Knoxville Child Abuse Lawyers
We Advocate for Children & Parents in Tennessee
At Held Law Firm, we know that anyone who thinks that a child has been abused, including your child’s relative, doctor, teacher, daycare staff, or even your neighbor, can make a report to the Department of Children’s Services’ hotline. On the other hand, some parents will make a report to gain an advantage in a child custody case. No matter who makes the report, the Department of Children’s Services (DCS) will investigate and potentially remove your children from your home.
Whether you are worried about a child you know or a parent facing child abuse allegations, nothing is more important than that child. Held Law Firm has over 50 years of combined experience in child abuse cases. Our firm is passionate about protecting the rights of children and the people who love them.
DCS Lawyers in Tennessee
If you be reported for abuse, the Tennessee’s Department of Children’s Services (DCS) will investigate. The investigation may include:
- Medical or forensic exam of the child, especially if the allegation is for child sexual abuse or physical abuse.
- Separate interviews with the child, parents, and any witnesses. Often the investigator will interview the child at each parent’s home or at the school or detail.
If a parent refuses to cooperate, a DCS worker will likely petition the court to remove the child from your home. If the parent cooperates, DCS may draft an “immediate protection agreement” for the parent to sign, where the parent promises to do or refrain from doing certain things in exchange for DCS leaving the child in the home. Alternatively, DCS may determine that no less drastic measure will protect that child than removal. In that circumstance, DCS will petition the court to remove the child.
Once DCS removes a child, DCS must “place” the child in a foster home. DCS must give a preference to the other parent if the parties are separated. If DCS decides that parent is not available and appropriate, then DCS should place the child with a relative. Only if no relative is available and appropriate should DCS place the child in a foster home.
Unfortunately, when DCS removes a child, things happen fast. Often, DCS does not immediately find the available and appropriate other parent or relative. Sometimes, a parent who has a child removed bad mouths a family member out of anger. When these things happen, the child typically goes to a “neutral” foster care home – i.e. to a stranger. In those circumstances, family members have an extremely difficult time getting the child moved from the stranger’s home to their home. They will need an aggressive attorney to get that child back.
Once a child is removed, the law requires DCS to draft a “permanency plan” within 30 days, describing specifically what a parent must do to regain custody and what DCS is doing to make sure the child’s needs are met while s/he is in foster care. Almost always, the permanency plan will require a parent to maintain stable housing, transportation, and stable income, as well as additional requirements intended to address why the child came into foster care, such as treatment for drugs, mental health issues, or removing a parent who is guilty of domestic violence from the home permanently. If the parent fails to follow this plan, a judge may terminate parental rights and make the child available for adoption.
Held Law Firm Can Help
When it comes to children, everything is on the line. These matters are complex, emotionally charged and highly personal. Your attorney should make a complete review of the proof, especially if you are the target of false or mistaken accusations. If there is at least some truth to the accusations, Held Law Firm will support and guide you on what steps to take to get your children back as quickly as possible.
Learn more about how we can help you by contacting us at (865) 685-4780 today.
testimonials
Hear About Former Clients' Experiences-
“We live in California and needed a law firm to help us get custody of our 2 young (9 and 12 yo) grand nephews after their mother passed away. Held Law Firm, Chelsea and Abigail, in particular were our ...”
- TB Northern California -
“After being married for over 40 years, I was at a point in my life that I no longer wanted to take care of every aspect of being in that situation. I felt it was time for me to start thinking more ...”
- C. White -
“Newer to the Knoxville area and looking for a law firm to help us set up our will. Melanie Hogg, with Held Law Firm, came highly recommended and have to say the reviews were right. Melanie was ...”
- A. Witte -
“Held law firm went above and beyond to help me with a case they don't normally do. I appreciate how dedicated they are to helping make sure the case goes well. I couldn't have had a better attorney ...”
- J.A. -
“Margaret and her staff make you feel very welcome from the beginning. Everyone in the office makes a difficult process a lot easier to go through. She and her staff are kind, thoughtful, patient, ...”
- J.W. -
“After interviewing almost every attorney in downtown Knoxville and finding them to minimize and plan to use a cookie cutter approach to my case I was deeply relieved to find Held Law Firm. They are ...”
- L. F. -
“Margaret Held was excellent help with obtaining information on my divorce. She knew exactly what she was talking about and I feel confident that they are one of the best lawyer offices in Knoxville!”
- K. M. -
“Short Version: Melanie and Chelsea are a force to be reckoned with and thank God they were on my side. Do yourself a favor and go with them. **Worth the read if you are searching for a Lawyer** Long ...”
- R. F. -
“From the day I walked in the office, I was greeted like family. The attention, the hard work and the team effort that Held Law has given me will forever be appreciated. I highly recommend Held Law to ...”
- J. L. -
“Chelsea Price exceeded expectation with our case of step parent adoption. I highly recommend her for adoption cases. She was professional, accurate, and timely in completing everything that needed to ...”
- Ashley C. -
“Ms. Held helped me turn around a complete nightmare situation. She was creative with problem solving and was not afraid to step in and get things done.”
- Bethany T. -
“This is a firm that truly cares & will literally have your back & encourage you through the tough times!”
- Alicia U. -
“I wanted to find a firm who could help me obtain a quick, affordable divorce and Held provided just that. All members of their team were extremely responsive and informative. Never did I feel out of the loop or confused and I always felt comfortable asking”
- Brittany H. -
“I am so grateful to her because now I have a signed court order clearly defining visitation with my grandchild, which had previously been denied. I believe that without Margaret this would not have happened.”
- Debra I. -
“At no time did anyone at the firm take any action on my behalf without first having a conversation with me and getting my approval. While I hope I never have to go through a divorce again, I know I'd gladly seek their assistance again. In fact, if I ever n”
- Kevin F. -
“Melanie was great! She provided excellent assistance and eased our concerns throughout the process. She arranged a virtual hearing for us so we could still have a court date even as in-person meetings ...”
- Tammy R. -
“Very professional, extremely reasonable with fees, and most of all they truly care about their clients.”
- Pamela H. -
“Kudos to this law firm for being straight up with their clients - hard to come by these days!”
- Amy F. -
“Another great aspect of Held Law Firm is how comfortable and welcoming they are so you don't feel anxious. The atmosphere and vibe makes you feel right at home and so welcomed.”
- Sandy H. -
“They know the legalities and how to do their jobs well, and they provide individualized service based on their client's needs. Excellent!”
- Barbara J. -
“This is my family's future, and it's the only chance I have to make it right. With my entire family's future hanging in the balance, Margaret has given my case the attention and effort it deserves.”
- Devon C. -
“Melanie and her team at Held Law Firm were efficient and informative during my recent divorce settlement. Melanie was courteous and listened to my many questions.”
- Sandra B. -
“I would not look for another law firm to handle any of my attorney needs.”
- Stefan T. -
“The Held law firm is staffed with only the best and they will fight for you in court. They cleaned up a mess made by our previous attorney, and got our case moving forward. Margaret has the experience and skills to get you the best results possible.”
- Darrel W. -
“I really appreciated that they were so responsive to my needs, and made sure that I had realistic expectations. There were no surprises here. They didn't let my ex push me around and were there for me every step of the way, always making time to explain to”
- Faith B.
Why Hire held law firm?
"There isn't a better group in Knoxville"-
When You Hire One Attorney, You Hire the Entire Firm
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A True Passion for Standing Up for What's Right
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Our Goal Is for Every Client to Leave on Cloud 9
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Actively Involved in Improving Our Local Community
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A Team of Fearless Trial Attorneys
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Over 50 Years of Experience in Family Law
