Southern California Juvenile Dependency Lawyer Mo Abuershaid Explains What Exactly a Juvenile Dependency Is and Why You Should Be Aware of These Cases.
We recently sat down with Attorney Mo Abuershaid; a top-rated juvenile dependency lawyer recognized for his fierce defense of parental rights inside the courtroom.
Attorney Mo Abuershaid has been fighting for parental rights in dependency court in Southern California for years and has seen everything from simple to severe cases.
“Most parents do not know what juvenile dependency court is until Child Protective Services opens a juvenile dependency case against them,” Mr. Abuershaid explained. “It’s important to have some general knowledge about juvenile dependency cases in the unfortunate event that parents have to deal with them. They’re more common than people think.”
We wanted to know more about Juvenile Dependency Law, so we asked Attorney Mo Abuershaid the following questions:
What is a Juvenile Dependency Case?
A juvenile dependency case is a legal proceeding in which child protective services, or the county child welfare agency alleges that a minor child has suffered some form of abuse or neglect. Juvenile dependency cases are also commonly referred to as Child Protective Services (CPS) defense cases.
Because abuse and neglect allegations violate California Law, the county social workers can remove the child from home and make them a court dependent.
What Happens If My Child is Removed from the Home?
If your child is removed from your home, the first thing that should happen is you will be given notice of the dependency petition. This petition will list the abuse or neglect allegations.
You will also be given a hearing date. This hearing is called a Detention Hearing. You have the right to attend this hearing, and you have the right to bring an attorney with you. At the Detention Hearing, the judge will decide whether or not there is enough evidence to support the allegations in the dependency petition.
If the judge finds that there is enough evidence to support the allegations in the dependency petition, the juvenile dependency case will remain open, will be continued, and you will have to fight the allegations. If there is insufficient evidence to support the petition, the case will be dismissed.
How long do juvenile dependency cases last?
Juvenile dependency cases last anywhere from 6 months to 18 months, depending on the allegations, whether there is a parental reunification plan, and what the reunification plan entails.
Is there one lawyer that represents both the parents and the kids?
No. You and your child will have separate lawyers.
Your child has a right to be represented by a lawyer. The court will appoint a lawyer who will represent your child. Again, your child’s lawyer is not your lawyer. Therefore, they cannot speak to you about your case. You will need your own lawyer to represent your interests in the juvenile dependency proceedings.
Who makes the final decisions regarding the child’s placement and interests?
It will be the judge’s job to decide what is in the child’s best interest. The judge presiding over your case will determine whether your child should be reunited with the parent or if the court should terminate the parental rights.
While dependency courts favor reunification, it is ultimately the facts of the case and how hard the parent tries and proves to the court that they are a fit parent. If the child is not reunified with the parent, they may be placed in foster care.
Do parents have rights in juvenile dependency proceedings?
Parents have constitutional and other legal rights afforded to them by the State of California that apply in juvenile dependency proceedings. That is why it is crucial to hire an experienced attorney who knows what your rights are so that they can help you use your rights throughout the proceedings and to help you get your child back.
What makes a good dependency lawyer?
If you’re fighting to get your child back, you don’t just need a good dependency lawyer – you need a great one. Your lawyer’s reputation, knowledge of the law, advocacy skills, and experience will all play a role in the outcome of your case.
If you’re going to hire a juvenile dependency attorney, you need to look at their level of experience, their communication skills, if they are competent, and most importantly, whether you like your lawyer. Dependency cases can last anywhere between 6 to 18 months. So, it will be a long, tedious ride if you don’t like the lawyer you’re working with.
About Attorney Mo Abuershaid
Attorney Mo Abuershaid is the founding partner of ALL Trial Lawyers. He is the lead attorney handling the firm’s juvenile dependency practice (CPS defense). He has counseled and represented hundreds of parents against Child Protective Services (CPS), Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), Child Welfare Services (CWS), and other social service agency investigations.
Attorney Abuershaid has fought for and protected parents in juvenile dependency cases in numerous counties in Southern California, including but not limited to, Orange County, Los Angeles County, San Diego County, San Bernardino County, and Riverside County.
Attorney Mo Abuershaid is highly equipped to handle juvenile dependency cases of all severities, including cases involving allegations of general neglect or negligence, failure to protect, severe physical abuse, positive toxicology results in infants, sexual abuse, fractures, or broken bones, head injuries, and trauma.
His firm has several offices located throughout Southern California.
They offer free consultations and are currently accepting new juvenile dependency cases. You can contact them at (866) 811-4255.
Media Contact
Company Name: Abuershaid Law, APC
Contact Person: Mo Abuershaid
Email: Send Email
Address:333 City Blvd West, Suite 1742
City: Orange
State: CA 92868
Country: United States
Website: https://alltriallawyers.com/