Dependency Defense and Family Law
Full representation before the juvenile dependency court, and California family law matters — divorce, custody, restraining orders, and support. Here is exactly what we handle, what the flat fee covers, and what it does not.
Not sure how the dependency process works? Read it step by step
Have You Been Contacted by CPS?
A CPS case is not the end of the story. We defend parents against allegations, challenge removals, and negotiate directly with social workers and county counsel — with your parental rights and your family's unity at the center of everything we file and argue. Because we're selective about the engagements we take, every case receives attorney-level attention; programs for self-guided families remain available below.
Our CPS Defense Services
CPS investigation defense
Immediate guidance from the first contact — what to say, what not to say, and how to respond to an allegation without making it worse.
Detention & emergency custody defense
When children are removed or about to be, we move quickly to contest the removal and fight for their return at the earliest opportunity.
Jurisdiction & disposition hearings
Full defense at the hearings that decide whether the court has authority over your family — and where your children live.
Reunification plan negotiation
We negotiate the case plan directly with the county and monitor compliance, so every requirement is met and the record shows it.
Termination defense (WIC 366.26)
The most serious hearing in dependency court. We build the defense against termination of parental rights and fight for your family's future.
CACI appeals & removal
If you have been placed on the Child Abuse Central Index, we pursue the grievance process to have the listing removed and your record cleared.
Relative placement & kinship advocacy
We advocate for placement with grandparents, relatives and kin — keeping children with family rather than strangers.
Review hearings & progress monitoring
We appear at every review hearing, hold the county to its obligations, and make sure your progress is documented and recognized.
Civil rights claims against CPS
When investigators overstep, we evaluate civil rights claims under Section 1983 and pursue accountability where the conduct warrants it.
False allegation defense
We challenge unsupported reports, test the evidence, and expose the inconsistencies that should never be taken at face value.
Appeals & writ petitions
If the court gets it wrong, we evaluate an appeal or writ and give you an honest assessment of your chances.
Case dismissal & closure
After reunification, we push to terminate jurisdiction and secure dismissal — so the case is truly behind your family.
Not sure which path your case needs?
Sit down with a dependency attorney for a complimentary consultation. We'll look at where your case stands and tell you honestly whether full representation, a membership program, or both is the right fit. Because we're selective about the cases we take, it's best to reach out as early as possible.
Answer a few questions in the chat and pick a time that works for you.
Writs and appeals, civil rights claims, and CACI grievances are separate engagements with separate fees — they are not included in the flat fee for full representation.
We accept a limited number of new clients each month. Full representation is offered by case review only and is subject to a signed engagement agreement.
Dependency Representation — $25,000 Flat Fee
One fee for the entire case. No hourly billing, no retainer replenishments, and no surprise invoices at the end. What follows is the scope exactly as it appears in your written agreement.
What "the entire case" means
The flat fee covers your case from the detention hearing through the end of reunification services, or through dismissal if the case closes earlier. That is the full measured period — not an estimate of hours.
- Pre-petition investigation: what to say to social workers, and what not to say
- Detention hearing and any related pretrial proceedings
- Jurisdiction and disposition hearings, including contested findings
- Review hearings and the full reunification period, with case-plan negotiation
- Dismissal or termination of jurisdiction if the case closes before reunification ends
If your case reaches a hearing under Welfare & Institutions Code § 366.26, that phase is quoted as its own fixed fee before the hearing is set — so you are never handed a number after the fact.
Priced separately, in writing
We handle these too — but they are separate engagements with separate fees, not part of the $25,000. You will always see the fee before that work begins.
- Writs and appeals — each priced separately before it is filed
- Civil rights claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983
- CACI grievances, administrative reviews, and listing removal
Additional costs are also not included in the fee — see the note below.
Payment plans available
The total fee is $25,000. If paying it at once does not work for your family, we offer payment plans — a down payment followed by monthly installments, set out in Exhibit A of your agreement. The full fee is due by the end of the representation, and the schedule is agreed before we begin, never adjusted mid-case without your written consent.
How the flat fee is treated
Your agreement states in writing that the flat fee is earned by the firm when it is received and is not held in a client trust account. You may discharge us at any time, and if the representation ends before the work is complete you may be owed a refund of the portion of the fee that has not been earned, calculated by the reasonable value of the services performed. This is the treatment California Rule of Professional Conduct 1.5(e) permits, and the scope, fee, costs, and payment schedule are all stated in writing as Business and Professions Code § 6148 requires.
What the fee does not cover: additional costs
Court filing fees, expert and evaluator fees, investigators, record retrieval, service of process, report and hearing transcripts, interpreters, and travel expenses are paid by you in addition to the fee. You reimburse them at actual cost, and any single cost expected to exceed $500.00 is submitted to you for written approval before it is incurred.
Travel. The fee includes travel for one in-person court appearance. Each additional in-person appearance carries a $1,000.00 travel surcharge; remote appearances do not.
Cost estimates vary case to case. You will always see an estimate, in writing, before a significant cost is incurred.
When Your Lawyer Can't Keep Up, We Fill the Gap
Dependency lawyers often carry heavy caseloads and may not have the time to answer every question. We work alongside your lawyer to ensure you stay informed and understand every step of your case.
Overworked lawyers can't always get back to every client in time.
We work with your lawyer to fill the gaps and keep you informed.
Start With a Complimentary Consultation
Tell us where your case stands and we'll call you with an honest assessment — and the flat fee for full representation, before you commit to anything.
Full Representation
This is our core practice. We become your attorneys of record and do the fighting for you — in the courtroom, on paper, and across the table from the county — while you focus on your family.
- Attorney of record — we appear at every hearing
- Motions, pleadings, objections and discovery filed for you
- Direct advocacy with social workers and county counsel
- Writs and appeals evaluated when the court gets it wrong
Offered on a limited basis and subject to case review and a signed engagement agreement. Because we're selective, it's best to reach out as early as possible.