Clarksville Child Protective Services (CPS) Lawyer

Clarksville Child Protective Services (CPS) Attorney

A Child Protective Services investigation has the potential to result in your child or children being removed from your care. CPS is required to look into any allegations of child neglect, and false reports are not uncommon. If you are being investigated by CPS, you can hire a Clarksville Child Protective Services (CPS) lawyer to represent you.

Having legal representation can ensure that your case is resolved favorably. The Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA, have represented clients for more than a quarter of a century. Many of our thousands of satisfied past clients faced CPS investigations. Thanks to our legal representation, we were able to take steps to make sure that allegations did not lead to restrictions on their parental rights.

Why Choose the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA?

Parental rights are fundamental rights under the U.S. Constitution. No group, including CPS, can infringe on your rights without credible evidence. The Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA, can hold CPS accountable if they overstep their role as investigators. If the investigation is brought up in family court, our lawyers can set the record straight.

Our law firm has earned a strong reputation for protecting the rights of our clients and ensuring that any group that questions our clients’ parenting ability does not do so without compelling evidence. It is no secret that false reports can be made to CPS to sway a family court case.

What Can Happen During a CPS Investigation?

There are two main groups that may contact CPS to report child abuse. One group is mandatory reporters. These include public school teachers, medical professionals, police, social workers, and other trained professionals who routinely interact with children.

CPS may also be contacted by anyone from the general public. Maryland CPS policy allows calls to be anonymous. This can sometimes encourage individuals to make false reports as a means of maligning someone’s reputation or credibility in court. Once the call is documented by the CPS intake team, a CPS worker is assigned to the case.

The CPS worker then reaches out to both parents to learn more about the alleged incident. Home investigations are commonly used to establish how safe the child’s living environment is. If the CPS caseworker believes a crime has occurred, they may involve law enforcement.

CPS workers are tasked with either substantiating the child abuse allegations or finding that the parent or parents are not a danger to their children. CPS has access to other social service providers. They may involve these other social service providers in your case, refer the case to additional resources, or initiate steps to have the children removed from the home.

CPS Investigation Implications for a Family Court Case

Being investigated by CPS, even when there is no finding of child abuse or neglect, can have implications for your family court case. Judges take any allegations of child abuse seriously, and a CPS investigation could be seen as a sign that the parent who is being investigated poses a potential danger to the child. A judge may err on the side of caution when setting temporary orders by restricting the visitation rights of one or both parents.

During a divorce or child custody case, it is not uncommon for one or both parties to make allegations that the other parent is not fit to parent in an attempt to sway the courts. An active CPS investigation could complicate a family court case. Having legal representation throughout that process can greatly improve the chances of a favorable outcome for the parent facing allegations of child abuse or neglect.

How an Attorney Can Help

A family law attorney in Clarksville can change the narrative you are facing. If there are allegations that you are a neglectful parent, your lawyer can have you testify in court. Testimony during a hearing could allow you to get your side of the story across and to describe the time and resources you pour into raising your child.

If opposing counsel tries to use the CPS case against you in court, your lawyer can question the evidence being used against you or address the potential motivation for someone to contact CPS during a child custody dispute in court.

A lawyer can also benefit you during the CPS investigation. Knowing what to say and what not to say can help your case. Your attorney can prepare you for the CPS interview so you are better prepared for any questions they may ask.

FAQs

Q: What Can CPS Do in Maryland?

A: CPS has a wide range of tools and resources at their disposal that could potentially impede your access to your child. They work closely with law enforcement and report potential crimes when needed. They may be called to testify during a family court case that involves the child tied to the CPS case. CPS works with other social service providers. They have the authority to initiate the removal of children from a home.

Q: Do Therapists Have to Report Past Abuse in Maryland?

A: In Maryland, therapists are required to report signs or verbal admissions of child abuse. Children are considered a vulnerable population, and mandatory reporting requirements compel therapists to take steps to stop or prevent child abuse. Once the child becomes an adult, client-therapist confidentiality applies, and the therapist generally keeps conversations describing past incidents of abuse confidential.

Q: How Long Does CPS Have to Investigate in MD?

A: Once CPS intake has screened a call and created a case number, CPS is expected to complete an investigation within ten days. After a call is made, a caseworker is assigned the case. The first step usually involves contacting the parents directly. The child may be required to undergo a medical examination where a doctor looks for signs of sexual abuse.

Q: What Is Considered Parental Abandonment in Maryland?

A: In Maryland, parental abandonment occurs when a parent willfully deserts or neglects their child without regard for the child’s welfare. This often involves leaving the child without communication or financial support for at least six months. Abandonment can lead to legal consequences, including termination of parental rights and potential involvement by Child Protective Services.

Schedule Your Clarksville CPS Lawyer Consultation Today

While CPS serves an important role, they often receive falsified reports or fail to conduct thorough and unbiased investigations. This can unfortunately lead to good parents having their parental rights restricted.

Your most effective recourse when facing allegations of child abuse or neglect is to contact the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA. Our attorneys can fight vigorously for your rights and to undo any damage caused to your reputation. To schedule your consultation, contact our office today.