How to Work Effectively With Your Juvenile Dependency Attorney
If you are involved in a Child Protective Services (CPS) case, you are legally allowed to have an attorney. These cases involve high emotions and are known for being traumatic, which is why you need an experienced attorney on your side. By working with lawyers that fight CPS, you can learn the best steps for navigating your case.
What to Look for in a Juvenile Dependency AttorneyThe first step is finding experienced dependency lawyers in California. While each law firm is different, the best CPS lawyers will have the following features.
- Empathy: Dealing with CPS cases can be incredibly stressful, which is why it’s so important for your attorney to have compassion and empathy.
- Knowledge of the law: A good attorney will have a thorough understanding of all the legal codes involved.
- Years of experience: The best lawyers have years of experience in dealing with CPS cases, so they understand the odds and how to achieve positive outcomes.
- Reputation and reviews: If other clients have had a good experience, they’ll have the reviews and testimonials to prove it.
- Confidentiality: CPS cases are inherently private matters. You need an attorney who understands the need for confidentiality.
- Specialization: One of the most important qualities in your attorney is their CPS specialization. The legal codes and regulations involved in CPS cases are different from what you might find in criminal law or real estate law.
Once you find the best California juvenile law specialists, the next step is ensuring that you have a productive partnership. In order to work effectively with your juvenile dependency attorney, try adopting some of the following tips.
Be HonestWhile some of your experiences and stories may be embarrassing, it’s important to share them with your lawyer. This gives your attorney a better opportunity for understanding and preparing the case.
Communicate OpenlyWhen you hire lawyers that fight CPS cases, they will immediately investigate your case and review the evidence. For the best results, you need to clearly communicate your needs and any questions with your attorney.
Be ProactiveWhen therapy, rehab, or other steps are suggested, you should be proactive about following that advice. Your attorney knows how CPS cases typically unfold, so they know which steps are the most effective options for resolving your case.
Be PreparedBefore meetings with your attorney, make sure to gather all of the appropriate documents. For example, you should bring any medical records or school records required to your attorney meetings.
Go to Court HearingsWhen you attend court hearings, it demonstrates your commitment to the case. On a more practical level, it allows you to be informed about the proceedings and the steps you need to take to get your child back.
What Is a CPS Lawyer Called?If you are searching for a CPS lawyer near me, you can try simply searching for CPS lawyers. A CPS lawyer can also be called a juvenile dependency attorney or child dependency attorney. When looking for an attorney, you should find someone who focuses on this aspect of law so that they have the right skills and experience for your case.
Find the Right Juvenile Dependency Attorney for Your CPS CaseEach year, there are 382,145 CPS cases in California. When these cases have an unsuccessful outcome for the parent, the child may be placed in foster care. In serious instances, the court may even decide to terminate parental rights.
You don’t want to risk the threat of losing your child. If you have been targeted by CPS, you need to find lawyers that fight CPS cases. A skilled attorney has the knowledge, experience, and skills you need to understand your legal odds and help you find the best possible path forward.
If you want to learn more about the juvenile dependency court process, we can help. Find out more by giving us a call today.