Ike Lucero, Jr., P.C.Colorado OCR-appointed attorney · Pueblo, Colorado
Two roles · One careful obligation
The title changes how the attorney serves.
In Colorado dependency and neglect cases, the words on the appointment order matter. A Guardian ad Litem and Counsel for Youth do not perform the same function.
Ike Lucero may be appointed in either capacity through Colorado’s courts and the Office of the Child’s Representative. When appointed, he explains the role in developmentally appropriate language, learns the circumstances of the case, and carries out the duties assigned by law, the court’s order and applicable professional standards.
This page helps families and youth understand the basic distinction. It does not replace the appointment order, advice from the appointed attorney or case-specific guidance from the court.
Important appointment boundary
A parent, relative or youth does not privately select Ike for a GAL or CFY role. A valid court or OCR appointment must occur first.
GAL compared with CFY
The clearest distinction is who directs the legal work.
Both roles are performed by attorneys, but the attorney’s legal responsibility and confidentiality framework differ.
Guardian ad Litem · GAL
Advocates for the child’s best interests
The GAL investigates and represents the child’s best interests—health, safety and well-being—rather than serving as traditional client-directed counsel.
In a dependency and neglect case, a GAL is appointed for a child under age 12.
The GAL meets with the child, investigates, considers the child’s position and advocates for the child’s best interests.
The child’s wishes matter, but the GAL’s recommendation may differ from what the child requests.
The GAL must explain the role and the limits on confidentiality.
Possible additional appointment: A court may appoint or continue a GAL for a youth age 12 or older when the applicable diminished-capacity standard is met. That GAL is not a substitute for CFY.
Counsel for Youth · CFY
Represents the youth as the client
CFY provides client-directed representation. The youth is the attorney’s client and directs the objectives of the representation after receiving legal advice.
In a dependency and neglect case, counsel is appointed as CFY for a youth age 12 and older.
CFY explains rights, options, the court process and potential consequences in developmentally appropriate terms.
CFY advocates for the youth’s position, even when another professional believes a different result is best.
Attorney-client confidentiality applies, together with the legal and ethical exceptions that govern any representation.
For a child under 12: The court may appoint counsel in addition to a GAL when the court determines that counsel is necessary to protect the child’s interests.
How the process begins
An appointment—not a website inquiry—starts the role.
The order identifies the case, the child or youth, the attorney and whether the attorney is serving as GAL, CFY or another authorized role.
01
A case is before the court
A judge or magistrate determines that an OCR appointment is required or authorized.
02
The role is assigned
The appointment order identifies whether the attorney will serve as GAL or CFY.
03
The role is explained
The attorney explains responsibilities, communication and confidentiality in age-appropriate terms.
04
The work continues
The attorney investigates, advises or advocates according to the assigned role throughout the appointment.
Privacy and careful communication
Protect the child’s information.
Dependency and neglect matters can involve highly sensitive records. A public website form is not the place to send them.
Do not include a child’s name, birth date, school, placement, medical information, case records or detailed allegations in a general website form.
If Ike is already appointed, use the communication method and instructions provided by the office for that case.
If Ike is not appointed, contacting the office cannot create a GAL or CFY role or require Ike to take action in the case.
Official Colorado information
Read the governing materials.
This page summarizes general principles. Current law, the appointment order and official practice standards control.
OCR: What We Do
Colorado’s Office of the Child’s Representative explains GAL, CFY and other child-representation roles.
Reviewed by Ike Lucero, Jr. · August 1, 2026. Official links can change. Confirm current requirements with the court, OCR and the attorney appointed in the case.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about GAL and CFY appointments
These answers are general. The appointment order and facts of a particular case determine the attorney’s role.
What is the difference between a Guardian ad Litem and Counsel for Youth?
A GAL represents a child’s best interests and does not have the traditional client-directed attorney-client relationship with the child. CFY represents the youth as the client. The youth directs the objectives of the representation after receiving legal advice.
Does a youth age 12 or older receive Counsel for Youth in a Colorado dependency and neglect case?
Under Colorado’s current appointment framework, counsel is appointed as CFY for youth age 12 and older in dependency and neglect proceedings. A court may also appoint or continue a GAL if the applicable legal standard is met. The court’s order controls.
Can a parent select or hire Ike as GAL or CFY through this website?
No. These roles arise only through a valid court or OCR appointment. A website visit, telephone call or form submission does not let a parent, relative or youth choose the appointed attorney.
Is information shared with a Guardian ad Litem confidential?
The GAL role is not the traditional attorney-client relationship. A GAL must explain the role and its limits on confidentiality. A CFY has an attorney-client relationship with the youth, including confidentiality duties and applicable legal exceptions.
May Ike serve as either a GAL or CFY?
Yes, when appointed through the applicable Colorado court and OCR process. The appointment order determines which role Ike holds, and he performs the duties specific to that role.
What if someone has concerns about an OCR-appointed attorney?
When appropriate, discuss the concern directly with the appointed attorney. OCR also provides an official feedback and complaint process.
Use the contact instructions provided by the office. For general office information, call or use the contact page without including confidential information about a child or youth.
Important: Calling or using the website does not create an appointment, an attorney-client relationship or a duty to act. GAL and CFY roles begin only through a valid court or OCR appointment.
Important notice: General information only; not legal advice. Website use, telephone contact, downloads and form submissions do not create an attorney-client relationship or court appointment. Private representation begins only after firm acceptance, a signed written fee agreement and payment and acceptance of the required retainer. A GAL or CFY relationship begins only through a valid court or OCR appointment. Do not submit confidential information about a child or youth through a general website form. No outcome is guaranteed.
No Attorney-Client Relationship. Using this website, downloading materials, calling, leaving a voicemail, emailing, texting, or submitting a form does not create an attorney-client relationship with Ike Lucero, Jr. or Ike Lucero, Jr., P.C. Attorney & Counselor at Law and does not make Ike Lucero, Jr. your lawyer. For a privately retained matter, representation begins only after you and the Law Office sign a written engagement agreement and the Law Office receives and accepts the required retainer or other initial fee described in that agreement. Court-appointed work begins only as established by a valid court or agency appointment and applicable law or program rules. Do not send confidential, sensitive, or time-critical information before the office confirms how to provide it. Website information is general, is not legal advice, and no outcome is guaranteed. Read the Full Disclaimer.
