When the State has filed, the clock matters.
Representation throughout the Florida dependency timeline under Fla. Stat. ch. 39 — shelter, case-plan, judicial review, permanency, and termination defense. Same-week consultations.
What we handle
- Shelter and arraignment representation — first hearing within 24 hours of removal under Fla. Stat. § 39.402; we get in front of the court immediately.
- Adjudicatory hearings — contesting the dependency petition under Fla. Stat. § 39.507, including witness preparation and challenges to the State's evidence.
- Case plan negotiation and compliance — drafting and negotiating case plans under Fla. Stat. §§ 39.6011 & 39.6012, with portal-based deadline tracking on every required service and task.
- Judicial review and permanency hearings — preparing parents for every status conference under Fla. Stat. § 39.621 and contesting recommendations that don't reflect actual progress.
- Termination of Parental Rights defense — opposing TPR petitions under Fla. Stat. § 39.806 on the clear-and-convincing standard, including manifest-best-interests defense and expedited appellate review under Fla. R. App. P. 9.146.
- Guardian ad Litem coordination — engaging with the GAL program (Fla. Stat. §§ 39.820 & 39.822) so the child's appointed advocate has accurate, current information from the parents' side.
The dependency timeline
What makes this case type different
Dependency runs on a faster, more rigid timeline than most family cases. The State and the Department of Children and Families are already in court the day after removal. The Guardian ad Litem (Fla. Stat. § 39.820) is investigating in week one. By month twelve, permanency is on the table. We treat case-plan compliance as a project, not a checklist — so when the judicial review comes around, the court sees what's been done, in writing, on time.
Common questions
What is a shelter hearing?
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A shelter hearing is the first court hearing in a Florida dependency case after a child is removed from their home. Under Fla. Stat. § 39.402, it generally occurs within 24 hours of removal to decide whether the child should remain out of the home pending further proceedings.
How long do I have to reunify?
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Florida's permanency goal is generally reunification within 12 months of removal. After that, the court may consider permanency alternatives such as guardianship, adoption, or termination of parental rights.
Will my child be placed with relatives first?
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Yes — Florida's dependency law gives a strong preference to placing a removed child with a fit and willing relative or a non-relative with a close relationship before considering licensed foster care.
Can I appeal a TPR order?
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Yes. A final judgment terminating parental rights is appealable to the appropriate Florida District Court of Appeal. The notice of appeal must be filed within 30 days of the order; deadlines in dependency appeals are strictly enforced.
Other practice areas
Schedule a consultation — same-week availability.
Dependency cases move fast. If you've just been served or had a child removed, call directly and we'll get on the calendar this week.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301