We understand the legal issues and are sensitive to the long-term consequences of CPS cases.
Our extensive services in all aspects of Child Welfare Law includes representation in investigations and cases involving the Department of Family and Protective Services (“DFPS”) or which is more commonly referred to as Child Protective Services (“CPS”). Our partners are specialists in the laws about CPS and related matters.
CPS related legal matters have many potential layers. These cases include investigations for abuse or neglect of a child; lawsuits to compel parental participation services, for conservatorship and sometimes for termination of parental rights. They can include appeals of investigative findings, administrative hearings challenging adverse findings, and appeals of termination or conservatorship decrees.
Who we are
Bill Connolly has over 40 years of trial and appellate experience and is the only lawyer in Texas that is Board Certified in Child Welfare Law, Family Law and Juvenile Law. He served as an Adjunct Professor of Law at South Texas College of Law in the area of Child Welfare Law.
Judge Mike Schneider (Ret.) is a Retired Senior State District Court Judge who presided over thousands of CPS cases while he served as Judge of the 315th District Court. Prior to serving as a Judge, Mike was a Deputy Division Chief in the Child Protection Division of the Harris County Attorney’s Office and represented CPS for over 7 years in all of the Harris County Family and Juvenile Courts.
Les Shireman is Board Certified in Child Welfare Law and Family Law. Prior to becoming a lawyer, Les was a social worker and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. Les did substance abuse assessments for the Family Courts.
Bill, Mike and Les have collectively advocated for or presided over thousands of cases focused on the best interests of children.
What we have done
Our lawyers have decades of experience in CPS cases. As leaders in the field, our attorneys are known state-wide for their trial and appellate skills in CPS matters. A small list of our accomplishments include:
Successful defenses to termination cases;
Successful defenses to contested conservatorship cases;
Successful defenses to participation in services cases;
Successful dismissal of CPS cases;
Successful appeals on behalf of parents in CPS cases ;
Successful defenses to CPS investigations;
Successful administrative reversals of adverse CPS findings;
Successful prosecution and defenses in medical child abuse cases;
Successful defenses to DFPS attempts to secure Temporary Conservatorship at the beginning of cases;
Successful interventions by grandparents and relatives;
Successful interventions by grandparents and relatives;
Successful defenses of businesses serving children;
Successful adoptions.
Why Choose Our Experienced Team
At CSS our lawyers have decades of experience in dealing with CPS. We have a long track record of success against CPS. When the government intrudes upon your life, our attorneys understand the fear and distress that a CPS investigation can cause in a family. They know that such an investigation can have life altering consequences. Our attorneys deal with CPS nearly every day. If CPS enters your life, our trial and appellate lawyers can help protect you and your children.
