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Child Protection

Kids Laughing

Karmeris Family Law represents families in child protection cases. A knock at the door or a telephone call from Child Protective Services can be one of the most frightening events in a parent’s life.

From the moment a child protection investigation begins, there are questions, accusations, and suspicion. The future of the parent’s custody is unknown. The parent’s legal rights are vague. Until the matter is over, anxiety will be high.

There are many parts to child protection cases. There is the question of whether the children should be in their parent’s care during the case. This decision arises within the first 48 hours and it can determine the direction of the case.

Next there is the question of whether there should be a child protection case at all – each parent has the right to demand a trial for a judge to determine at the beginning if there is even grounds to continue the case. Often, concerns about abuse, neglect, drug abuse, alcoholism, mental health, and special needs are cited as reasons to allow a case to continue. If the case is not dismissed, the attorneys work to propose a case plan for the court to order. A case plan sets out requirements for parents to address their needs and their children’s needs to rectify the issues that prompted the investigation. The court often directs the parents during the case to cooperate in a relative or kin search so that alternative custodians can be considered. If sufficient progress is not made on the case plan, a second trial may be held on the question of whether to transfer custody to the non-custodial parent, a relative or kin or, if no family members are eligible, to terminate parental rights. The statutes, court rules, court orders, and case plans can be very confusing to parents and family members. By knowing them well, our office effectively use advocates client’s needs, their input, and their desires to for our client’s behalf to influence the outcome.

One advantage of having private counsel is time that we have to meet with clients, return telephone calls, and be readily familiar with my clients’ cases. Attorneys who are appointed by the court are well-intentioned but often over-burdened and not available to spend the time on the file and with the client that the client desires.

We use my client’s intimate understanding of what is best for the child to craft a strategy that ensures that client’s goals for the child are achieved. For custodial parents, that is reunification with their children in their home. For non-custodial parents, grandparents, other family members, or others, that goal is sometimes reunification and other times it is transferring custody or terminating parental rights. Whatever the goals are, Karmeris Family Law can help parents and family members in child protection cases.

Client Reviews

Excellent attorney! Very knowledgeable, aggressive and professional but compassionate at the same time. Highly recommend!

Gus Saridis

Heather K. has been a huge pleasure to work with. From the moment I first spoke to her, I knew that she was passionate about what she does and would do her best to help navigate me throughout my process and with my concerns. I am both...

Tatianna Gonzales

Heather - thank you for representing my brother in his divorce. Your professionalism and expert advice were greatly appreciated. It was really great how you were able to be a strong advocate for my brother while being sensitive and...

Michelle Johnson

She is the best, very responsible, a hustle woman she’s always there for you. I recommend her big time she fight my Case like I was one of her family members she get to the trial so prepare when you hire her you feel like you have an...

Hector Cachimbo

Heather is very responsive and much more reasonably priced than other divorce attorneys in South Florida. She makes sure to give her clients individual attention, and is very well versed in the law. I highly recommend her!

Alexa Battisti

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