Will I Have Custody of My Child During a Child Dependency Case? (Welfare and Institutions Code 300)
THE COURT CANNOT TAKE YOUR KIDS AWAY JUST BECAUSE YOU HAVE A CRIMINAL RECORD OR BECAUSE YOU HAVE GONE TO PRISON
THE COURT CANNOT TAKE YOUR KIDS AWAY JUST BECAUSE YOU HAVE A CRIMINAL RECORD OR BECAUSE YOU HAVE GONE TO PRISON A recent decision by the California Second District Court of Appeals held that the court cannot take your child away from you or deny you “reunification services” solely because you have a serious criminal record. The social workers must prove that you are a current “risk of harm” to…
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10 Important Tips to Help You Decide Which Child Dependency Attorney to Hire
10 Important Tips to Help You Decide Which Child Dependency Attorney to Hire There are many reasons why the courts may find you or a loved one unfit to take care of your child. Unfortunately, our experienced child dependency attorneys have spoken to a large number of parents who do not know why a child dependency case has been started against them. It may be because there was suspicion of…
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Can My Children Be Taken Away if I Smoke Marijuana?
Can My Children Be Taken Away if I Smoke Marijuana? As we all know smoking marijuana or consuming marijuana as an “edible” is now legal in California. This is great news for all adults who enjoy using marijuana in one of many of its forms. However, what about for parents of young children? Can their children be taken away because they use marijuana? The answer to that question is it…
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What is the Purpose of the Child Dependency Court? (WI 300)
What is the Purpose of the Child Dependency Court? (WI 300) Most people believe that a child should be able to live with his or her parents. But is that always the case? Should children be allowed to live with parents or legal guardians who don’t take proper care of their children? This is a very difficult question to answer, and it is why the child dependency court exists. How…
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Example of a Child Dependency Case Plan
Example of a Child Dependency Case Plan If you have a child dependency case and the court determines that your child is not safe to be under your supervision, the court will take the child out of your care. In these instances, the child will be placed either in the custody of a relative or in foster case. However, this does not mean you will lose custody of your child…
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Why You Need to Hire a Lawyer for Your Child Dependency Case (WI 300)
Why You Need to Hire a Lawyer for Your Child Dependency Case (WI 300) In a child dependency case, you could lose your parental rights to your child. There is a lot at stake, and it is a long, complex process. That is why you should seek legal representation from a private child dependency attorney if you are involved in a child dependency case. How can a private child dependency…
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Can the Court Terminate Your Parental Rights in a Child Dependency Case? (WI 300)
Can the Court Terminate Your Parental Rights in a Child Dependency Case? (WI 300) The worst-case scenario in a child dependency case is that your parental rights are terminated and your child is permanently removed from your custody. However, it is important to understand that the court will not immediately come to this decision. Before the court decides if your parental rights will be terminated, several hearings will take place…
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The 3 Most Common Ways a Child Dependency Case Starts (WI 300)
The 3 Most Common Ways a Child Dependency Case Starts (WI 300) When you are involved in a child dependency case, you face the risk of losing custody of your child forever. Sadly, our experienced child dependency lawyers speak to many people who have no idea why a child dependency case against them has started. There are many reasons why a child dependency case could be started against you, but…
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What is a Child Dependency Hearing? (WI 300)
What is a Child Dependency Hearing? (WI 300) Social workers came to your home and told you that you are suspected of neglecting or abusing your child. Your child is taken from your care and your case is going to the child dependency court. What happens now? The Child Dependency Process The child dependency court process is extremely complicated and your case could take many months to complete. The first…
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Will I Have Custody of My Child During a Child Dependency Case? (Welfare and Institutions Code 300)
Will I Have Custody of My Child During a Child Dependency Case? (Welfare and Institutions Code 300) A complete stranger knocks on your door and tells you that she is a social worker for the California Department of Social Services. The department has reason to believe you are neglecting or abusing your child, and she is there to investigate. What happens next? If this happens to you, you should immediately…
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