HABLA ESPAÑOL • AVAILABLE 24/7/365 • HELP WITH BAIL BONDS

(949) 622-5522
(949) 622-5522
En Español
Schedule Consultation

What Happens During the Termination of Parental Rights in Juvenile Dependency?

Available 24/7/365
See All Criminal Defense Practice Areas

As Seen In

10 News First
CNN
Court TV
Forbes
Huff Post Live Alt
Huff Post Live
KTLA

What Happens During the Termination of Parental Rights in Juvenile Dependency?

Summary: This page covers What Are My Legal Rights When CPS Takes My Child?, What Are the Effects of Terminating Parental Rights?, Can You Get Parental Rights Back After They Have Been Terminated in California?.

After a juvenile dependency case has progressed through multiple hearings, the court may determine that the termination of parental rights is the best option for the child involved in the case. However, there are normally multiple stages before this point where parents can argue their case. Once parental rights have been terminated, the parent no longer has legal or physical custody of the child. Instead, the child is placed in foster care, put up for adoption, or given a permanent home with a relative.

If Child Protective Services (CPS) removes the child from your custody, you have several important rights that must be protected. You have the right to legal representation and to present evidence in court. Additionally, you are legally allowed to participate and attend court hearings about your case.

As the case progresses, there will be case files and evidence from the other side. You have the right to review this information.

Legally, you are allowed to refuse CPS entry into your home unless they have a court order or a warrant. However, doing this can make it look like you aren’t complying with CPS. To get around this issue, you may want to politely say that it isn’t a convenient moment and offer to reschedule the CPS visit for an alternative time.

What Are the Effects of Terminating Parental Rights?

With termination of parental rights in California, there are always multiple hearings before the actual termination happens. Even if you decide to carry out the voluntary relinquishment of parental rights, the court still has to go through a process and approve your decision.

When it comes to the termination of parental rights in juvenile dependency court, the process begins during a juvenile dependency case. These cases can unfold for many reasons, such as a lack of housing, a parent’s mental illness, or domestic violence.

At some point in the case, it may be decided that having the parent’s involvement is not in the best interest of the child. When this happens, a termination hearing may be held. This hearing will discuss the grounds for termination and any evidence.

If the judge decides to terminate your parental rights in dependency court, they will issue an official court order. This order essentially dissolves all of your parental rights and obligations. For example, you will no longer have visitation rights or the ability to claim the child on your taxes. Similarly, you are not obligated to provide child support.

Can You Get Parental Rights Back After They Have Been Terminated in California?

It is much easier to hire a good CPS lawyer and avoid having your rights terminated in the first place. However, there are ways to get your parental rights back.

Typically, this occurs if the child petitions the court to have their rights back. Under California Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) 366.26(i), a child can petition the court for the return of your parental rights if they have not been adopted within three years after your rights were terminated. Once the petition is filed, the court will need to determine whether returning to the parent’s care is the best option for the child’s welfare.

Learn More About What It Takes to Get Your Parental Rights Reinstated

Unfortunately, navigating the California legal system can be an incredibly complex process. You need the best legal representation possible to ensure your rights are protected. From filing petitions to handling evidence, your attorney knows what it takes to have a successful outcome in juvenile dependency court.

Once the termination of parental rights happens, it can be challenging to regain those rights in the future. If you are uncertain about the best way to proceed, our legal team can review your case and discuss the best method for moving forward. For more information, give us a call or email today.

Get A Criminal Defense Consultation Now

Do you already have a court date?*
Please do not include any confidential or sensitive information in a contact form, text message, or voicemail. The contact form sends information by non-encrypted email, which is not secure. Submitting a contact form, sending a text message, making a phone call, or leaving a voicemail does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Recover Your Future with a Commanding Legal Defense

Immediate Action to Restore Control

Neutralize threats & prevent escalation with a firm that begins active case management as soon as you retain us

24/7 Access to Elite Legal Counsel

Connect with a member of our team at any time to begin addressing your legal challenges swiftly and decisively

Resolve Uncertainty with Clear Guidance

Reduce stress and uncertainty through honest, candid assessments and a clear, strategic path to resolution

Fierce Representation for Urgent Situations

Secure lasting stability for you or your loved one through an aggressive defense and diligent case preparation

Contact Us 24/7/365

Criminal Defense Case Results

Mr. R was charged with embezzling close to $100,000 as a utility salesperson using a scheme to steal customers’ identities. Client avoided any jail time and received probation.

Mr. P was charged with embezzling equipment from John Wayne Airport while working as a contractor. Our office negotiated a civil compromise, resulting in the dismissal of felony charges and sealing his arrest record.

Mr. W. was charged with eight counts, including domestic violence, child endangerment, and criminal threats. Our office negotiated an offer of one year in therapy and then a dismissal of all charges.

Mr. H. was found by police passed out in his vehicle with drugs out in the open. Our office was successful in obtaining a diversion out of the criminal justice system and ultimately a dismissal.

Read More Case Results

Hear From Our Clients

Refreshing & Life-Changing Experience

I really appreciate everything she has done for me; I cannot thank her enough! Ms. Johnson-Norris did an absolutely thorough job by answering any and all questions that I had. She called me with updates and preferences on how I should be handling the case, which made the whole process very reassuring. The staff was very up to date with all of the follow-up information that was involved with my case that was also extremely beneficial. Ms. Johnson-Norris had a very reassuring aspect about her that made it very easy to let her handle the case. If anything were to go wrong with anyone I am associated with, she will be the lawyer of choice. I really appreciate everything that she has done for me, I can not thank her enough!

Mr. D., a criminal defense client

Ms. Johnson-Norris was recommended to me by many sources. She was the perfect fit, financially and professionally. I did what she told me to do to get the best possible resolution and it definitely paid off. I would recommend Lauren Johnson-Norris to anyone and am truly grateful for her services. She gave me peace of mind in some bad times. Thanks, Ms. Johnson-Norris!

A client charged with an alcohol-related misdemeanor

Thank you so much for all your help with our case. It was a pleasure meeting you and I appreciate all you’ve done for my family. You are the best attorney that we could have and we are so grateful that we met you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

A juvenile delinquency client’s parent

Ms. Johnson-Norris always made me feel comfortable and confident. I was able to trust her and feel at ease very quickly. I felt like she was always on top of things and she left no questions unanswered and made that stressful time much easier for me.

E.K.

Ms. Johnson-Norris is the absolute definition of an attorney. She not only helped me with my petty theft case, but she also gave me peace of mind during these difficult times. The reason I would recommend Ms. Johnson-Norris is much more than just ‘she gets the job done.’ Rather, she works for you and gets results by taking the burden off you! I want to thank her for her time and encourage anyone who needs help to look to her for answers.

Nicole

Read more Testimonials

Criminal Defense FaQ

What immediate steps will you take to protect my rights?

We provide immediate crisis command by reviewing the allegations against you and intervening with law enforcement to prevent further exposure. From the moment you retain the Firm, we act as your shield, managing all communications and executing a decisive strategy to protect your liberty and reputation.

We prioritize discretion and exposure management. We understand that a public allegation can be as damaging as a conviction; therefore, our strategy focuses on minimizing the visibility of your case while challenging the prosecution’s narrative to preserve your standing in the community.

We begin by meticulously reviewing the allegations to determine if the conduct even constitutes a crime under the law. We then scrutinize the prosecution’s evidence against the highest standard — proof beyond a reasonable doubt. By analyzing the “who, what, when, where, and how,” we identify the natural questions a jury will have, allowing us to build an expert strategy that derails the prosecutor’s narrative.

.

Yes, our firm offers comprehensive legal services in Orange County with a unique focus on “crossover” cases where criminal and juvenile law intersect. Johnson Criminal Law Group provides the specialized expertise necessary to navigate investigations that threaten parental rights and family stability.

When you partner with Johnson Criminal Law Group, you receive 24/7 responsiveness and a clear, strategic plan designed to resolve your legal emergency decisively. We balance aggressive defense strategies with genuine human connection, ensuring you are treated with the respect and transparency you deserve during a crisis

Habla Español • Available 24/7/365 Help With Bail Bonds

Schedule A Consultation
(949) 622-5522