Juvenile Dependency

Legal Help Getting Your Child Back from the State

Children can be removed from a parent's custody because of abuse or neglect. The state does not usually rush in to remove a child, but once they have it's hard to get a child back. You are going to face a number of hurdles.

I'm attorney Barney B. Gibbs. I defend people against charges of child abuse in criminal courts and I help parents and family members in detention and juvenile court hearings after a child has been removed from the home.

If your child has been taken into custody by child protective services, you need an attorney to protect your rights and your relationship. Contact my Tustin law office for a free initial consultation. I am available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.

Protect Your Family and Your Relationships

A juvenile dependency hearing takes place in the juvenile courthouse in Orange County. Child Services will be involved; so will the lawyer for the county. The child will have an attorney and each parent may have an attorney.

The first hearing will be a detention hearing. The purpose is to determine if children removed from your home should be detained by the state. There may also be a jurisdiction hearing to determine if the court has jurisdiction over the child.

By having a lawyer with you at these hearings you are protecting your parental rights. I may be able to get your child returned to you immediately, or to negotiate counseling or other actions to prevent your child from being removed from your custody.

If the child is going to be removed from your home, I may be able to have the child placed in the home of a family member rather than put in foster care.

I've worked in Orange County for more than 25 years. I have an extensive network of resources that we can access to help you resolve family issues so that you can get your child back.

Don't go to a juvenile dependency hearing alone. Know your legal options and protect your parental rights. Contact me or call 714-838-9019.