When the New Jersey Department of Children and Families Investigates
What to Know if DCFS is Making Inquiries about You Anytime the NJ Department of Children and Families receives a complaint concerning the possibility of child abuse or neglect, the agency must investigate the claim. The Department, serving as an agent for the State, has a duty to protect the welfare of children. Many complaints […]
read full articleDoctors & Medical Records in Your NJ DCP&P Case
If the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P, formerly known as DYFS), receives a referral concerning a child who is allegedly being abused or neglected, the Division must immediately initiate an investigation. The assigned investigator is required to interview the child, the parents, any person who lives in the house, and any individual who […]
read full articleDCP&P Home Inspections in New Jersey: What To Expect
Why DCP&P May Inspect Your House in NJ Any time DCP&P receives a complaint concerning potential child abuse or neglect in New Jersey, the agency must investigate the claim. The investigation must begin within 24 hours of receipt and be concluded within 60 days. However, the investigation may be extended an additional 30 days if […]
read full articleUnderstanding the Results of a DCP&P Investigation
If the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency receives a referral alleging child abuse or neglect, the Division must initiate an investigation. No matter how frivolous the complaint may seem, the Division is required to undergo an investigation. The investigation will involve interviewing the parents and the child as well as any person […]
read full articleDCP&P is Contacting Me, What Are My Legal Rights
Contacted by DCP&P in New Jersey? You Need to Know Your Rights If DCP&P has contacted you, you are likely wondering what this means and what your rights are if the state is investigating you. To begin, let’s discuss what DCP&P can and cannot do. The Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P or the Division) is […]
read full articleWhat is a Law Guardian in New Jersey?
My Child was Given a Law Guardian in NJ, What does this Mean? A Law Guardian is an attorney for your child, who’s sole purpose is to represent his or her best interests. When a child welfare complaint is made in New Jersey, the Division of Child Protection and Permanency is responsible for investigating the […]
read full articleCriminal Charges vs. DCPP Complaints for Endangering the Welfare of a Child in NJ
What’s Difference Between a Criminal Charge and a DCP&P Case for Endangering the Welfare of a Child? In New Jersey, being criminally charged for endangering the welfare of a child versus being accused by the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P) for child abuse or neglect is significantly different. New Jersey Laws on Endangering […]
read full articleHow Long does a DCPP Case Take in New Jersey?
What’s the Time Frame for a DCPP Case in NJ? If you’re currently being investigated by the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P) in New Jersey, you may be wondering how long will the case take to complete. It’s difficult to give an accurate timeline for a DYFS case because every parent’s case is […]
read full articleNew Jersey Supreme Court Makes Important Decision on Endangering the Welfare of a Child Charges
The New Jersey Supreme Court very recently ruled that in order to obtain a conviction for endangering the welfare of a child, prosecutors need not prove that the child sustained actual harm, but only that there was a substantial likelihood that harm could result from the parent’s or guardian’s actions. In a 4-3 ruling, the […]
read full articleDo I have to pay child support if I’m unemployed?
Child Support: What if I can’t pay? NJ Family Law Attorneys Many parents ask do I have to pay child support if I am unemployed. The simple answer to that question is, it depends on the reason why you are unemployed. When determining child support, the family court will apply the Child Support Guidelines. The Guidelines […]
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