When CPS or DCFS threatens your family, you need proven advocates who understand the stakes. Mitchell Krems deliver strategic, aggressive defense in child dependency cases across Southern California.
Every case is unique, and every family deserves a tailored defense strategy. Mitchell Krems provide comprehensive legal representation across all aspects of child dependency law.
Immediate representation during CPS and DCFS investigations. Protect your rights from the first contact and prevent wrongful allegations from escalating.
Get Protected →Aggressive courtroom advocacy in dependency proceedings. Strategic defense to reunify families and fight false allegations.
Schedule Consultation →Challenge unfounded CPS/DCFS findings and remove your name from abuse registries. Restore your reputation and protect your future.
Clear Your Record →Comprehensive services to expedite reunification with your children. Navigate service plans and court requirements effectively.
Reunify Your Family →Proactive legal guidance before CPS/DCFS involvement. Know your rights and prepare your defense before allegations arise.
Get Prepared →Immediate response to emergency removal situations. Fight to keep your children home or achieve rapid reunification.
Emergency Help →When your family is at stake, you need more than just legal representation—you need a dedicated advocate with a proven track record.
Extensive experience navigating CPS and DCFS procedures, policies, and personnel. Understanding the system from the inside allows for strategic, effective defense.
Relentless pursuit of the best outcome for your family. No stone left unturned in challenging false allegations and protecting your parental rights.
Hundreds of successful case outcomes including dismissals, reunifications, and overturned findings. Results that speak for themselves.
24/7 availability for emergency situations. When CPS or DCFS shows up at your door, you need representation immediately—not next week.
Every family and case is unique. Custom-tailored defense strategies designed specifically for your situation and goals.
Serving families across Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties. Local knowledge, regional reach.
A proven, systematic approach to child dependency defense that has protected hundreds of families.
Immediate assessment of your situation, review of allegations, and explanation of your rights. Available 24/7 for urgent cases requiring immediate intervention.
Development of a comprehensive defense strategy tailored to your case. Analysis of CPS/DCFS evidence, identification of weaknesses, and preparation of counter-evidence.
Aggressive representation in all proceedings. Direct communication with CPS/DCFS, court advocacy, witness preparation, and protection of your legal rights at every stage.
Achievement of optimal outcome whether through dismissal, favorable settlement, or successful reunification. Continued advocacy to expunge records and restore your reputation.
Get answers to the questions our clients ask most often. Every case is unique — contact us for a free consultation specific to your situation.
You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Do not allow CPS inside your home without a court order or warrant. Be polite but firm. Ask for the caseworker's name and contact information, then immediately call a juvenile dependency attorney before answering any questions or signing any documents.
Yes, in limited emergency situations. Under California Welfare & Institutions Code Section 305, a social worker can remove a child without a court order only if there is an immediate danger to the child's health or safety and there is no time to obtain a warrant. However, they must immediately file a petition with the dependency court, and a detention hearing must be held within 72 hours.
The first hearing is called the Detention Hearing and must occur within 72 hours of removal. The judge will decide whether your child should remain in out-of-home care or be returned to you while the case continues. Having an attorney at this hearing is critical — it is one of the most important opportunities to get your child home.
A typical juvenile dependency case lasts between 6 and 18 months depending on the allegations, your compliance with the case plan, and court scheduling. If reunification services are ordered, you generally have 6 to 12 months to complete them before a permanent plan hearing is scheduled.
Yes. Most families successfully reunify. The key is actively participating in court-ordered services, maintaining contact with your child through authorized visitation, and having experienced legal representation at every hearing. An attorney can challenge the basis for removal and advocate for your child's return at every stage.
A CPS investigation is conducted by the agency before any court involvement. If the investigator determines the allegations are substantiated and the child is at risk, they may file a petition with the dependency court, which opens a formal legal case. You have the right to an attorney once a court case is opened, and we recommend hiring one the moment a CPS investigation begins.
A founded finding means DCFS or CPS determined the allegations of abuse or neglect were substantiated. This can be placed on the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA) index and may affect employment, professional licensing, and custody matters. You have the right to challenge a founded finding, and an attorney can help you request an administrative hearing to contest it.
Still have questions? Our attorneys are available 24/7.
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