What are the DYFS Court Procedures?

When New Jersey’s Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P), which was formerly known as the Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS), gets a claim that you abused or neglected a child, they will initiate an action against you. Once this happens, you will need to immediately contact a lawyer, as attorney representation is important from the start. Once the case is initiated against you, DYFS will go through several court procedures. Below is a list of the several steps the court usually goes through in cases like these.

1. File an Order to Show Cause and Complaint
2. Preliminary hearing
3. Discovery
4. Fact-finding hearing
5. Dispositional hearing
6. Review hearings
7. Permanency hearing

This process can be a grueling one, and can fuel many emotions. If you are looking for more clarity about DYFS court procedures, or if you are in need of a tough and smart team of lawyers, contact us through our 24 hour toll-free hotline at 1-855-9JEFLAW (1-855-953-3529). Our hardworking and dedicated attorney’s will be there with you every step of the way.