Orlando DCF/Dependency Hearings Attorney
Skilled Orlando Family Lawyers Representing Parents and Other Interested Parties in DCF/Dependency Hearings
A dependency action is a civil legal proceeding that is typically brought by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). Generally, this type of case comes in response to allegations that a child is facing abuse or neglect from a parent or a guardian. DCF/dependency hearings are extremely serious. Whether you are a parent or another interested party, you need to seek professional legal representation.
At Greater Orlando Family Law, our Orlando family lawyers have extensive experience representing clients in DCF/dependency hearings. You should not go through this process alone. Our legal team will assess your case, explain your rights and options to you, and help you take the appropriate action. To set up a free, fully confidential consultation, please contact our Orlando law office today.
Are You Facing the Loss of Your Child: Take Immediate Action
In Florida, every person has a duty to report suspected abuse or neglect of a child to the state’s Department of Children and Families. When possible abuse/neglect is reported, DCF will investigate that complaint. If you are being investigated, you need to contact an attorney as soon as possible. This is a very serious issue; it could even result in the loss of your children.
Under Florida law (Fla. Stat. § 39.402), the DCF may take action to ‘shelter’ your child. This means removing your child from your home. There is a wide range of different justifications the DCF uses to take possession of children. In these type of cases, parents should always act as though the burden is on them to prove that they are innocent of any charges of abuse or neglect. As stressful and unfair as this can seem, it is crucial that parents put forth the strongest claim to protect their rights. A skilled DCF/dependency hearing attorney can help.
Filing a Private Dependency Petition
In many cases, dependency actions are filed by the Department of Children and Families (DCF). Though, that is not always true. There are circumstances in which private dependency actions are filed by an interested party who has noticed a serious problem. It could be a grandparent, an aunt or uncle, the child’s other parent, or even a friend or neighbor. Typically, private dependency actions are filed when the petitioner believes that the DCF has failed to take proper actions to investigate the case or to stop abuse/neglect. If you are considering filing a private dependency petition to protect a child, you should consult with an Orlando family lawyer for guidance.
Speak to Our Orlando Family Lawyers Today
At Greater Orlando Family Law, we are proud to be strong, aggressive advocates for parents throughout Central Florida. Our law firm is prepared to represent you in a DCF/dependency hearing. To get set up a free, strictly private review of your family law case, please do not hesitate to contact our law firm today. From our law office in Orlando, we serve communities throughout Orange County, FL, including Winter Park, Winter Garden, Windermere, Ocoee, Apopka, and Lake Buena Vista.
