There are few events more frightening than having authorities from the Utah Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) arrive at your door to investigate or to take your children away from you. If Salt Lake City DCFS Actions get involved with your family, it is critical to seek representation by a highly experienced Salt Lake City family law attorney who understands how to defend your rights as parents and can help keep your family together. At CoilLaw, LLC, we have significant experience with the family court system in Utah and can provide the highest quality of assistance in this stressful time.
How DCFS Can Affect Your Family
If DCFS receives information they will investigate the claim to determine whether they believe the allegations that a child was the victim of:
- neglect
- domestic violence
- sexual abuse
- any other type of abuse
Such claims may come from family members, neighbors, or anyone else via the DCFS child abuse hotline. While many allegations of abuse may be false, DCFS authorities take all reports of possible abuse extremely seriously. Even if you believe the accusations against you are absurd, DCFS may come to your home to find evidence to take your children from you.
As soon as you believe you may be under investigation, quality legal representation is imperative. You may not realize that something you say or do around DCFS agents could lead to Salt Lake City DCFS Actions and an attorney can help to communicate with authorities to ensure that you do not inadvertently say anything to harm your case. We can assist you throughout the investigations and at any court hearings to defend against abuse claims and help you keep custody of your children.
What Happens If Your Children Are Removed?
If DCFS has removed your children from your home, one of our highly experienced Salt Lake City child custody attorneys can help you regain custody by refuting the evidence that DCFS has used to support their findings of abuse or neglect. The court will hear arguments from both sides and will determine whether your children should return to your home or be placed elsewhere, so it is extremely important to have an attorney who understands the family court system on your side during these court proceedings. During the time that your children are separated from you, we can help ensure that your children are being properly cared for by a willing and able friend or family member, if possible.
What Happens If DCFS Substantiates A Claim Against You?
If DCFS substantiates a claim against you it can be very frightening. These substantiated claims can hurt you in your employment, custody battles, and other facets of your life. DCFS substantiated claims are appealable and you then can present witness testimony and/or evidence to defend yourself against the claim.
It is important to hire our highly experienced Salt Lake City child custody attorneys who can help you through the appeal process to work on getting the substantiated claim overturned. Don’t wait, because you only have a certain amount of time in which you can appeal a DCFS substantiated claim.
What DCFS Investigates in Utah
The Utah Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) investigates referrals alleging child abuse or neglect. Common categories include physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect — including medical neglect, supervisory neglect, and failure to provide basic needs. Many referrals are never substantiated, and a large share of investigations close without a finding.
Your Rights When DCFS Contacts You
Parents facing a DCFS investigation in Utah have important rights that are easy to waive without realizing it:
- You have the right to remain silent and are not required to answer a caseworker’s questions without an attorney present.
- You generally do not have to let a caseworker into your home without a warrant or court order, absent a genuine emergency.
- You have the right to be represented by a DCFS defense attorney at every stage of the case.
- You have the right to know the specific allegations against you.
Because early statements to a caseworker can be used against you, it is wise to speak with a Salt Lake City DCFS attorney before responding to an investigation.
The DCFS Process, From Investigation to Juvenile Court
A DCFS case in Utah generally moves through several stages: an initial investigation, a possible safety plan, and — if the State seeks to remove a child — a shelter hearing in juvenile court, usually within a few days, followed by adjudication and disposition. An experienced attorney can challenge the evidence and protect your parental rights at each step.
Related DCFS Resources
Learn more about specific DCFS situations:
- Do I have to talk to DCFS?
- When does DCFS remove kids from the home?
- What does DCFS look for?
- Medical neglect explained
- When do you call DCFS?
- Your guide to Adult Protective Services
Frequently Asked Questions About DCFS Actions In Salt Lake City
What should I do if DCFS contacts my family in Salt Lake City?
If you are contacted by the Division of Child and Family Services, your very next call should be to the experienced family law lawyers at CoilLaw, LLC. A knowledgeable attorney can help protect your parental rights and assist throughout the entire legal process.
What happens if DCFS removes my children from my home?
If DCFS has removed your children from your home, a seasoned Salt Lake City child custody attorney can help you regain custody by refuting the evidence DCFS has used to support their findings of abuse or neglect. The court will decide whether your children should return home or be placed elsewhere.
Can substantiated claims by DCFS be challenged?
Yes. If DCFS substantiates a claim against you, it can be frightening and may affect employment or custody battles. However, substantiated claims are appealable, and an experienced attorney can help you through the appeal process to work toward overturning the substantiated claim.
Contact A Salt Lake City DCFS Actions Lawyer As Soon As Possible
If you are contacted by the Division of Child and Family Services, your very next call should be to the experienced family law lawyers at CoilLaw, LLC. Attorney Jill L. Coil has helped keep many families together in the face of false accusations by DCFS and will defend your parental rights throughout the entire legal process. Please call our office today at (801) 884-3775 to learn more about how we can help you.
