We Protect a Parent’s Rights
Nothing is more important to a parent than the safety and comfort of their children. When Child Protective Services (CPS) enters the life of a parent, it is vital to have an experienced CPS attorney by your side to defend you. A CPS investigation can become a devastating and life-altering event if not handled properly.
If you are being investigated by CPS, we are here to help.
Collin, Dallas and Denton County
The Tadlock Law Office assists parents in Collin, Dallas and Denton Counties. CPS investigations in these areas are often based upon allegations of “neglectful supervision,” or even “emotional abuse.” These allegations are very subjective and can easily result in a CPS investigation. It is not uncommon for CPS to investigate allegations of “physical abuse” where abuse has not occurred.
In CPS Cases, Experience Matters
Over the years, it has become common to see media reports of CPS’s failures. It seems that CPS is overly aggressive in minor matters, but extremely negligent in serious matters. The result in these cases is that both parents and children end up paying the price.
Often, these tragic results come from over-worked and poorly trained CPS agents. CPS is required to investigate each allegation, so their organization is difficult to deal with for the average parent. In dealing with CPS during an investigation, it is important to have experience in knowing when (and how) to be aggressive, and when (and how) to cooperate with CPS.
A typical parent can become overwhelmed and even angry when the government tries to interfere with them and their children. This is very understandable; especially when a false allegation has been made. Having an experienced CPS attorney in your corner gives you the ability to protect yourself and your children, and not having to worry about making matters worse. Many times a parent does not know the legal rights that they have.
For example, the Fourth Amendment applies in all CPS cases. In other words, CPS cannot enter your home without a warrant unless you consent (which you should not give without legal counsel). Further, CPS cannot remove your children from you without a court order or police involvement.
It is not uncommon for CPS to try and avoid these protections by pressuring parents to enter into a Safety Plan. All Safety Plans are not bad. However, CPS often uses the threat of removing your children and placing them into foster care as leverage for a parent to sign a Safety Plan. In these situations, a Safety Plan can be a way for CPS to avoid having to prove their case in court.
CPS Use in Divorce and Child Custody Cases
When two parents are engaged in a high-conflict divorce or child custody case, it is not uncommon for one parent to make a complaint to CPS. Many times these allegations are truthful, but often these allegations are either very petty, or even outright false.
Regardless of the motivation of the false allegation, these investigations are still very serious. If CPS returns a finding of “Reason to Believe,” that finding can be used as evidence in court. Even a CPS finding of “Unable to Determine” can be presented in a negative manner in court by an experienced family law attorney.
Protect Your Rights with an Experienced CPS Attorney
If you are involved in a CPS investigation, please call us immediately. We have handled CPS cases for over 17 years, and have the experience you need in this critical moment. Applying common sense and trying to deal with a CPS investigation yourself is a bad idea.
Many people believe that hiring an attorney will make them look guilty. Nothing is further from the truth. CPS generally expects parents to hire an experienced CPS attorney, and it is very common.
An experienced CPS attorney can help you avoid mistakes that are common to parents facing the threats brought by CPS.
Initial Consultation
If you need help with a CPS investigation, attorney Gerald Tadlock can help you navigate through this complex area of family law. It is important to move quickly when CPS enters your life.
With more than 21 years of experience in Collin County, Dallas County, Denton County and surrounding areas, Gerald Tadlock can help you.
Please call 214-550-1122 or contact us to schedule a PHONE consultation with an experienced family law attorney.
