Why You Want a Dependency Law Attorney

Pasadena | Glendale | Burbank | Los Angeles CA

Dependency Matters Handled in the Counties of:
San Bernardino I Ventura I Riverside I Los Angeles CA

Dependency FAQs

Detention?
If a DCFS social worker determines there is an imminent danger...Learn More

PRC (Pretrial Resolution Conference?
The PRC is an opportunity to determine if there...Learn More

ADJ (Adjudication)?
Trial in dependency court is really only as good or thorough as...Learn More

Disposition Hearing?
The purpose of the disposition hearing is to make orders for you...Learn More

If you have a dependency hearing scheduled, you are entitled by California law to have a dependency lawyer appointed to you by the court from the Los Angeles Dependency Lawyers (LADL). Like public defenders, these attorneys are often overworked and overwhelmed. Each LADL attorney is assigned hundreds of clients and cases. Unfortunately, they typically do not have the time to dedicate to your matter that you and your child deserve.

However, you do have other options. You can hire private counsel to represent you in a dependency hearing. There are several advantages to being represented by a private dependency attorney rather than the appointed dependency lawyer, including:

Private Dependency Attorney Appointed Dependency Lawyer
You get to choose your dependency attorney and can investigate the credentials, experience and resources of the attorney you select The court appoints a dependency lawyer and you have no choice in the matter, you may get a seasoned attorney or you may get a new attorney appointed to represent you – luck of the draw
Your attorney is dedicated to your case and will have the necessary time and resources to devote to your matter to give you the best possible chance of success Your appointed dependency lawyer may not have the experience you desire, and will likely be overworked and overburdened, and will likely not have the time to use the resources that a private dependency attorney will use
An experienced private dependency attorney will have a network of experts and professionals to engage as your case requires Appointed lawyers are assigned by the court and paid by the state, they do not usually have time to use the resources available to strengthen your case

Experienced Private Pasadena Dependency Attorney

Dependency lawyer, Robert Howell, of the Pasadena law firm of the Law Offices of Howell & Howell, has extensive experience representing parents in dependency cases involving the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). He is a former Los Angeles Dependency Law (LADL) attorney who went into private practice specifically so he could take the necessary time to provide parents with the best possible representation in DCFS matters. Mr. Howell spends most of his court time at Children’s Court in Monterey Park.

In addition, his background includes being part of a team of lawyers representing the Marshall family in a civil rights lawsuit against the County of Los Angeles and the Department of Children and Family Services. The result of that lawsuit was a $220,000 settlement for his clients.

Being a parent himself, Mr. Howell understands how important your children are to you and he is dedicated to providing you with the best possible representation, and he is committed to obtaining the best possible results for you and your family.

Contact an Experienced Private Pasadena Dependency Law Attorney

If you have an issue involving the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and would like to discuss your case and your options with an experienced private Pasadena dependency lawyer, please schedule a consultation at the Law Offices of Howell & Howell by calling us at (626) 568-1900, or if you prefer, fill out our intake form and we will contact you.

Helping families...one client at a time.

Located in Pasadena, California, the Law Offices of Howell & Howell represents men and women in family law and divorce matters throughout the San Fernando Valley - San Gabriel Valley - Inland Empire area, including clients throughout the communities in and around Pasadena, La Canada, San Marino, Los Angeles, Burbank, Glendale, Alhambra, Arcadia, Azusa, Glendora, Covina, West Covina, El Monte, San Bernardino and Riverside, CA.