Ike Lucero, Jr., P.C.Colorado OCR-appointed attorney · Pueblo, Colorado
Two distinct roles
The legal responsibility depends on the appointment.
A Guardian ad Litem and Counsel for Youth do not perform the same function.
A GAL represents the child’s best interests. CFY provides client-directed representation to the youth. Each role is governed by Colorado law, the appointment order, professional rules and the applicable Chief Justice Directive.
Ike Lucero may serve in either capacity when appointed. This page describes the roles generally and does not provide case-specific guidance.
Court-appointment boundary
A parent, relative or youth cannot privately select Ike for a GAL or CFY assignment through this website. A valid court or OCR appointment is required.
GAL compared with CFY
Best-interests representation and client-directed representation
Both roles are performed by attorneys, but the legal responsibility and confidentiality framework differ.
Guardian ad Litem · GAL
Represents the child’s best interests
Colorado law provides a GAL for a child under age 12 when a dependency and neglect petition alleges abuse or neglect.
The GAL is a Colorado-licensed attorney approved by OCR.
The role concerns the child’s health, safety and well-being.
The GAL considers the child’s position but is not traditional client-directed counsel.
The best-interests role has different confidentiality limits.
Older youth: A court may appoint or continue a GAL for a youth age 12 or older when necessary because of diminished capacity. Age or developmental maturity alone is not enough.
Counsel for Youth · CFY
Represents the youth as the client
Colorado law provides CFY for a child or youth age 12 or older when a dependency and neglect petition alleges abuse or neglect.
CFY is a Colorado-licensed attorney approved by OCR.
The youth is the client and directs the objectives of the representation.
CFY represents the youth’s position rather than a separate best-interests determination.
Attorney-client confidentiality applies, subject to legal and ethical exceptions.
Separate roles: When an older youth also has a GAL because of diminished capacity, the GAL does not replace CFY.
Appointment framework
The court order creates and identifies the role.
A website inquiry does not start a GAL or CFY relationship.
Legal authority
Colorado Revised Statutes § 19-3-203 addresses GAL and CFY appointments in dependency and neglect proceedings.
Appointment source
Courts appoint qualified attorneys under the Office of the Child’s Representative framework.
Role identity
The appointment order identifies the attorney and the role. The assigned duties remain specific to that role.
Privacy and relationship limits
Public contact is not a confidential case channel.
Dependency and neglect matters can involve sensitive child and family information. The general website form is not intended for child names, birth dates, school or placement information, medical information, case records or detailed allegations.
Website use, telephone contact and form submissions do not create an appointment, an attorney-client relationship or a duty to act.
Official Colorado sources
Governing role and appointment materials
Current law, the appointment order and official practice standards control.
Colorado Revised Statutes § 19-3-203
The published 2026 codified text contains the age and appointment provisions summarized on this page.
HB26-1227 amended § 19-3-203(6), effective August 12, 2026, to state that CFY participates fully as necessary to represent the youth, including appeals.
Reviewed by Ike Lucero, Jr. · August 22, 2026. This page is general information, not a substitute for the current official text or the appointment order.
Frequently asked questions
GAL and CFY role facts
These general answers use the same factual source as the page’s FAQ structured data.
What is the difference between a Guardian ad Litem and Counsel for Youth?
A Guardian ad Litem represents a child’s best interests and does not have the traditional client-directed attorney-client relationship with the child. Counsel for Youth represents the youth as the client and provides client-directed legal representation.
Which court-appointed role applies in a Colorado dependency and neglect case based on age?
When a petition alleges abuse or neglect, Colorado law provides for a Guardian ad Litem for a child under age 12 and Counsel for Youth for a child or youth age 12 or older. The appointment order controls the role in the case.
Can a youth age 12 or older have both Counsel for Youth and a Guardian ad Litem?
Yes, when the court determines that a Guardian ad Litem is necessary because the youth has diminished capacity. Age or developmental maturity alone is not enough, and the Guardian ad Litem does not replace Counsel for Youth.
Can a parent select or hire Ike Lucero as a Guardian ad Litem or Counsel for Youth through this website?
No. This office does not offer either role as a private-hire service. The relationship requires a valid court or Office of the Child’s Representative appointment, and website or telephone contact cannot create or choose that appointment.
Does confidentiality work the same way for a Guardian ad Litem and Counsel for Youth?
No. A Guardian ad Litem’s best-interests role is not the traditional attorney-client relationship and has different confidentiality limits. Counsel for Youth has an attorney-client relationship with the youth, including confidentiality duties and applicable legal exceptions.
The office telephone and contact page are available for general communication concerning an existing appointment. The public form is not a secure channel for child or case records.
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 or case guidance. Website use, telephone contact and form submissions do not create an attorney-client relationship, court appointment or duty to act. 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. The public form is not intended for confidential child or case information. 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.
