Over 1,000 Dependency Cases Handled · Same-Day Response
CPS Investigating Your Family? Secure Representation
Before Your First Hearing
A dependency investigation touches everything a professional family has built — your career, your license, your reputation, your privacy. We're California dependency lawyers who step in as your attorneys of record: we appear at every hearing, file the motions, and handle the county discreetly on your behalf, from the first hearing to reunification.
Your first hearing can decide everything. Don't walk into it unrepresented.
Trusted by California parents facing dependency court
"Ray is amazing and fast-paced. Always answers immediately and helps guide you through everything. The only attorney I would recommend to family and friends."
— Perry, California Parent
Individual results vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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.
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.
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.
How DCFShield Works in 4 Steps
You deserve a real path to bringing your children home. Our team is here to help you navigate that path with clarity and confidence.
Book a 30-Minute Consultation
Tell us about your situation and schedule a complimentary 30-minute call with a member of our team at a time that works for you.
- Share the details of your case
- Pick a day and time that fits your schedule
- Request an immediate call if it's urgent
- Complimentary — no payment required
We Review Your Case & Build Your Strategy
After your consultation, we review everything you provide and call you with a clear strategy for how to proceed — explained in plain language, not legalese.
- A thorough review of your case details
- A clear explanation of the court process
- Your rights as a parent in dependency court
- An honest recommendation for your case
Get Your Game Plan
We deliver a step-by-step plan designed to give you the strongest path to reunification as quickly as possible.
- A clear roadmap of what to do next
- What to prepare for each hearing
- How to document your progress
- Steps to maximize your chances of bringing your children home
Representation & Support Every Step of the Way
Full-representation clients: we appear at every hearing and handle the fight for you. Every client gets guidance before and after each hearing, keeping you prepared and on track.
- Attorneys of record at every hearing
- Pre-hearing strategy sessions
- Direct advocacy with the county
- A team that stays with you until your children are home
Leading Your Own Case?
If full representation isn't the right fit, our membership programs give you direct attorney guidance while you handle the case yourself.
See Membership ProgramsParents Who Walked In Prepared
"I am incredibly grateful for DCFShield and especially for Ray, for giving me hope during one of the most difficult times in my life. When I was facing a bypass order and felt like the system had already decided I had no chance to fight for my baby, Ray reminded me that I should not give up. He helped me understand that even when the situation feels impossible, there are still steps I can take to advocate for my child and show the court how much I am willing to change, learn, and do everything necessary to be a better parent. His encouragement gave me the strength to keep fighting when I was feeling defeated and scared. Ray helped me see that I still have a voice and that I should continue advocating for my child and for our future together. Thank you, Ray, for listening to me, encouraging me, and most importantly, giving me hope when I needed it the most."
Jan G.
California Parent
"What a fabulous and necessary service DCFShield is offering! I found Ray to be extremely attentive to all matters regarding my child dependency case. It was really helpful to have someone to reach out to when I had questions or concerns. If my court appointed attorney had made half the effort Ray made to answer my questions and make sure we were on the same page, I believe it would have been possible to reunify with my child in half as much time. I honestly felt like Ray was rooting for me, and capable of providing me with information that my court appointed attorney did not feel was necessary for me to receive. Thanks Ray, for allowing me to believe in myself and my ability to stand up and be counted as more than just another 'typical case'."
Jasmyn
California Parent
"Ray is amazing and fast paced! Always answers immediately and helps guide you through everything. The only attorney I would recommend to family and friends. Thank you Ray for everything you’ve done for me and my family!"
Perry
California Parent
California dependency attorneys · Prepaid 3 & 6-Month Programs
Testimonials reflect individual experiences and are not a guarantee of results. Outcomes depend on the specific facts and circumstances of each case.
DCFShield Legal Team
Dependency Law Attorneys
Practice Area
California dependency law — exclusively
Experience
Several of our attorneys have handled over 1,000 dependency cases
Representation
Attorneys of record — full engagement at every hearing
Response Time
Same business day
Over 1,000 Dependency Cases Handled
Our team consists of attorneys devoted exclusively to California dependency law — this is not a general practice firm. Most have focused in this field for the majority of their careers, and several have personally managed more than 1,000 dependency cases: detention, jurisdiction, disposition, and reunification.
That depth of experience is why families in demanding professions — physicians, attorneys, executives, licensees of every kind — trust us with the case that carries the most at stake. We know what judges look for, what caseworkers won't tell you, and the questions you don't know to ask yet.
"We've stood before the same judges, in the same courtrooms, thousands of times. When your career and your family are both on the line, that experience is the difference."
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand you have questions. Here are the most common ones.
Your caseworker knows more about
your case than you do.
In dependency court, the person with more information is better prepared. Right now, that may not be you. As your attorneys of record, we take that fight off your shoulders — every hearing, every filing, every conversation with the county.