Heiskell Dependency and Neglect
If you face allegations of dependency and neglect, your next best move is to contact a Heiskell dependency and neglect lawyer at John T. Sholly, Attorney and Counselor at Law to represent you.
We have served as family lawyers in Tennessee for a long time now. Our team of lawyers is not only skilled and knowledgeable but also passionate about relieving our clients of their legal burdens.
And if you are one of them, we want you to know that we will handle your case proactively and meticulously.
Please consult us immediately when you receive a hearing notice for a dependency and neglect proceeding. We will respond for you and start building a defense argument so you can keep custody of your child.
Call John T. Sholly, Attorney and Counselor at Law today at (865) 276-7228 for your consultation with a Heiskell Dependency and Neglect Lawyer!
Reasons for Dependency and Neglect Proceedings
‘Dependency and neglect’ is legally defined as a parent’s or caretaker’s act (or failure to act) that leads to death, serious physical or emotional harm, or sexual abuse, which puts a child at imminent risk of serious injury.
Cases of dependency and neglect vary. But some of the more typical circumstances include the following:
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Severe emotional abuse
- Crime committed by the child
- Child’s continuous tardiness or absences from the school
- Domestic abuse case involving either or both parents
- Abandonment
- Neglect or failure to provide the child’s needs (i.e., clothing, food, shelter, medical care, supervision)
Regardless of the specific cause of your case, our Heiskell dependency and neglect lawyer can help build a compelling argument on why you should retain custody of your child. We will provide evidence that you can provide for your child’s needs, nurture their development, and ensure their safety.
Consequences of Dependency and Neglect
If it is proven in court that your child has been neglected or was forced to be dependent because of your absence, your child will be removed from your care and residence.
They will be in the legal custody of the Tennessee government. Your child might end up in foster care or be sent to a court-approved private party, which could be a family member.
If you fix the problem, your child can be returned to your care. However, if the court believes the case to be severe and that it’s not ideal for your child to return, your child may be permanently removed from your care.
Additionally, if the case involves your child committing a crime, they might be sent to a juvenile detention center, hardware secure facility, or community-based facility. The actual consequence will be based on the nature of your child’s offense.
Reliable Dependency and Neglect Lawyer
A dependency and neglect proceeding is not to be taken lightly. Depending on the actual circumstance that led to the hearing, you might permanently lose custody of your child. This alone is a consequence that we understand to be worrisome.
If you’d like to be fully prepared for the proceeding, please work with our Heiskell dependency and neglect lawyer. We can help maximize your chance of proving your capability as a parent/guarding and keeping your child under your care.
With our legal expertise, we can effectively build a defense strategy, gather evidence, and represent you in court. We can also interview your child, your child’s teacher, your doctor, and other relevant people that can help build a compelling case to support your cause.
If, however, the court grants an unfavorable ruling, our lawyers can always file an appeal on your behalf. We will be your trusted allies as you legally fight to regain custody of your child!
Talk To A Legal Professional Today
Our Heiskell, Tennessee law firm understands that parenting can be challenging. Your ways might not look good to others, leading to a wrongful report of dependency and neglect. Or, if the information is accurate, our lawyers will still gladly represent you as you turn your ways around and are now willing to fight to be an active parent for your child again.
Regardless of your situation, however, if you’re facing dependency and neglect allegations, our expert family lawyers are always ready to give you comprehensive legal service until the end of your battle.
Call John T. Sholly, Attorney and Counselor at Law today at (865) 276-7228 for your consultation with a Heiskell Dependency and Neglect Lawyer!
