FAQ

A DCF investigation is the initial administrative process where an investigator gathers evidence to determine if allegations of child abuse or neglect are substantiated. If DCF finds credible risk or evidence, they may file a petition in court, transitioning the matter into a formal Juvenile Dependency Case. Once in dependency court, a judge oversees the case, and parents are assigned specific case plans to achieve reunification or protect parental rights.

Under Florida law, a standard DCF investigation must be completed within 60 days from the date the initial report was received by the Florida Abuse Hotline. However, this timeline can be extended if there is an active concurrent criminal investigation by law enforcement, or if the case involves a missing child or a child's death.

DCF can only remove a child from a home immediately if they have a court order or if the investigator determines the child is in "imminent danger" of abuse, abandonment, or severe neglect. If an emergency removal occurs, DCF must hold a "Shelter Hearing" within 24 hours. At this hearing, a judge will decide if there was probable cause for the removal and where the child will temporarily stay. Having a juvenile dependency attorney present at this 24-hour hearing is absolutely critical.

Generally, no. A DCF investigator cannot force entry into your home without your explicit consent, a law enforcement officer with a warrant, or a court order—unless they believe a child is in immediate, imminent physical danger. While outright hostility or refusing entry can lead DCF to seek legal intervention from a judge, you have every right to request that they wait until your legal counsel is present or on the phone.

You should never sign a DCF Safety Plan or Present Danger Plan without having an attorney review it first. While these plans are technically voluntary agreements designed to keep children safe in the home during an investigation, they are legally binding documents. Violating a safety plan—even accidentally—can be used by DCF as justification to remove your children and place them into foster care or a shelter hearing.

Yes. Under Florida Statute § 39.301, DCF investigators are legally permitted to interview a child at school, a daycare facility, or another appropriate location without a parent's prior knowledge or consent if a report of abuse or neglect has been made. However, you still have the right to retain an attorney to protect your child’s and your family's rights during the broader investigation.

If a DCF Child Protective Investigator (CPI) arrives at your home, it is vital to remain calm, polite, and cooperative, but remember that you have legal rights. Ask for the investigator’s identification, business card, and specific details about the allegations against you. Avoid guessing, over-explaining, or volunteering information without legal guidance. Contact an experienced Florida DCF defense attorney immediately before making any formal statements or consenting to audio/video recordings.

The Law Office of Laurence S. Scher P.A. has years of experience handling cases in juvenile law, family law, criminal law, and the Marchman Act. We have successfully represented clients in all these areas and are committed to providing experienced, personalized, and effective legal counsel.

At the Law Office of Laurence S. Scher P.A., we specialize in the following areas of law:

Juvenile Law: Handling cases involving, Department of Children and Families (DCF) Investigations, Dependency Cases, Termination of Parental Right Cases, and Deliquency Cases.

Family Law & Divorce: Representing clients in divorce proceedings, custody battles, child support, alimony, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and other family-related legal matters.

Criminal Law: Defending clients against criminal charges, including misdemeanors, and DUIs, and all aspects of criminal defense.

Marchman Act: Helping family members navigate the process of seeking involuntary substance abuse treatment through the Marchman Act.

Juvenile Law addresses legal issues involving minors, including criminal behavior and cases where children are in need of protection. Our office provides experienced representation for parents and minors involved in delinquency, dependency, and neglect cases, as well as legal advice and guidance throughout the juvenile court process.

We understand that legal matters can be overwhelming, and we offer free initial consultations to discuss your case. This allows us to understand the specifics of your situation and for you to get to know us before making a commitment.

For your consultation, please bring any relevant documentation related to your case, such as police reports, court orders, or other legal paperwork. If your case involves family law or criminal law matters, it’s also helpful to bring any supporting documents, such as financial records or evidence relevant to custody or charges.

You can contact us by calling our office at (561) 806-8777 or filling out the contact form on our website. We will schedule a consultation at your convenience and discuss your legal needs in detail.

Yes, we are well-equipped to represent clients in multiple areas of law. If you are facing both criminal charges and family law issues such as divorce or custody battles, we can provide comprehensive legal services and represent your interests in both cases.

Yes, we can help even before an arrest is made. If you are under investigation or have been contacted by law enforcement, it's important to have an attorney on your side to protect your rights and provide guidance on how to proceed. We can work with you to handle pre-arrest matters and minimize the chances of formal charges.

The timeline of your case will depend on the nature of the legal issue and the specifics of the situation. Some cases may be resolved relatively quickly through negotiation or settlement, while others may require more time in court. We will provide you with an estimated timeline and keep you informed throughout the process.

The cost of your case depends on the complexity and type of legal issue. During your initial consultation, we will discuss the fees and payment options available. Our goal is to provide high-quality legal representation while being transparent about costs.

If you’ve been arrested, it’s crucial to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. We will guide you through the legal process, explain your rights, and work on building a strong defense. Whether you're facing misdemeanor charges, our goal is to minimize the consequences and protect your future.

The Marchman Act is a Florida law that allows for the involuntary assessment and treatment of individuals suffering from substance abuse issues. Our firm assists individuals and families who are seeking to use the Marchman Act to obtain treatment for someone who is unable or unwilling to seek help voluntarily.

In family law cases, child custody and visitation are often some of the most contentious matters. We work with you to create fair, realistic custody and visitation arrangements, whether through negotiation or in the courtroom. Our priority is to ensure the best interests of the child are protected.

Divorce can be an emotionally and legally complicated process. If you're facing divorce, our office will help guide you through the legal proceedings, protect your rights, and work to achieve the best outcome for you and your family. We handle matters such as child custody, alimony, property division, and support arrangements.