Dependency Law

Defending Families. Preserving Parental Rights.

At Koohanim Law Juvenile Dependency Attorneys, we specialize in Dependency Law, providing powerful legal defense for parents and guardians under investigation by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) or Child Protective Services (CPS). If you’ve been accused of abuse, neglect, or creating unsafe living conditions, your family’s future may be at risk — and early legal representation is critical.

What Is Dependency Law?

Dependency law governs situations where the state believes a child is not safe at home and steps in to remove them or monitor the family through court intervention. These cases are heard in Juvenile Dependency Court and may result in:

Temporary or permanent removal of a child

Mandatory parenting programs

Supervised visitation

Termination of parental rights

Other Dependency Cases

What Triggers a DCFS Investigation?

A DCFS investigation begins after the agency receives a phone call outlining the alleged abuse or neglect. There is a statewide hotline that individuals may call to report abuse or neglect. Some individuals, such as doctors, teachers, and others who work with children, are required to call the hotline to report possible abuse or neglect. The hotline worker is required to ask certain questions about the alleged abuse. Depending on the information provided by the caller, an investigation may be opened.

Common DCFS Triggers can be:

Reports of abuse or neglect

Domestic violence in the home

Allegations of drug or alcohol use

Unsafe or unsanitary living conditions

Medical neglect or failure to supervise

How We Can Help

We represent and advise parents throughout every stage of the dependency process, including:

DCFS/CPS Investigations

DCFS Court Matters

Emergency Child Removal

Detention Hearings

Jurisdiction and Disposition Hearings

Reunification Services and Case Plans

WIC 388 Petitions (modifications)

Caci Hearings

Relative Placement and De Facto Parent Status

Visitation and Custody Matters

Criminal Law

We keep families united and bring them back together as quickly and safely as possible.

Why Choose Family First Juvenile Dependency Attorneys?

1200+

Cases Successfully Resolved

25+ Years

Combined Legal Experience

98%

Client Satisfaction Rate

Hear what our past clients say

We measure our success by the people and families we help. Here’s what some of our clients had to say about their experience with our team:

We were fostering to adopt when, just days before our wedding, the county tried to take our baby.
We were devastated, confused, and didn’t know where to turn. Koohanim Law Firm was referred to us, and they stepped in right away. They helped us file for de facto parent status and guided us through every step. Their team was caring, responsive, and offered a flexible payment plan. The judge finally listened to our side, and things started to turn around. Now we’re able to raise our daughter in a safe and loving home.
Koohanim Law Firm truly gave our family a second chance at happiness.

Freddy Trujillo.

I faced a heartbreaking situation when false accusations triggered a DCFS investigation into my family.
The experience was shocking, and being questioned felt humiliating and deeply stressful. Explaining everything to my kids and trying to keep them calm was incredibly painful. I knew I needed legal help, and that’s when I found a team that truly understood and supported me. They were confident, knowledgeable, and gave me hope throughout the process. With their help, I regained custody, and our family finally felt whole and safe again.
I’m so grateful for their support and would recommend them to any parent facing a similar battle.

Sarah Huerta.

After my son was born prematurely due to a car accident, doctors later discovered unexplained fractures and falsely accused me of abuse. I felt completely betrayed by the medical system, especially after seeking help multiple times with no answers. Losing my son during his first year shattered me—I felt robbed of my motherhood and emotionally broken. My mom found this law firm when I couldn’t even think straight, and from the first call, we knew we were in the right hands. Matt and his team truly listened, guided me through everything, and fought for justice when no one else did. They gave me back not just my son, but also my peace, strength, and confidence as a mother.
I will forever be grateful and would recommend them 1000% to any parent facing similar pain and injustice.

Victoria Zavala.

When my daughter’s baby was born with medical issues and later found with fractures, DCFS got involved and removed him. I became the foster mom, but when the second baby was born with similar conditions, both children were taken away. Despite caring for the first baby over a year, I was told I was no longer a suitable caregiver and lost both children. Feeling helpless and betrayed, I turned to Matt Kuhanam for legal help navigating both children’s court and criminal court. From the start, Matt was honest, dedicated, and committed to reuniting my daughter with her children. He took swift action, fought hard for us, and truly believed in our innocence and our family.
I highly recommend Matt to any parent or grandparent fighting false accusations—he’s a powerful advocate who truly cares.

Carin Flores.

Our peaceful family life turned upside down after false abuse allegations arose on our son’s sixth birthday. The shock of CPS involvement and seeing our child placed in foster care was heartbreaking and overwhelming. It affected every part of our lives—our sleep, health, and emotional well-being as parents.
I reached out to Koohanim Law after reading great reviews, and from the start, they listened with care and compassion. Their team, especially Erica, made us feel heard and supported even before our case officially began. Through their guidance, my partner and I found strength and unity during the most difficult time of our lives.
I highly recommend them to any father facing false accusations—they will stand by you from start to finish.

Jose Evangelista.

As a new father, my world was shaken when a misunderstanding led to CPS involvement and false accusations. A verbal argument was overheard by my stepson, and things spiraled quickly after he spoke up at school. It was heartbreaking when our parental rights were taken and our baby daughter was placed with a relative. Navigating the system was overwhelming, but our CPS worker and legal team helped guide us through the process. I found Cohen Law Firm online, and they proved to be incredibly knowledgeable and supportive from the start.
They helped me understand the legal system and stood by us every step of the way.
To any father facing false accusations—have a strong support system and a great attorney like Cohen Law.

Aland Sanchez.

Get the Help You Deserve From Dependency and Juvenile Law Attorneys Who Have Over 25 Years of Experience in the Space.

If you are dealing with a DCFS investigation or a dependency law matter, you should contact an experienced attorney immediately. Most cases are time sensitive and any delays may negatively affect your rights.

At Koohanim Law Firm, we will give you a free case evaluation and provide you with a legal plan tailored to your specific situation. Get in touch today!

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