DYFS Cases in Superior Court

When most people think of DYFS cases in New Jersey, they think of DYFS cases in Superior Court.  Each county in New Jersey has one Superior Court where a number of matters are heard including DYFS matters.  There are three types of cases that people usually call our lawyers about.  They are:

• Order to Investigate
• Care and Supervision
• Custody, Care and Supervision

These cases are brought under an FN docket number.  Even if DYFS did not take custody of your child, it doesn’t mean that they won’t at some point in the case.  They can amend the complaint any time to move for custody of your child.  All DYFS matters both in court and out of court should be treated seriously.  With custody cases, the parents generally have one year to get the children back.  If they fail to do so and if DYFS wins the permanency hearing, they will change the plan and move for termination of parental rights.  The case then turns into a guardianship action under an FG docket number.

There are two types of guardianship actions in New Jersey:  Kinship Legal Guardianship and Termination of Parental Rights. Kinship Legal Guardianship (otherwise known as “KLG”) is an option that is somewhere between temporary custody and adoption. A person who has KLG of a child has more rights to the child than if he just had temporary custody of the child, and less rights than if he adopted the child. Thus, a KLG arrangement allows the parent to some parental rights. For example, you may have visits with your child and have the right to refuse to allow your child to be adopted or to change his name. With termination of parental rights, you lose all rights.  You will essentially be a stranger to the child.

If you are facing any DYFS matter in any court in New Jersey, call us right away.

New Jersey DYFS Lawyers