Should I Get a Lawyer When Dealing With CPS in California? Important Information You Should Know – 2026

Should I Get a Lawyer When Dealing With CPS in California?

Dealing with CPS can be difficult. California’s juvenile dependency law is designed to protect children who are victims of abuse or neglect. CPS, or Child Protective Services, is the agency responsible for investigating allegations of child maltreatment and taking appropriate action to protect the child.

If you are involved in a case dealing with CPS, it is important to understand your rights and what steps you can take to protect your family.

This blog post will discuss California’s juvenile dependency law and why seeking good legal representation is critical to your case.

What Law Governs Juvenile Dependency in California?

California’s juvenile dependency law is governed by the California Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC).

The WIC 300 provides the legal framework for CPS to investigate and take action in cases of child abuse or neglect. Under this law, any person who suspects that a child has been abused or neglected can make a report to CPS.

CPS must then investigate the allegations and, if substantiated, take appropriate action to protect the child.

Can Someone Anonymously Report You To CPS?

In California, someone can make an anonymous report to CPS. The agency will then investigate the allegation and decide whether or not there is enough evidence to warrant taking action.

If CPS believes the child is at risk, they will open a case and may contact the family to offer services or ask questions.

It is important to remember that CPS is not required to notify the accused parent or guardian of the identity of the person who made the report.

What Happens After A Report Is Made?

After a report is made, CPS will investigate to determine if there is evidence of abuse or neglect.

If they find enough evidence, they will open a case and may contact the family to offer services or ask questions.

If CPS does not find enough evidence, they will close the case, and no further action will be taken.

It is important to remember that even if CPS does not find enough evidence to open a case, the agency may still keep a record of the report in their system.

This information can be accessed by law enforcement and other agencies in the future. Also, just because CPS does not open a case does not mean that criminal charges cannot be filed against you. 

Should I Talk to CPS Without a Lawyer?

No. You should never talk to CPS without a lawyer. Dealing with CPS without a lawyer can cause problems for your case down the road. The CPS investigator will likely ask you questions about the allegations against you and your family.

They may also try to get you to sign a release of information form. This form would allow CPS to access your medical records, school records, and other sensitive information.

You should never sign this form without first consulting with an attorney.

What Happens If CPS Finds the Allegations Against Me to be Substantiated?

If CPS finds that the allegations against you are substantiated, they may file a petition with the Juvenile Court. This petition would allege that your child is a dependent of the court and would need to be removed from your care.

If this happens, it is critical that you seek good legal representation. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the Juvenile Court system and protect your rights.

Why is it Important to Have a Good Lawyer in a CPS Case?

If you are involved in a case dealing with CPS, it is important to seek good legal representation as soon as possible.

The decisions made by CPS can have a lasting impact on your family, and you want to make sure that you have someone on your side who understands the law and can fight for your rights. An experienced lawyer can help you navigate the CPS system, understand your options, and protect your family’s interests.

An experienced attorney can also help you fight for your family and fight to get your kids back. 

WHAT SHOULD YOU IF YOU ARE DEALING WITH CPS INVESTIGATING YOU OR YOUR FAMILY?

If you have been accused of abuse or neglect, it is crucial to get an attorney as soon as possible.

You deserve to have a lawyer who will help you fight to get your children back. If you are dealing with a juvenile dependency case, child-welfare services case, or CPS case in Orange County, California, or Southern California, you need the juvenile dependency attorneys at ALL Trial Lawyers by your side.

Don’t risk calling the wrong lawyer. If CPS is investigating you, you do not have to deal with them alone. 

We know how the juvenile court process in California works. We have handled hundreds of juvenile dependency cases in Orange County, San Diego County, Los Angeles County, San Bernardino County, and Riverside County.

We have an office located near you, and we’re ready to start working on your case.

Client Success Stories

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
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 Arslan Khan 
 
 
 
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Great cps lawyer. Did everything he said he would do.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Cynthia Hopkins 
 
 
 
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I personally was contacted by Mo in regards to my case and he was very knowledgeable about dependency cases and my specific situation.  It was explained to me where I stood and how to move forward.  I was given clarity on where I am and what to do next.  I truly appreciate Mo being willing to talk to me and to put me at rest giving me peace on my specific case as well as letting me know that I didn’t need representation and that if I did, he would let me know.  He gave me the facts and was completely honest with me that he wouldn’t require someone to pay or take his services on if they didn’t truly need representation and was on the right track with what they were doing with CPS.  I cannot say thank you enough Mo for instilling peace of mind and leadership towards the best way to move forward.  I am forever grateful!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Kal Majali 
 
 
 
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Mr Abuershaid is by far one of the most honest and good attorney. I had 3 criminal charges filed against me back in may and in less than 3 months he was able to get all cases dismissed and not even filed. I highly recommend contacting him. He’s well-connected and knows everyone in courts
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Michael Mizner 
 
 
 
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We came in contact with Mo when we realized we needed help and representation with a case involving CPS. Mo quickly put us at ease with his responsiveness and knowledge of the system. He was able to provide a calming presence in an otherwise hectic situation. Through his expertise, we successfully navigated the situation and are able to put this event behind us. Our family cannot recommend Mo and his team highly enough. We are very thankful that he was on side.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Aruna Rajan 
 
 
 
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Mo and his team were exceptionally prompt and provided timely support during our time of turmoil. Mo offered assurance, guidance, and a clear understanding of the law and likely proceedings. He follows up immediately, regardless of the hour, and is meticulous in his work. Mo was our rock, without whom we would have been lost. I highly recommend Mo and his team to help you navigate life's challenges.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Kristin Haynes 
 
 
 
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Mo did the improbable and was consistent, professional, kind, and focused in the entirety. I dare anyone to do that and be all Of those things in one day. You won’t regret hiring him. See Yelp for full accolades, I have a lot of good things to say about Mo and his team. You’re in good hands.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 M A 
 
 
 
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I had the privilege of being represented by Mo in a dependency case. Unlike other attorneys I contacted, Mo was quick to assess the situation and immediately stepped into action. He consistently demonstrated his extensive knowledge and expertise, and I could always depend on him to be prepared with a solid plan.  Mo is responsive, available and his interpersonal skills are an 11/10. He was kind, patient, respectful and transparent, especially when answering my family’s many questions. I reached out to him on several occasions completely distraught. He handled these heavy situations with such care and provided much needed assurance and solace. I ended each call feeling safe and cared for.  Besides all the aforementioned qualities that make Mo an exceptional attorney, what really stood out was his passion and dedication. I feel he genuinely cares about the well-being of his clients. He kept my family’s best interest at the forefront of his process, which made me feel confident in trusting him and his judgement. Through his actions, he not only garnered respect form from my family and me, but also received accolades in the court room from County council.  Mo went above and beyond to help my family and me and I am eternally grateful. He was truly a light in a dark moment and I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone in need of an attorney.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Tannaz Amirian 
 
 
 
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Highly recommended Mo! I’m so happy working with amazing gentleman Mo! He was so helpful on my personal case! He made it through without any problem! Thank you Mo!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Brent Solis 
 
 
 
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Mo is an amazing attorney and did an excellent job with walking me through my case step my step. He is highly recommended and calls you back in a timely manner with any of your questions or concerns. I'm truly so grateful to have had his assistance during such a difficult time.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
    
 
 

Call us now to speak to a lawyer and for your free consultation. Call (866) 811-4255.

Dealing with CPS can be scary. You don’t have to face CPS alone.

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