Top

Dependency Hearings and Proceedings in Florida

Legal Protection from Our Fort Myers Family Lawyer

Dependency proceedings come about as the result of allegations of abuse, neglect or abandonment of a child. These proceedings typically arise from a report to the Department of Children & Families (DCF) or to law enforcement regarding an endangered child. DCF will conduct an investigation into these allegations to determine whether the child should be removed from the home or if assistance can be provided to stabilize the home environment to allow the child to remain there.


Are you in danger of losing custody of your child or children due to allegations of abuse or neglect? Make sure you act quickly to protect your rights as a parent. Contact a Fort Myers family law attorney at Calvo & Calvo, Attorneys at Law to find out more about the legal services we can provide to help you.


Understanding the Shelter Hearing

If the child is removed from the home, he or she will be placed in the temporary custody of DCF and a shelter hearing will be held within 24 hours of the child's removal to determine whether the child should remain in protective custody or will be returned to the home. This hearing is the first of legal proceedings related to the matter. The next hearing will be an arraignment, at which point the parent/guardian of the child will have the opportunity to respond to the allegations against him or her.

This is when it is all the more important for a parent to have a lawyer to protect his or her interests or concerns. Legal proceedings have the tendency to be complicated and confusing unless specially trained in this area of law. Rather than lose your child because your case was not properly presented, work with a Fort Myers divorce lawyer who can assert your rights and represent your side of the story in court.

Call a Fort Myers Family Law Attorney Today!

Dependency hearings and proceedings, like criminal cases, have specific time frames in which hearings or other matters must take place. That is why we recommend that you contact an attorney at our offices as soon as possible. The sooner you get legal guidance and representation, the faster you can seek relief.


Contact a Fort Myers dependency hearing attorney at our firm today at (800) 614-5138 to find out how we can help you with these important matters.


 

Success Stories

5-Star Reviews From Our Clients

  • "Jose made me feel confident from our first conversation and throughout the legal process that everything would be OK. He is a calming presence and walks the walk of what you will discuss and work on with him. Very highly recommended."
    Anonymous
  • "Mr. Calvo was very knowledgeable and professional. He directed me through a very complicated situation with ease and confidence. I would definitely recommend him to any of my friends."
    Ron K.
  • "Mr. Calvo was a huge help with a situation I got into while I was on vacation a couple years ago. He fought tooth and nail for me and made sure everything was ok, all while we were thousands of miles apart. I can't thank him enough!"
    Kerri
Tell Us Your Story

Get Your Case Evaluation