Dependency
Legal Representation From a Juvenile Dependency Attorney in Florida
If you are facing a dependency case in Florida, the stakes are incredibly high. Dependency cases often involve the Department of Children and Families (DCF). They can result in removing your children from your home, limitations on parental rights, or other serious consequences. Golden Key Law Group specializes in defending parents and families in dependency cases, our juvenile dependency attorneys ensure that your rights are protected and your family remains intact.
What is a Juvenile Dependency Case in Florida?
A juvenile dependency case involves the state’s intervention when a child is suspected of being abused, neglected, or abandoned. Under Florida Statute § 39.01, a child may be deemed dependent if the court finds that the child has been harmed or is at risk of harm due to parental actions or inaction. A seasoned juvenile dependency lawyer can help you understand these laws and how they apply to your case.
Common Reasons for Dependency Cases
Dependency cases can arise from a variety of circumstances, including but not limited to:
- Child Abuse: Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse of a child.
- Neglect: Failure to provide adequate food, shelter, or care.
- Abandonment: When a child is left without appropriate care or supervision.
- Substance Abuse: When parental drug or alcohol use interferes with the ability to care for the child.
The Dependency Process in Florida
The dependency process is governed by Florida Statute§39, which outlines the procedures for investigating, filing, and resolving dependency cases. The steps include:
- DCF Investigation
- Shelter Hearing
- Adjudicatory Hearing
- Case Plan
- Reunification or Termination of Parental Rights
A dedicated dependency attorney will guide you through these steps and help you protect your parental rights.
Why You Need an Experienced Juvenile Dependency Attorney
Navigating a dependency case can be overwhelming, and it is crucial to have experienced legal representation to help you protect your parental rights. At Golden Key Law Group, we provide:
- Case Investigation
- Representation at Hearings
- Defense Against Unjust Allegations
- Assistance with Case Plans
Why Choose Golden Key Law Group?
- Experienced Dependency Lawyers
- Focused on Family Preservation
- Compassionate, Client-Centered Approach
Get the Legal Help You Need
If you or someone you know is involved in a juvenile dependency case in Florida, don’t wait to get the legal support you need. Golden Key Law Group offers a free consultation to help you understand your rights and build a strategy to protect your family. If you’re searching for a dependency lawyer or juvenile dependency attorney near you, we’re here to help.
At Golden Key Law Group, our goal at the onset of our services is to evaluate where the parent is in the reunification process. In other words, were the children recently removed from their parents, or has the legal process been ongoing?
Our services at Golden Key Law Group include zealous representation of the client from the moment we are retained to ensure that the minor child is reunified with their parent. Our process entails obtaining crucial and relevant information for the parent to achieve this goal. We get specific information regarding the parents’ case plan and determine the status of their compliance with the case plan tasks. We are actively partnering with the client regularly and consistently to obtain updates from the parent and then communicate through a court filing the various activities and completion of tasks assigned to the parent. Our job is to ensure that the parent receives timely referrals for the tasks assigned and to communicate and/or file motions when the parent is having difficulty completing the case plan tasks through no fault of their own.
Our approach is proactive and hands-on. There is a vast lack of communication between the court, staff, and the parents. Accordingly, we attempt to bridge this gap by maintaining regular contact with the parent, their service providers, and court staff assigned to the case. We cannot rely on the court to effectively work with the parents. Unfortunately, the court staff is overworked, and constant transition of case managers assigned to the parents occurs, resulting in a breakdown of timely and effective services.
The earlier our office is retained in a dependency case, the more likely we can successfully reunify a parent with a child. Unfortunately, many parents are unaware of the complex challenges the court system faces in providing effective services and the challenges required of the parents.
Our success depends on the parent and the firm working together to complete the case plan as soon as possible. It is also essential that the parent understands that their actions are now under a microscope and can be penalized accordingly. Recently, our firm represented a mother whose children had been previously removed from her case, reunified, and then removed again.
Our firm represented the mother on the second removal at the onset, and we assisted the mother in navigating again through completing her case plan, i.e., attending counseling, engaging in her educational classes, and maintaining a stable income. These case plan tasks can be daunting. Our firm effectively communicated with the state attorney’s office handling the matter. We ensured the client received all the services on time to ensure success. We filed our motion for reunification and filed a trial notebook containing all the exhibits demonstrating the client’s completion of all tasks. The Court agreed with our motion, and reunification occurred.
Golden Key Law Group strives to communicate effectively with the state attorney. We ensure that the child’s needs are met through the services provided, and when we believe the child’s needs are not met, we request an immediate hearing. If the parent has the financial means, we can also retain the services of an expert who can advocate for the child’s best interests.
A court determines first whether the parent has “substantially” completed her case plan tasks. The Court will also determine the statutory factors enumerated in Florida law to determine whether the parent should be reunified with the child.
The key is constant and regular communication with the parent and the court, as well as ensuring all relevant information is presented to the judge.
At Golden Key Law Group, we have a team of attorneys who are skilled in litigation and negotiation. Additionally, the attorneys are updated on recent case law, which ultimately affects our cases. The ability of our attorneys to communicate with the court diplomatically and effectively is essential. Although litigation is always the last resort, our attorneys have the legal ability to navigate the courtroom with confidence, having the legal information and skills necessary to attain favorable outcomes for our clients.
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At the outset, we strive for the parents to be in the best possible position to achieve reunification. The Court also considers the custody arrangement during reunification to allow the parent regular and meaningful visits until the parent is reunified. The Court also provides financial help to the parent engaged in court services for reunification. We emphasize to the parent that they continue supporting their child in some form, such as clothing, toys, or food. In some cases, the parents can provide cash as well.
