Any time you have any type of issue with child protective services, having a knowledgeable family lawyer on your side is a must. You are going to be very emotional and upset. Trying to handle the situation on your own almost always ends badly. It doesn't matter whether they have made a mistake or not, you need legal help if you want your family to remain together. Here are just a few of the things an attorney can help you with.
A Rational Voice
It is very common to be upset with the caseworker. The more you get upset, the worse you look, especially if you start yelling or threatening violence. An experienced family lawyer will work as a mediator between you and the caseworker. He or she will gather any needed information or personal reference statements and make sure the caseworker goes over everything. When it comes time for you to meet with the caseworker your attorney can go with you to keep things from getting out of hand.
Ability to Negotiate Terms
Sometimes, the situation can be resolved if you are willing to do certain things. This could be to remove someone from the house that is being accused of harming the children, getting better housing or making sure your children get to school. Without a lawyer, the first thing CPS is going to do is to take the children. Once the children are in their custody, they will talk with you about what needs to be done. Unfortunately, once the children are in custody it is hard to get them back. A lawyer will work with CPS before they even take the children. Although you may need to find a friend or relative willing to take the children until the terms have been met.
Keeping You Involved When Children are Removed from Your Home
If the worst happens and the children are removed from your home, having a lawyer ensures that you will still have contact with the children and know at all times what is going on with the case. The workers at CPS are often overworked and may not have the time to get to your case as quickly as you would like. Having a lawyer keeping in touch with the worker will move the case along. Your attorney will make sure that the worker has everything he or she needs to settle the case in your favor.
Having to deal with CPS is emotionally draining. The best way to ensure things do not get out of hand is to have a lawyer experienced in family law, such as LaCroix & Hand PC, working with you. Not only will he or she be able to interpret the law and determine what needs to be done, but also handle the situation without having to worry about being emotionally distraught.
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