When you’re in the middle of a CPS case, your lawyer is your biggest ally. You need to be open, honest, and clear about what’s happening. The more your lawyer knows, the better they can help. Knowing what to talk about with your lawyer for a CPS case can make all the difference in how things play out.
Why Trusting Your Attorney is Crucial
Build trust with your lawyer quickly. You don’t need to form a personal bond, but a professional relationship is key. Trust helps you communicate openly and ensures your lawyer can represent you effectively. Listen carefully during your initial meetings and ask questions. Use the time to learn about the lawyer’s approach and expertise. Pay attention to how the lawyer responds to your concerns. Does the lawyer provide clear answers based on experience, or offer short responses without much detail? Your lawyer’s professionalism and attentiveness will show early on. Trust your instincts during these interactions.
Be Honest About the CPS Investigation
Be upfront about why CPS is involved in your case. Your lawyer needs to understand what led to the investigation to defend you properly. Don’t wait for CPS to provide documentation to your lawyer. Share everything you know immediately, including what CPS has communicated to you. The more your lawyer knows upfront, the better they can guide you. Trying to hide details could hurt your case later. Your attorney’s strategy relies on knowing every piece of information, so offer complete and accurate details from the start.
Discuss Any Previous CPS Investigations
Tell your lawyer if CPS has investigated you before. Even if no findings of abuse or neglect were made, this information is critical. CPS takes previous investigations seriously, and your lawyer needs to prepare for how this history could affect your current case. Failing to mention prior investigations can backfire when CPS brings them up. You might feel these past incidents are irrelevant, but they can influence how CPS treats your current situation. Let your lawyer determine the importance of your history by being open about it.
Be Transparent About Drug, Alcohol, or Domestic Issue
Talk to your lawyer about any drug, alcohol, or domestic violence issues. Even if you don’t believe they’re relevant, CPS may see them as significant. Your lawyer needs to know everything to prepare for possible accusations. If substance use or violence played a role in CPS’s involvement, hiding these facts won’t help. Your lawyer can only defend you properly when they have the full picture. If these issues are present, your lawyer will help you address them and include them in your defense plan. Being transparent from the beginning helps your case move forward with fewer surprises.
Share Information About the Other Parent
Provide your attorney with detailed information about the other parent. This includes their relationship with the child, current contact information, and any past involvement. CPS will likely investigate the other parent as a potential placement for your child. Your lawyer needs to prepare for this possibility. They can also use this information to communicate with CPS and potentially suggest better alternatives.
Your Living Situation and Daily Schedule
Tell your attorney if you live with someone else, especially if that person plays a role in the allegations. Your living situation may affect the case. Additionally, share your daily schedule, particularly your work hours. Your lawyer needs this information to arrange meetings and court dates. It ensures you can fully participate in your case without unnecessary conflicts.
Clarify Your Goals for the Case
Be clear about what you want to achieve in your case. Do you want your child returned as soon as possible? Are you seeking access to support programs like therapy or counseling? Clearly stating your goals helps your lawyer develop a strategy that aligns with your objectives. This makes sure both you and your attorney work toward the same outcome.
Possible Placement for Your Child
Consider possible alternative placements for your child if CPS removes them from your home. Family or close friends might be willing to provide a safe and familiar environment. Your lawyer can help make these arrangements known to CPS early in the process. Having a plan for placement shows you are responsible and proactive, which may benefit your case.
Supportive Programs and Resources
Inform your lawyer about any programs you are currently involved in, like drug treatment, anger management, or counseling. Taking part in these programs demonstrates your commitment to improvement and may support your case. Your attorney can use this information to show CPS and the court that you are actively working on bettering your situation, which could help reunite you with your child sooner.
Staying Involved Throughout the Process
Stay actively engaged in your case. Your attorney can only help if you remain involved and informed. Ask questions when something is unclear, and don’t hesitate to participate in discussions about your case. This involvement not only helps your defense but also shows the court and CPS that you are committed to resolving the situation.
Conclusion
Open communication with your attorney is essential to a successful defense in a CPS case. By staying engaged and being clear about your goals, living situation, and involvement in supportive programs, you strengthen your case. Take the initiative and work closely with your lawyer to achieve the best outcome for you and your child.
Other Articles you may be interested in:
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- Take control of your child’s CPS case by following these tips
- How to stand up for yourself during a Texas CPS case
- How to prevent a second CPS investigation after your first concludes
- Family Law Cases in Texas: The final stages of a CPS case
- When can CPS remove your child from your home in Texas and what can you do about it?
- What to do if you no longer like your CPS service plan?
- In what circumstances could your child end up living with your relative during a CPS case?
- What can a CPS investigation into your family mean now and in the future?
- What to do if your spouse is being investigated by CPS in Texas for abuse or neglect of your child?
- Can CPS photograph your house and request your child’s medical records in Texas?
Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC | Houston, Texas CPS Defense Lawyers
The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC routinely handles matters that affect children and families. If you have questions regarding CPS, it’s important to speak with one of our Houston, TX CPS defense Lawyers right away to protect your rights.
Our CPS defense lawyers in Houston TX are skilled at listening to your goals during this trying process and developing a strategy to meet those goals. Contact the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC by calling (281) 810-9760 or submit your contact information in our online form.
Bryan Fagan, a native of Atascocita, Texas, is a dedicated family law attorney inspired by John Grisham’s “The Pelican Brief.” He is the first lawyer in his family, which includes two adopted brothers. Bryan’s commitment to family is personal and professional; he cared for his grandmother with Alzheimer’s while completing his degree and attended the South Texas College of Law at night.
Married with three children, Bryan’s personal experiences enrich his understanding of family dynamics, which is central to his legal practice. He specializes in family law, offering innovative and efficient legal services. A certified member of the College of the State Bar of Texas, Bryan is part of an elite group of legal professionals committed to ongoing education and high-level expertise.
His legal practice covers divorce, custody disputes, property disputes, adoption, paternity, and mediation. Bryan is also experienced in drafting marital property agreements. He leads a team dedicated to complex family law cases and protecting families from false CPS allegations.
Based in Houston, Bryan is active in the Houston Family Law Sector of the Houston Bar Association and various family law groups in Texas. His deep understanding of family values and his professional dedication make him a compassionate advocate for families navigating Texas family law.
