CPS Defense
Resources
Articles and guides by attorney Taryn M. Scharf to help you understand your rights and navigate the CPS process in California.
Written Resources
Practical guides and legal insights for families navigating CPS cases in our service area.
What Are Your Rights During a CPS Investigation in California?
A comprehensive guide to your constitutional rights when CPS contacts you — what you must do, what you can refuse, and when to call a lawyer.
The Complete Guide to California Juvenile Dependency Hearings
Every hearing in a dependency case explained — detention, jurisdiction, disposition, review, and beyond — with what to expect at each stage.
Can CPS Take My Child Without a Court Order?
When emergency removals are legal, when they are not, and what to do in the first 48 hours after CPS takes a child.
5 Mistakes Parents Make During CPS Investigations
The most common missteps that hurt parents’ cases — and what to do instead when a social worker contacts you.
What Happens at a Detention Hearing in California?
Your first court date in a dependency case — who is there, what the judge decides, and how to prepare on short notice.
CPS Case Plans: What You Need to Know
How case plans work, what services you can be required to complete, and how compliance affects reunification.
How Long Does CPS Reunification Take in California?
Timelines, deadlines, and the statutory clock that governs how long parents have to reunify with their children.
Understanding Section 366.26 Hearings: The .26 Hearing Explained
The hearing that can permanently end parental rights — what it means, how you get there, and how to fight it.
Grandparent Rights in California CPS Cases
How grandparents and relatives can seek placement, gain standing in court, and stay involved in a grandchild’s case.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a CPS Case? When to Hire an Attorney
Court-appointed counsel vs. private representation — what a dedicated CPS defense attorney changes about your case.
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These resources are for general information. For advice specific to your case, contact us directly.
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