I can't say enough about Joe and Cesar at MCM Law Group.
If you're a Father and dealing with DCFS you can't find a better team, not just to represent you in your case, but will truly FIGHT for your rights.
Here's what happened, young father of a 5-yr old boy, Divorced from Ex years ago. Only got 20% custody. Has been seeing his son and involved in his life from the beginning.
About 6-mnths ago the Father was contacted by a DCFS case worker/investigator saying they needed to meet with him.
The Mother, who had gotten remarried couple years ago and had 2 kids with the new husband was involved in a Domestic Violence situation. Since the son was living with the mother, along with the two new kids, DCFS was notified and opened a case against her. (new husband's done this 2-times prior to other women!!! charged and convicted of Domestic Battery)
Even though the DCFS case was opened against the Mother, father of 5-yr old was involved because he does have 20% custody/visitation so that means DCFS has to make sure he's ok and provides a safe environment when he's with him.
As you could imagine, Shocked/Scared/Confused on what to do and how to handle (deal with DCFS). Reached out to Joe and the team at MCM for help, met with them and they explained "how" DCFS operates and the "Power" they have to take kids from parents. We also found out the "case worker/investigator" would "straight out" lie to us!!!
Case worker even said we couldn't hire our own attorney, had to accept the one DCFS assigned us. That was a lie. You can hire your own attorney they just need to be "approved/qualified" to work on DCFS cases.
Remember, the Father was NOT the one that DCFS opened the case on. But, was treated like he was the bad person. Visited his home to make sure it was ok and safe when he had his son, interviewed his girlfriend and even the roommate.
Once we retained MCM and DCFS was informed, things changed!! They would still lie to us and try to make rules/conditions for the already settled custody agreement. Luckily, MCM was by our side to fight for us and really stand up to DCFS and make sure they didn't "bully" us.
On one occasion the attorney even got on the phone (after 6pm) during a regular visitation drop-off where the DCFS worker was there and telling the father he had to do what she said when it came to drop-off and pick-up even though all that had been settled years ago during the divorce)
It took less than 8-weeks and the DCFS case was taken care of and the Non-Offending parent (the Father) was removed from the case against the mother. The case is still open for the Mother.
We're now working with MCM on a Family Law case to get full "legal" custody and reverse the visitation. (80% father, 20% mother)
FYI - DCFS takes priority over any Family court proceedings.
Meaning, you have to deal with the DCFS case (even when you're the non-offending parent) BEFORE you can do anything in Family court.
(i.e. Request change in custody)
If you're dealing with DCFS, you need an attorney that knows how DCFS operates, will protect your rights, and isn't afraid to stand up to them.
MCM did exactly that, and more!!!
They actually care about their clients and work hard for you and your family.
Even if you don't retain MCM, do yourself a favor and have a consultation so you can at least know your rights and experience what it's like to talk with people that can help and want to help. read more