At the Law Offices of Jef Henninger, Esq., our Ocean County DCPP attorneys get tons of calls each day about people dealing with DCPP investigations, DCPP in their life, DCPP just left the house, I got a call from DCPP, etc. etc. No matter what the situation, or whatever you want to call it, DCPP is bothering you, the case is not in court and you are not sure of the best way to move forward. In order to help you make the right choice, our DCPP lawyers have put together some of the frequently asked questions they get asked almost every single day.
1. Will getting an attorney upset DCPP and cause more problems?
The short answer to this question is no. Our attorneys have helped hundreds upon hundreds of people dealing with the DCPP and were able to help them avoid court. This allowed them to save thousands of dollars in legal costs and didn't have to deal with the nightmare that is a DCPP court case. Hiring a highly skilled DCPP lawyer will only help against the DCPP investigations.
2. Can you guarantee (fill in the blank)?
In our law firm's opinion, it is illegal for attorneys to guarantee you anything. What is more important is the track record of that attorney in regard to DCPP investigations and trials. Our law firm has a clear track record and have proven time and time again that our experience helps clients with their DCPP matters. Hundreds of individuals have trusted us to help them and their families.
3. Do I need a lawyer?
Asking if you "need" an attorney is not the right term to use. The issue is more likely whether or not hiring a lawyer should be done. Our law firm feels that handling any legal matter, not just DCPP issues, without a lawyer is crazy. Even though we are lawyers, we still hire other lawyers to help us with any legal issues we may be personally facing. If lawyers do not handle their own legal issues and represent themselves, why should you?
4. Why should I hire an attorney? I didn't need one last time and/or someone I know didn't need one?
While not everyone that encounters DCPP hires an attorney, some end up just fine while others don't fair as well and wind up in court. Many of our in-court cases could have been kept out of court if they had hired a DCPP attorney right away. At our law firm, almost all of our cases never see the inside of the court room. It is always less risky, and usually less expensive, to get a DCPP attorney as soon as the investigation starts to keep the case out of court and not risk losing your parental rights.
5. Should I comply with DCPP? Do I have to let DCPP into my house? Should I submit to a DCPP substance abuse evaluation? Should I speak to DCPP? Etc.
Even though this is a tough question, DCPP cannot technically force you to do anything. Only the court can force you. However, since every case is different, there is no general, "cookie-cutter" answer. At our law firm, we tell our clients not to do anything unless we notify them to do something. It is important to hire a DCPP attorney to best evaluate your unique situation on how to proceed forward with DCPP.
6. The DCPP has said that the case will be closed; its an easy case; I don't need an attorney; they would take the case to court if I get a lawyer, etc.
Why would you trust anything the DCPP says about your case? Don't you think they could be just a little biased? Our law firm has yet to meet a client that trusts the DCPP and yet believe what they say when it comes to hiring a lawyer.
No matter the situation or the circumstance, it is always in your best interest to speak to a professional DCPP lawyer about your case. At the Law Offices of Jef Henninger, Esq., our Ocean County DCPP lawyers are well-versed in DCPP trials and investigations have successfully represented hundreds of clients in New Jersey with these kinds of cases. To see what our law firm can do for you, call our 24/7 hotline at 732-773-2768 and receive a free initial consultation to discuss your legal options.
