CPS Has Your Kids. Do You Know
What to Say?
The first hearing can decide everything — and walking in without knowing what to expect puts you at a real disadvantage. We're California dependency lawyers who've been in that room thousands of times before you walk in, and we'll make sure you know what the judge will ask and what to say.
Your first hearing can decide everything. Don't walk in unprepared.
Trusted by California parents facing dependency court
"They broke down every step and told me exactly what to do. My daughter never left my home."
— Scott R., California Parent
Individual results vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
How DCFShield Works in 4 Steps
You deserve a real path to bringing your children home. Our team is here to help you navigate that path with clarity and confidence.
Book a 30-Minute Consultation
Tell us about your situation and schedule a $50 30-minute call with a member of our team at a time that works for you.
- Share the details of your case
- Pick a day and time that fits your schedule
- Request an immediate call if it's urgent
- $50 fee — fully credited toward any membership program
Start Your Membership & Receive Your Strategy
Your membership begins at $289.99/month. We review everything you provide and call you with a clear strategy for how to proceed — explained in plain language, not legalese.
- Membership is $289.99/month — cancel anytime
- A thorough review of your case details
- A clear explanation of the court process
- Your rights as a parent in dependency court
Get Your Game Plan
We deliver a step-by-step plan designed to give you the strongest path to reunification as quickly as possible.
- A clear roadmap of what to do next
- What to prepare for each hearing
- How to document your progress
- Steps to maximize your chances of bringing your children home
Ongoing Support Every Step of the Way
We schedule strategy sessions before and after each hearing to keep you prepared, informed, and on track throughout your case.
- Pre-hearing strategy sessions
- Post-hearing review and next steps
- Continuous guidance as your case evolves
- A team that stays with you until your children are home
Experienced Answers, On Your Schedule
No retainers. No hourly billing. Just direct access to dependency lawyers who will answer every question you have.
Dependency Attorney Access
Six months of full attorney access for $289.99 a month. Your program is financed through Klarna — you choose the monthly payment plan that fits your budget at checkout, and your case help starts immediately.
Typical Retainer
$7,500–$12,000
Your Membership
$289.99/mo
- Direct access to a California dependency lawyer
- 1 hour of phone contact and strategizing each month
- Comprehensive review of all your case documents
- Detailed, tailored answers to your questions
- Dependency law attorneys only
- Flexible monthly payments through Klarna
Money-back guarantee. If your attorney doesn't help you prepare for your first hearing, we'll refund your first month's payment — no questions asked.
Pay monthly with Klarna. At checkout, pick the financing plan that fits your budget — pay over time while your full program starts today.
Electronic signature — California Rule of Professional Conduct 1.2(b). I understand that DCFShield provides limited scope representation only, and that I understand the material risks of that limitation: my attorney will not appear in court, file documents, or take other actions outside the agreed limited scope, and I remain responsible for the parts of my case handled on my own. Typing my full legal name below is my electronic signature acknowledging this.
Priority Access Membership
Six months of priority attorney access for $449 a month. Your program is financed through Klarna — you choose the monthly payment plan that fits your budget at checkout, and your priority access starts immediately.
For parents in the middle of a crisis who can't afford to wait. When something happens at night or on a weekend, you reach your attorney — not an answering service.
Response Time
Within 2 hours
Emergency Calls
3 / month
- Everything in the standard membership
- Priority responses within 2 hours — day, night, and weekends
- 3 emergency after-hours calls per month (30 minutes each)
- A dedicated line to your attorney when it can't wait
- First-hearing preparation, step by step
- Flexible monthly payments through Klarna
Electronic signature — California Rule of Professional Conduct 1.2(b). I understand that DCFShield provides limited scope representation only, and that I understand the material risks of that limitation: my attorney will not appear in court, file documents, or take other actions outside the agreed limited scope, and I remain responsible for the parts of my case handled on my own. Typing my full legal name below is my electronic signature acknowledging this.
All questions are answered within 24 hours during regular business hours.
* This service provides limited representation to parents with dependency cases in California only. Lawyers will not appear in court, file any documents or notice of representation, and service ends when subscription ends.
Parents Who Walked In Prepared
"I am incredibly grateful for DCFShield and especially for Ray, for giving me hope during one of the most difficult times in my life. When I was facing a bypass order and felt like the system had already decided I had no chance to fight for my baby, Ray reminded me that I should not give up. He helped me understand that even when the situation feels impossible, there are still steps I can take to advocate for my child and show the court how much I am willing to change, learn, and do everything necessary to be a better parent. His encouragement gave me the strength to keep fighting when I was feeling defeated and scared. Ray helped me see that I still have a voice and that I should continue advocating for my child and for our future together. Thank you, Ray, for listening to me, encouraging me, and most importantly, giving me hope when I needed it the most."
Jan G.
California Parent
"What a fabulous and necessary service DCFShield is offering! I found Ray to be extremely attentive to all matters regarding my child dependency case. It was really helpful to have someone to reach out to when I had questions or concerns. If my court appointed attorney had made half the effort Ray made to answer my questions and make sure we were on the same page, I believe it would have been possible to reunify with my child in half as much time. I honestly felt like Ray was rooting for me, and capable of providing me with information that my court appointed attorney did not feel was necessary for me to receive. Thanks Ray, for allowing me to believe in myself and my ability to stand up and be counted as more than just another 'typical case'."
Jasmyn
California Parent
California dependency attorneys · Prepaid 3 & 6-Month Programs
Testimonials reflect individual experiences and are not a guarantee of results. Outcomes depend on the specific facts and circumstances of each case.
DCFShield Legal Team
Dependency Law Attorneys
Practice Area
Dependency & Child Welfare Law — exclusively
Experience
Thousands of dependency hearings across California
Representation
Limited representation — questions, documents, and guidance only
Response Time
Within business hours, typically same day
We've Been in That Room
Our team is made up exclusively of experienced dependency law attorneys — lawyers who have spent their careers inside the exact system you're up against. They know what judges look for, what caseworkers won't tell you, and the questions you don't even know to ask yet.
When you submit a question, a real dependency lawyer responds with a thorough, plain-English answer — the same way they'd explain it to their own family member facing the system for the first time.
"We've been in dependency court more times than your caseworker. We know what the judge is going to ask before you walk in. And for less than your phone bill, we'll make sure you know too."
When Your Lawyer Can't Keep Up, We Fill the Gap
Dependency lawyers often carry heavy caseloads and may not have the time to answer every question. We work alongside your lawyer to ensure you stay informed and understand every step of your case.
Overworked lawyers can't always get back to every client in time.
We work with your lawyer to fill the gaps and keep you informed.
5 Things to Do Before Your First Dependency Hearing
A free checklist from California dependency attorneys. Enter your email and we'll send it to you instantly — no call required, no obligation.
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand you have questions. Here are the most common ones.
Your caseworker knows more about
your case than you do.
In dependency court, the person with more information is better prepared. Right now, that may not be you. We're California dependency lawyers who tell you what the system won't — what to expect, what to ask, what not to sign. No retainers. No hourly billing.