Dependency Court Hearings

The Section 366.26 hearing — often called the “.26 hearing” — is the most serious hearing in a California juvenile dependency case. It is the point at which the court determines a permanent plan for your child, and one of those options is the termination of your parental rights. If you are facing a .26…

If your child has been removed by CPS, the detention hearing is your first opportunity to appear before a judge and fight to bring your child home. It is the most time-sensitive hearing in the juvenile dependency process, and what happens here sets the tone for your entire case. When Does the Detention Hearing Happen?…

When CPS files a petition alleging child abuse or neglect, the case enters the juvenile dependency court system. California’s juvenile dependency process involves a series of hearings, each with its own purpose, timeline, and legal standards. Understanding what happens at each hearing is essential for any parent navigating this system. This guide walks through every…