The Department of Family and Protective Services (commonly known as CPS) is a powerful State agency. Things can move very quickly in their hands. If CPS contacts you, you must consider this a very serious matter. Do not delay in securing legal advocacy. The well-being and happy future of your family may depend on you hiring the right CPS attorney.
Anyone can file an anonymous report.
People file frivolous CPS reports against parents all the time for abuse, neglect, and even sexual abuse.
Nonetheless, CPS has the obligation to fully investigate each and every complaint.
When CPS enters your life, call us right away. You will want a highly experienced CPS defense attorney to advocate for your parental rights and the well-being of your family.
The CPS attorneys at Lighthouse Legal have the experience, the expertise, and the legal savviness to handle your CPS case and ensure your family stays safe.
A state agency armed with the full power of the state of Texas.
CPS is obligated to launch a full investigation for each and every call they receive concerning child welfare.
This means that if anyone lodges a complaint of child abuse or neglect against you, CPS WILL come knocking on your door. They will enter your home, inspect each room, go through your refrigerator, and interrogate you on your parental disciplinary techniques and practices.
Our CPS Defense Attorney
Kristin Kaye has spent many years involved in CPS litigation, previously supporting CPS investigations as a prosecuting attorney and now on behalf of families.
Throughout her career, she has seen all of the possible scenarios and argued all of the possible arguments both for and against keeping kids with their parents.
You will definitely want Ms. Kaye at your side when you confront CPS, both at your front door and before a judge in the Courtroom.
When you want an attorney to fight CPS, don’t hesitate to contact Lighthouse Legal.
CPS investigators examine reports of child abuse or neglect to ascertain their validity. A CPS investigation is launched for every complaint, as required by law. Child Protective Service personnel will interrogate you, your child, your family members, and anyone else they feel necessary. Child Protective Services can contact your child's school or daycare. Child Protective Services can request your or your child's medical records. CPS has wide discretion and power under Texas law to gain any information they want in your CPS case. If threats are identified, CPS then decides whether parents are able and willing to manage those threats well enough to keep the children safe. If DFPS decides that the children are unsafe, the investigator commences child protective service proceedings.
If, during the CPS investigation, CPS decides that child abuse or neglect has occurred, they can get a Court Order, without your knowledge, saying that the child may not live with you. They may remove your child from your home and place that child with any person they choose, whether or not you agree. Your parental rights become essentially removed. This is an excellent time to hire a CPS lawyer to help with the CPS defense in your CPS case.
Call the CPS attorneys at Lighthouse Legal for excellent help with your CPS investigation, CPS defense, and CPS case.
When CPS removes a child following a CPS investigation, the state takes temporary custody, often placing them in foster care. During this heart-wrenching time, CPS often will not tell you where your child is or allow you to speak with the child. Your parental rights are drastically restricted pending the full CPS investigation to ensure no abuse or neglect is occurring. CPS will have the right to decide where that child lives, make medical and educational decisions for them, and decide whether or not you can visit them. CPS may impose any parental visitation rules and restrictions that they deem in the best interest of your child.
Once these proceedings have begun, you can expect to go to Court a lot. Your CPS defense case will involve many court hearings regarding your parental rights. If you do not follow the rules CPS feels are necessary to provide a safe environment for your child, your parental rights may be restricted or terminated. It can take over a year to get your child back.
Get a lawyer who knows the system. Hire Lighthouse Legal for your CPS attorney needs. Let us defend you against CPS in Court, before the Court appoints someone else to parent your child.
Throughout this process, you have the right to know the details of the allegations against you. You have the right to have an attorney present with you at your hearings. You have the right to question witnesses and to have your evidence evaluated by the Court.
As you can see, it is imperative to have a capable, assertive CPS lawyer by your side to guide you through the investigative process, helping ensure that your parental rights are protected and CPS makes the right decision.
CPS are supposed to be designed for parents and their children to be reunified. However, that idea is rarely a reality in a CPS case. Defending against CPS will take different tactics depending on the stage of the case. Be sure to ask questions.
CPS cases are complicated and difficult. Without a knowledgeable CPS lawyer, you are left to fight alone against an agency of the State of Texas with almost unlimited resources.
Hire a lawyer who knows the system. At Lighthouse Legal, our experienced CPS attorneys are knowledgeable about the CPS system and will give you the best chance possible at a favorable outcome.
The law allows another family member or a person, including a foster parent, with substantial past contact with the child to intervene in a CPS case. Intervening in the case will allow you to become a party. You will have the ability to participate equally in all hearings, call witnesses, present evidence, attend mediation, and advocate for the best interests of the child. Although CPS will often involve family members or loved ones, CPS may not allow their voices to be heard. If you love a child in the system, we can help you protect the rights of that child and help them find permanency.
At Lighthouse Legal, we recognize that these cases are complex and highly charged. We are here to provide experienced, dedicated representation to our clients.
We will fight relentlessly for the best outcome for you and your child.
Call us today! Do not delay.
