure court orders are enforced and make necessary recommendations regarding child custody and support payments, including alimony.

Working in this capacity involves frequent interaction with families to educate them on the emotional impacts of divorce, assist with parenting restructuring, and offer support rooted in social work and family counseling principles. The Investigator may also be tasked with financial investigations to accurately calculate appropriate support levels, requiring skills in analyzing tax documents, employment information, and other financial records. This multifaceted role demands a balanced mix of investigative, counseling, and legal knowledge.

Compensation for this role is based on the applicant’s relevant experience, with applications being accepted until a suitable candidate is identified or sufficient applications are received. This circumstance means the position could close at any time. This career opportunity is ideal for professionals holding a bachelor’s degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or a related field who have experience or interest in family counseling and domestic relations law. The role requires attendance at in-service and continuing education trainings, including domestic violence training and friend of the court bureau ADR training, reflecting the dynamic and evolving nature of family law services.

Investigators may need to travel, sometimes out of the local county, to conduct face-to-face interviews or home visits as part of the investigatory process. Given the nature of the work, candidates must be adaptable, empathetic, and able to work with individuals in various emotional states, including those who may be hostile or verbally abusive. They must also be prepared to work in diverse home environments, sometimes with challenging conditions. The position offers a unique blend of investigative responsibilities and supportive family engagement, making it a critical role within the child welfare and family court systems.