Should I talk to CPS. With me and I do. I don’t think so but…

Nice to meet you Erica

How are you doing today?

I'm glad to hear that Erica

As a parent, you have the right to choose whether or not to speak with Child Protective Services (CPS). While declining to cooperate with CPS may be tempting, it's important to consider the potential consequences of this decision. Refusing to talk to CPS can be interpreted as a sign that you have something to hide or that you are not willing to work with them to address any concerns.

In some cases, if you decline to speak with CPS, they may make decisions based on the information they have available to them, which could potentially include negative assumptions about your parenting abilities or the living conditions in your home. This could have a negative impact on the outcome of your case and may not be in the best interests of your child.

If you're unsure about what to say or do, it's recommended to speak with an attorney who can advise you on the best course of action and help protect your rights. They can also represent you during any interactions with CPS and ensure that your rights are respected throughout the process.

In conclusion, while you have the right to decline to speak with CPS, it's important to understand the potential consequences of this decision and weigh your options carefully. An attorney can provide valuable support and guidance throughout the CPS process, helping you make informed decisions and protect your rights as a parent.

I understand that dealing with them is overwhelming

Dealing with Child Protective Services (CPS) can be a difficult and stressful experience, but by taking the right steps and being proactive, you can effectively address the concerns and protect your rights as a parent. Here are some tips to help you navigate the CPS process:

Familiarize yourself with your legal rights: As a parent, it's crucial to understand your legal rights, including the right to a fair hearing, the right to an attorney, and the right to be informed of the allegations made against you. By familiarizing yourself with your rights, you'll be able to advocate for yourself and your child with confidence.

Gather information: Review all the information provided by CPS, including reports or documentation, to fully understand the allegations made against you. This information can also help you prepare a defense and determine the best course of action.

Consider hiring an attorney: Hiring an experienced attorney can provide you with valuable legal support and representation throughout the CPS process. Your attorney can help you navigate the legal system, protect your rights, and advocate for your interests. They can also advise you on the best course of action and help you understand the CPS investigation process.

Cooperate with CPS: Although the CPS investigation may be stressful, it's important to cooperate with CPS and provide them with any requested information or documentation. This shows that you're willing to address the concerns and can increase the chances of a favorable outcome. Refusing to cooperate can also have negative consequences, such as the court potentially assuming that you have something to hide.

Attend court hearings: If necessary, attend any court hearings and follow the court's orders and instructions. This is your opportunity to have your side of the story heard and defend yourself against the allegations made by CPS.

Take action to address the concerns: If CPS has concerns about your parenting or the living conditions in your home, it's important to take proactive steps to address these concerns and make any necessary changes. This demonstrates your commitment to the wellbeing of your child and can increase the chances of a favorable outcome. Follow through on any commitments made to CPS, such as attending parenting classes or making changes to your home environment.

Stay organized: Keep all relevant documents and information organized and easily accessible, including reports from CPS, court documents, and any other documentation related to the case. Staying organized can help you stay on top of the situation and be prepared for any court appearances or meetings with CPS.

Seek support: Dealing with CPS can be a stressful experience, so it's important to seek support from friends, family, or a mental health professional if needed. Talking to someone who understands what you're going through can help you cope with the stress and provide you with a sounding board as you navigate the process.

By following these tips, you can effectively deal with CPS and protect your rights as a parent. Remember, CPS is working to protect the welfare of children and a cooperative and proactive approach can help resolve the situation in a positive manner. An attorney can provide guidance and support throughout the process, helping you navigate the legal system and protect your rights as a parent.

You may call your local Legal Aid office to see if they can help. If you can afford a lawyer, all the better if not, then you may even search for pro bono assistance in your area. Just google it and you will find plenty to contact. If that’s not a success either then you may need to do this yourself.

Throughout the United States, typical lawyer fees usually range from about $100 an hour to $400 an hour. These hourly rates will increase with experience and practice area specialization. So the more experienced lawyer you hire the more it will cost you.

These extra resources may be helpful to you:

Cheap and affordable legal services

https://www.usa.gov/legal-aid

https://www.lawhelp.org/resource/legal-aid-and-other-low-cost-legal-help

https://www.americanbar.org/groups/legal_services/flh-home/flh-free-legal-help/

Top lawyers:

https://www.bestlawyers.com/

https://bestlawfirms.usnews.com/

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/power-lawyers-2023-hollywoods-top-100-attorney-list/james-adams-5/