What juvenile dependency court is
Juvenile dependency court decides cases in which the government alleges that a child has been abused or neglected, or is at substantial risk of harm, under Welfare and Institutions Code section 300. It is separate from family law court, which handles custody disputes between parents. In Los Angeles County, most dependency matters are heard at the Edmund D. Edelman Children’s Court in Monterey Park.
Stages of a dependency case
- Detention hearing
- Jurisdiction and disposition hearings, which may be contested
- Six-, twelve-, and eighteen-month review hearings
- Permanency planning, including selection and implementation hearings
- Post-judgment motions and appeals
Your rights as a parent
Parents in dependency proceedings generally have the right to notice of hearings, to be represented by counsel, to see the reports filed with the court, to present evidence, and to cross-examine witnesses. Parents who cannot afford a lawyer may be appointed one; parents may also choose to retain a private attorney.
Experience in dependency court and on appeal
David previously represented parents with Los Angeles Dependency Lawyers, Inc., appearing in juvenile court daily and handling contested hearings, trials, witness examinations, and negotiations. He also worked in a dedicated Indian Child Welfare Act courtroom. He currently represents parents in juvenile dependency appeals through the California Appellate Project.
Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA)
When a child is or may be an Indian child, federal ICWA and California law impose additional requirements, including notice to tribes and heightened standards for removal and placement. Careful attention to these requirements is an important part of many cases.
This page provides general information about California law and is not legal advice. Every case is different, and no particular outcome can be guaranteed.