If your family is entangled in problems such that the New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) has become involved, it is important both that you educate yourself and that you consult with someone who has experience in and knowledge of this area of the law.

The website of Legal Services of New Jersey (LSNJ) has published a booklet containing very useful information regarding when and how DYFS can remove a child from the care of parents, and what parents have to do successfully navigate the system in order to be reunited with their children. This organization has also published a booklet on termination of parental rights: “Termination of Parental Rights: A Handbook for Parents.” In addition to its online resources, LSNJ provides legal counsel for low-income people.

If you do not qualify for this, or for court-appointed counsel, please contact me. If your income is moderate, I have a sliding fee scale which may be of great benefit to you. I have had a great deal of experience in this area, having handled several hundred of these matters. If the case against you is not valid, we can work to defeat it; if it is valid, we can assist you in working with DYFS to get the problems resolved.

The legal grounds for termination of parental rights (N.J.S.A. 30:4C-15; 30:4C-15.1(a),(b); 9:2-19).