Connolly Schneider Shireman not only understands the legal issues but is also sensitive to the long-term consequences of CPS cases.
Being accused of child neglect or abuse by the state and facing the possibility that your child will be removed from your home — possibly permanently — is an extremely difficult situation where you need an experienced advocate to take your side.
At Connolly Schneider Shireman in Houston, we have extensive experience with child protection cases and frequently get referrals from other attorneys and mental health professionals in this area. While commonly referred to as Children’s Protective Services (CPS), the official name of the agency is the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS).
We have a well-seasoned perspective on the impact of litigation on children and are always sensitive to not only the legal issues but also the long-term family consequences of these cases. To discuss your options with an experienced attorney, contact us.
Experienced Advocates for Parents’ Rights
A conservatorship or termination case is a lawsuit brought by DFPS (CPS) alleging that a child is at risk of abuse or neglect or has been abused physically or sexually by a parent, a guardian, or some other person.
A conservatorship case can result in the state taking your child out of your care and placing him or her with foster parents or other guardians. A termination case can result in permanent revocation of your legal rights as a parent.
These are very serious situations that are devastating for parents and children. If DFPS (CPS) is trying to take custody of your child, you need a lawyer who knows the ins and outs of this unique and cumbersome system.
At Connolly Schneider Shireman, our Houston CPS attorneys work in this system all the time, representing both parents and children. We will guide you through the process and protect your rights as a parent, and if necessary, we can help you pursue appeals.
Representing Other Participants in the Process
If child protective services is successful at having a child removed from his or her parents and placed under state conservatorship, there are several options for the child, including foster care and placement with grandparents, other relatives, or persons the parent may know and trust. These are known as kinship placements.
It is frequent for a child and his or her caretakers to develop emotional bonds and the caretakers may wish to intervene in future legal proceedings. Our attorneys also represent grandparents and foster parents in conservatorship, termination and adoption cases.
When you need a lawyer who is familiar with the intricacies of the child protective services Houston system, don’t hesitate to contact us.