A Parental Responsibility Evaluator (PRE) is a court-appointed professional tasked with conducting thorough assessments and providing recommendations to the court regarding the allocation of parental responsibilities, including decision-making and parenting time, in accordance with Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.) § 14-10-127. The role of the PRE is critical in cases where parents are in conflict regarding custody or visitation arrangements, as the evaluator’s insights help determine what arrangements serve the best interests of the child.

The PRE may use a combination of psychological testing, structured interviews, and observations to gather objective data that informs their recommendations. The findings and recommendations are presented in a detailed report submitted to the court, where the PRE provides a professional opinion on an arrangement that supports the child’s emotional, physical, and developmental needs.

The PRE’s work is guided by the best interest standards outlined in C.R.S. § 14-10-127, and their goal is to support the court in making informed decisions that prioritize the child’s well-being and stability in situations of parental separation or conflict.