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Division of Family & Child Services in North Georgia

Speak to Our Cumming Custody Attorneys Before You Talk to the DFCS

When the Division of Family and Child Services, or DFCS, gets involved in a child custody or other family law matter, it is important that you have a lawyer on your side to protect your best interests. The DFCS process hundreds of thousands of cases annually and they do not put the care and attention into the individual circumstances behind each case that they should. This means that smaller issues can get greatly blown out of proportion, and the results can be disastrous for your family.

At The Epps Law Group, we do the right thing and work hard to protect your rights as a parent. Call (678) 257-4507 to discuss your situation with Attorney Kyle E. Epps, III. Our service areas include Cumming, Dawsonville, Gwinnett County, and Dahonega. 

What Is the DFCS?

In Georgia, the Division of Family and Child Services is a social service meant to provide assistance to families in need, such as providing food stamps or social services to low-income parents. The DFCS’s Child Protective Services (CPS) division is responsible for investigating claims of child abuse or neglect, stepping in with police when they deem it necessary to protect a child’s wellbeing.

This, however, can lead to your child wrongly being taken from you. You will then have to jump through hoops to get them back. CPS also doesn’t take your best interests into account and may not even listen to your side of the story. The truth is, each of their social workers handle many cases at any given time and they often do not have the time and resources to devote to individual matters. This can lead to snap judgements based on perceived or incorrect claims of abuse or neglect.

At The Epps Law Group, we prioritize your best interests. If you’ve been accused of any of the following, do not hesitate to contact our firm:

  • Neglect
  • Delinquency
  • Abuse

Our Cumming child protective services lawyer will represent your side of the story in deprivation actions, including trials, brought on by the DFCS or a private individual. We can help you prove that your child is not at-risk when they are under your care by ensuring your side of the story is told and help you cut through the system’s red tape to get your child back.

Child Dependency Actions in North Georgia

When you, as a parent, are accused of neglecting or abusing your child, the DFCS has the authority to remove your child from your home and put him or her into state custody. They will then initiate a child dependency action, also known as a child deprivation action, to keep them in the state’s custody. According to O.C.G.A. § 15-11-150, the DFCS, or a private individual, must file a petition with the juvenile court that alleges they have actual knowledge or a belief that there is neglect, abuse, or abandonment of a child or children.

While the juvenile court will not accept petitions filed by one parent against another while they are going through divorce proceedings, as this can be seen as an unfair way to get custody, dependency petitions of this nature may be filed in the Superior Court. These actions can lead to the termination of parental rights or the child’s permanent removal from the family home. That is why it is vital that parents facing a child dependency action waste no time in enlisting the services of our CPS defense attorney in Cumming.

Call The Epps Law Group today at (678) 257-4507 or contact us online

5-Star Reviews

READ WHAT OUR CLIENTS ARE SAYING ABOUT US
    "Attorney Epps and his paralegal, Elicia, worked wonders for me!"
    Attorney Epps and his paralegal, Elicia, worked wonders for me! It was a really scary time, and they both reassured me and got the best result I could have hoped for for my case.
    - Lucie F.
    "I am so grateful for meeting this man."
    I don’t even know where to start when it comes to Kyle Epps. I walked into his office 3 years ago and the charges I had called for prison time. He gave me an outline on what to do, and of course, I said I’ll do this and this but not that. He pushed me hard and gave me every tool I needed to stay free. Three years later I went to court and walked out just about a free man. Not only didn’t his way work in the courtroom but it’s changed my life in every single way you could imagine. He was very stern, but he totally knew what he was talking about. His plan is 100%, it’s just a person has to do the footwork. He’s very professional and his team is on top of everything so you don’t slip through the crack. I am so grateful for meeting this man, I would not be the person I am today clean and sober if I didn’t walk into that office 3 years ago.
    - Anthony C.
    "Kyle and Elicia were beyond fantastic!"
    Kyle and Elicia were beyond fantastic! I never dreamed like most people that I would be faced with being told I want a divorce, especially after 15 years years. But they were there to make the process as easy as possible and as civil as possible and keep the kids 1st. I eventually made it through still sane all thanks to Kyle and his team. I can't say enough great things and another HUGE plus is they were beyond reasonable cost-wise! They will be my go-to for any other needs in the future.
    - Amy B.
    "I trusted him. This was the best decision I made."
    After researching for several days, I spoke to several attorneys and, The Epps Law Group was my final choice to represent me for my Simple-Battery case. Before I hired this team, I spoke to Attorney Kyle Epps directly, which made a big difference. He outlined a plan for me and said, “if you stick to the plan I give you, you will be ok”. As vague as that response was, I trusted him. This was the best decision I made.

    From the moment I began working with their team, I spoke to one of their Paralegals, Elicia Davis, assigned to my case. I cannot express how knowledgeable, non-judgmental and helpful Elicia was with navigating me through my case. It was my first time dealing with the Forsyth County courts and legal system and I had gone through an emotional rollercoaster for the first couple of months. Elicia checked in constantly throughout the early stages and did everything she could to comfort my anxiety and stick to Attorney Kyle Epps’ plan.

    As promised, I stuck to the plan 100% and I received news that my case was dropped, I no longer needed to go to court and I only need to address a fine and attend classes. I strongly believe that Attorney Epps’ work experience in the Forsyth courts, relationships with the prosecutors, and background as a police officer in Forsyth County gives his clients an advantage. He is well respected and is more than familiar with the process. His plan works and I honestly believe I would not have had the same outcome if I did not have The Epps Law Group on my side.
    - Earl A.
    "Good work, Kyle, and thanks again!"
    Kyle did his job well for me. I was struck with a DUI last year. Knowing nothing about this I hired Kyle, due to his extensive background in law enforcement and the knowledge he provided. He laid out everything about the case during our free consultation, and it made sense. He saved my license by calling for an ALS hearing and got my charge knocked down to reckless driving. I would never have been able to do that myself, especially with an already busy schedule. Good work, Kyle, and thanks again!
    - Dylan P.
    "Kyle was amazing to work with!"
    Kyle was amazing to work with! He highly exceeded my expectations and was very friendly and helpful. I have had other family members work with him and he has been overly helpful and an amazing experience to work with!!
    - Molly P.
    "Kyle did a great job on my daughter’s case, and we are very thankful."
    Kyle did a great job on my daughter’s case, and we are very thankful. Things would have been much different had we not had him as our attorney. Communicating with his office is so easy. They have a client portal that you can log into to see appointments, documents, and messages. Elicia, his paralegal, is a pleasure to deal with as well. Highly recommend Kyle.
    - Diane K.
    "He exceeded my expectations at every point."
    Kyle helped me with a family law matter and also with having a stolen car returned. He exceeded my expectations at every point. He was always available, thoughtful, knowledgeable, courteous and matter of fact. From the beginning, I always felt he had my back. If any of my friends, family, or acquaintances ever need an attorney, I will recommend Kyle.
    - Paul P.
Uniquely Experienced Defense Attorney

With a background as a police officer, prosecutor, and Judge Pro Tem, The Epps Law Group can provide you or your loved one with detailed and trusted representation. Our attorney has been involved in the criminal justice system for more than 30 years. Put our experience on your side.


 

Why Choose Us?

See What Sets Us Apart
  • Dedicated Team
    Skillful legal counsel that carefully and meticulously examines all aspects of the case for critical information.
  • Unquestioned Integrity
    A reputation of treating judges and prosecutors with honesty allowing him to be taken seriously when it could matter the most.
  • Former Police Officer
    The knowledge that comes from a former police officer to serve clients needing accomplished criminal defense representation.
  • 30 Years of Experience
    Over 30 years of legal experience as a prosecutor and Judge Pro Tem, we can use insights from that experience to help you.