Parental Rights
Protecting you and your Children from Government Overreach
Few things are more distressing than the risk of breaking up your family or the risk of being placed on the DCS Central Registry. The attorneys at Nova Law Group understand that investigators can often be over-zealous and aggressive. Don’t face them alone. Schedule a consult with us to see what we can do to protect your family.
Common Concerns When You’re Under Investigation:
What does this mean for my family? The prospect of losing your child or being placed on the Arizona Central Registry can lead to anxiety, stress, and a deep fear about the future of your family.
How can I prove my innocence? If you’ve been wrongfully accused, you may feel powerless, wondering how to clear your name and prove that your child is safe in your care.
What are my rights during this investigation? Many parents and guardians are unsure of their legal rights when dealing with DCS, including what they can or cannot say, and how to navigate the investigation process.
How will this impact my child? You may be concerned about the emotional and psychological effects on your child, especially if they’ve been removed from your home or are aware of the ongoing investigation.
Can I get my child back? If your child has been taken into state custody, the most pressing concern is understanding the steps necessary to reunite with your child as quickly as possible.
What if I’m placed on the Arizona Central Registry? Being placed on this registry can have long-lasting repercussions, affecting your ability to work with children or even your standing in the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
A dependency proceeding asks the juvenile court to find that a child is dependent, that is, in need of the court’s protection. Under A.R.S. § 8-841, the Department of Child Safety or any interested party may file a petition to commence proceedings in the juvenile court alleging that a child is dependent. Most cases are filed by DCS, but the statute is broader than that, and who filed the petition often shapes how the case is defended.
Very fast. A.R.S. § 8-842(A) requires the court to set the initial dependency hearing within twenty-one days after the petition is filed, with a limited exception when service by publication is required. Section 8-841 also requires that the petition and notice be served on a parent or guardian as soon as possible after filing and at least five days before the initial hearing if they did not attend a preliminary protective hearing. Those first few weeks matter enormously, because positions taken early tend to follow the case.
No. Dependency and termination are separate proceedings with separate standards. A dependency case places the child under the court’s protection and typically comes with a case plan; termination of the parent-child relationship is a distinct petition governed by A.R.S. § 8-533. Many dependency cases end in reunification. But what happens in the dependency case builds the record a later termination case would rest on, which is exactly why it should be defended from day one.
A.R.S. § 8-533(B) lists them, and they include abandonment; neglect or wilful abuse; chronic substance abuse or mental illness where there are reasonable grounds to believe the condition will continue for a prolonged indeterminate period; conviction of certain felonies or a sentence of such length that the child would be deprived of a normal home for years; relinquishment; failure of a potential father to file a paternity action or of a putative father to file a notice of claim of paternity; a prior termination of rights to another child within the preceding two years in certain circumstances; and the time-in-care grounds. Each ground has its own elements, and the petitioner has to prove them.
Under § 8-533(B)(8), if the agency responsible for the child has made a diligent effort to provide appropriate reunification services, termination may be sought where a child has been in an out-of-home placement for a cumulative total period of nine months or longer and the parent has substantially neglected or wilfully refused to remedy the circumstances causing the placement; where a child under three has been in an out-of-home placement for six months or longer and the parent has substantially neglected or wilfully refused to remedy those circumstances; or where the child has been in an out-of-home placement for fifteen months or longer, the parent has been unable to remedy the circumstances, and there is a substantial likelihood the parent will not be capable of exercising proper and effective parental care in the near future. Deadlines in these cases run whether or not anyone is watching the calendar.
In juvenile court, often yes. A.R.S. § 8-221(E) provides that if a parent or guardian is found to be indigent and entitled to counsel, the juvenile court shall appoint an attorney to represent that person unless counsel is knowingly, intelligently and voluntarily waived. Appointed counsel in these courts carry heavy caseloads. Parents who can retain private counsel frequently do so for the same reason they would in any other high-stakes case: time and attention.
Take it seriously and get advice before you talk. Statements made to investigators, at a team decision-making meeting, or at an early hearing become part of a record that follows the case through every later stage, including any termination petition. That does not mean refusing to cooperate; it means understanding what is being alleged, what the statute actually requires, and what the case plan will demand of you. Nova Law Group represents parents in Arizona juvenile court proceedings, and consultations are free and confidential.
Why Nova Law Group is the Right Firm to Resolve These Concerns
At Nova Law Group, we understand the intense fear and stress that comes with DCS investigations, Central Registry notifications, and child removals. Our team of skilled attorneys is dedicated to defending the rights of parents and guardians, ensuring that your family is protected throughout this challenging process.
Experience in Child Welfare Law:
Our attorneys have extensive experience handling cases involving DCS investigations, child removals, and Central Registry placements. We are well-versed in Arizona’s child welfare laws and know how to navigate the complexities of these cases to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family.
Aggressive Defense:
We are committed to protecting your parental rights and your family’s integrity. From challenging the evidence against you to negotiating with DCS, we use every legal tool at our disposal to defend your case.
Compassionate Support:
We recognize the emotional toll that these situations take on families. Our team is here not only to provide legal guidance but also to offer compassionate support, helping you and your family cope with the stress of the investigation.
Comprehensive Legal Strategy:
Each case is unique, and we tailor our approach to meet the specific needs of your situation. Whether it’s contesting a placement on the Central Registry, fighting for your child’s return, or defending against allegations of wrongdoing, we develop a strategy designed to protect your rights and reunite your family.
Strong Advocacy for Reunification:
If your child has been removed from your home, we work tirelessly to facilitate a prompt and safe reunification. We understand the urgency of getting your child back and take swift action to address the issues at hand.
Clear Communication:
Throughout the process, we ensure that you are fully informed of your rights, the progress of your case, and your options moving forward. We prioritize transparency, so you always know what to expect.
Experience:
Nova Law Group regularly defends parents and guardians in DCS cases, helping them clear their names, avoid placement on the Arizona Central Registry, and regain custody of their children.
Accessible Legal Representation:
We understand that the financial strain of legal battles can be significant, especially in such emotional situations. Our firm offers flexible payment options and is committed to providing top-tier legal services that are accessible to families in need.
Comprehensive Family Protection:
Beyond immediate legal defense, we help clients understand how to protect their families from future DCS involvement. We provide guidance on legal measures, preventive actions, and best practices to ensure your family’s long-term security.
At Nova Law Group, we believe in the fundamental right of parents and guardians to care for their children without unwarranted interference. If you are facing a DCS investigation, the threat of placement on the Arizona Central Registry, or the loss of your child, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact us today for a confidential consultation, and take the first step towards safeguarding your family’s future.
Hear What Our Clients Say
From our Google reviews, plus Yelp and Avvo. These are clients’ own words, reproduced from our review profiles.
“These guys are the best attorneys in all of Arizona. It is definitely the most professional group of lawyers… I recommend this firm!”
“Sydney was extremely thorough regarding every single detail of my criminal case… it ultimately resulted in a clear and powerful win for my case.”
“They fought tirelessly for my case and helped me achieve a favorable outcome. Exceptional service and results.”
“The firm provided me with the most professional legal representation possible. Mr. Ryan Tait patiently explained… beyond my expectations.”
“The best law firm that I have ever dealt with. The amount of passion & commitment that they dedicated for my case… truly what separated them from other law firms.”
“Oh my goodness, our lawyer Ryan Tait was amazing. He does what he says he’s going to do. A very patient lawyer… He’s a miracle worker.”
“I was being charged with a few felony counts and facing a few years in prison… I made the best choice of my life calling this law firm.”
“…they reached out to one of their attorneys and confirmed my suspicions; I’ve been worried this whole time about criminal charges, they put my fears to rest. HIGHLY recommend them.”
“Helpful and clear direction in a time of uncertainty. Highly recommended.”
“Ryan Tait was amazing and really helpful. I would recommend him.”
“If you’re looking for a law group that truly cares about you and makes a difficult situation less stressful, these are your people… Alexis was my lawyer, and she was truly heaven-sent.”
“Alexis Brooks was my lawyer… She was extremely professional yet down to earth and always made me feel at ease and confident in my case. I would definitely recommend her for anyone that needs an excellent defense attorney.”
“Spectacular representation! Sydney was very compassionate, diligent and professional. I can’t recommend enough.”
“…Ryan and his team are kind, understanding, and very good listeners. Each member of his team was well educated, knowledgable and very professional.”
“We hired Mr. Tait to handle a legal affair for a member of our family. It was a complex criminal case that required over two years of work! Through the entire effort, Mr. Tait kept us informed…”
“My family hired Ryan Tait to fight for my family member… He went over all the pros and cons. He answered all our questions and calls. He knows what he is doing.”
“Ryan is absolutely awesome and professional. He gave me all detailed advice I needed. He is nice and patient. I definitely recommend Ryan and his law firm!”
“Very good at what they do… they were always on top of everything didn’t really have to do much they took care of everything…”
“These guys are great!! They did a great job on my case, super consistent and helpful. Definitely will recommend them to anyone.”
“Excellent lawyers… and their honesty, and they helped me even though I do not live in Arizona.”
Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Lo que dicen nuestros clientes
De nuestras reseñas en Google, además de Yelp y Avvo. Son las palabras de nuestros clientes, tomadas de nuestros perfiles de reseñas y traducidas del inglés.
“Son los mejores abogados de todo Arizona. Sin duda es el grupo de abogados más profesional… ¡Recomiendo esta firma!”
“Sydney fue sumamente minuciosa con cada detalle de mi caso penal… al final, eso resultó en una victoria clara y contundente para mi caso.”
“Lucharon incansablemente por mi caso y me ayudaron a lograr un resultado favorable. Servicio y resultados excepcionales.”
“La firma me brindó la representación legal más profesional posible. El Sr. Ryan Tait me explicó con paciencia… más allá de mis expectativas.”
“La mejor firma de abogados con la que he tratado. La pasión y el compromiso que dedicaron a mi caso… es lo que realmente los distinguió de otras firmas.”
“¡Dios mío, nuestro abogado Ryan Tait fue increíble! Cumple lo que dice que va a hacer. Un abogado muy paciente… Hace milagros.”
“Me acusaban de varios cargos por delitos graves y me enfrentaba a unos años de prisión… Tomé la mejor decisión de mi vida al llamar a esta firma.”
“…se comunicaron con uno de sus abogados y confirmaron mis sospechas; había estado preocupado todo este tiempo por posibles cargos penales, y calmaron mis temores. Los recomiendo MUCHÍSIMO.”
“Orientación útil y clara en un momento de incertidumbre. Muy recomendables.”
“Ryan Tait fue increíble y de gran ayuda. Lo recomendaría.”
“Si busca un despacho que de verdad se preocupe por usted y haga que una situación difícil sea menos estresante, esta es su gente… Alexis fue mi abogada, y fue una verdadera bendición.”
“Alexis Brooks fue mi abogada… Fue sumamente profesional y a la vez sencilla, y siempre me hizo sentir tranquilo y seguro con mi caso. Sin duda la recomendaría a cualquiera que necesite una excelente abogada defensora.”
“¡Representación espectacular! Sydney fue muy compasiva, diligente y profesional. No puedo recomendarla lo suficiente.”
“…Ryan y su equipo son amables, comprensivos y saben escuchar. Cada miembro de su equipo demostró estar bien preparado, con conocimiento y gran profesionalismo.”
“Contratamos al Sr. Tait para encargarse de un asunto legal de un miembro de nuestra familia. Fue un caso penal complejo que requirió más de dos años de trabajo. Durante todo el proceso, el Sr. Tait nos mantuvo informados…”
“Mi familia contrató a Ryan Tait para luchar por un familiar… Nos explicó todos los pros y los contras. Respondió todas nuestras preguntas y llamadas. Sabe lo que hace.”
“Ryan es absolutamente increíble y profesional. Me dio todos los consejos detallados que necesitaba. Es amable y paciente. ¡Sin duda recomiendo a Ryan y a su bufete!”
“Muy buenos en lo que hacen… siempre estuvieron al tanto de todo; casi no tuve que hacer nada, ellos se encargaron de todo…”
“¡Son excelentes! Hicieron un gran trabajo en mi caso, muy constantes y serviciales. Sin duda los recomendaré a cualquiera.”
“Excelentes abogados… y su honestidad y eso que me ayudaron que yo no vivo en Arizona”
Los resultados anteriores no garantizan un resultado similar.
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RecognitionReconocimientos
Awards and ratingsPremios y calificaciones
Awards and ratings reflect the standards of the organizations that issue them. They do not predict the outcome of any case.Los premios y las calificaciones reflejan los criterios de las organizaciones que los otorgan. No predicen el resultado de ningún caso.