Dependency
How to Prevent Removal of your Child
If your family is the subject of a DCF Investigation, the first thing you need to do is hire an attorney to possibly avoid losing custody of your child. It is possible to enter into a “safety plan” with DCF to avoid having a shelter or dependency petition filed against your family.
How to Quickly Reunify with your Child
If your child is removed from your home, DCF will ask the Court to order you to complete certain requirements. It is important to have an attorney who will work to ensure your tasks are minimal and who will guide you on how to complete your task expeditiously. The quicker you comply with the Court’s order, the faster DCF is out of your life.
Grandparents and Others Seeking Guardianship
Unfortunately, DCF cases often result in having a family member take over the parenting of a child from an unfit parent(s). It is possible to file Dependency Petitions on behalf of a grandparent, in order to gain custody of a grandchild—even when DCF has refused to get involved. Grandparents’ rights are limited in Family Law court but not necessarily in Dependency Law Court.
Reunifying after your Case is Closed
It is difficult, but not impossible, to reopen your case to show it is in the best interest of the child to be reunited with their parent(s).
About H. Kyle Fletcher
Attorney H. Kyle Fletcher began his legal career as a General Practitioner in South Florida handling criminal, divorce, personal injury, and guardianship cases. Upon moving to Central Florida, Mr. Fletcher quickly became Senior Attorney to the Department of Juvenile Justice. His work at the Department helped to keep approximately two thousand families out of the Dependency/Juvenile system. While serving as Senior Counsel at the Department of Juvenile Justice, Attorney Fletcher was instrumental in implementing the CINS-FINS (Children in Need of Services Families in Need of Services) program. Upon leaving the Department of Juvenile Justice, Mr. Fletcher opened his own private law practice, the Fletcher Law Firm. His vast experience in the legal arena provides for his broad range of legal services to those residing throughout Central Florida and the surrounding counties.
