There is nothing more devastating than having your child taken from your home and placed in foster care. Not only is it devastating for the parent, but it can be traumatizing to the child also. Of course, in some cases the removal of a child from the home by child protective services (DCFS) is justified. However, not every child is removed from parents for appropriate reasons.

If you are serious about having your child returned to your custody, you need serious legal representation. I have personally handled approximately 2,000 dependency cases, representing parents, children, and de facto parents. I also obtain legal guardianship status in Probate court and adoption through Family Law court.

Certified Child Welfare Law Specialist

There are very few attorneys that have dedicated their time to become a certified specialist in dependency law. I was in the first group of only 80 attorneys nationwide to achieve designation as a Certified Child Welfare Law Specialist. I have the expertise and passion to help you and your family.

There are only two juvenile courthouses in Los Angeles County. One is in Lancaster and the other is in Monterey Park. I have spent a lot of time in each courthouse and I am familiar with the players. Most people do not realize how the legal system works in juvenile court. For instance, the social workers are represented by one organization, County Counsel. Children are represented by one organization, Children’s Law Center. Parents are represented by one organization, Los Angeles Dependency Lawyers, unless they hire a private attorney. I am familiar with the key personnel in those organizations and the judges in both courthouses.

Dependency court can be a minefield for anyone without experience in this field of law. From the detention hearing through permanency placement there are multiple hearings that can go on for years, and can mean the difference between getting your child back or losing your child to adoption. Don’t let the circumstances of your case get blown out of proportion.

Social Worker Reports

All too often, there are important discrepancies in what is written in a social worker’s report versus what the parent says actually happened. There are various ways to clear up the discrepancies, but if they are not cleared up promptly, it can paint a picture that is very damaging for you and your family.

Your child will have an attorney appointed by the court at the first hearing. The social worker will also be represented by an attorney at court. It is important that those attorneys and the judge have a clear understanding of what your story is. Bringing documents to support your position is always helpful. Needless to say, having an experienced attorney to fight for you is also important.

If you want an attorney that will fight for you and your family at every court hearing, call for a free consultation about your case.