Protecting Your Child and Defending Your Parental Rights
Central Kentucky attorney provides strong advocacy in actions involving dependency, neglect or abuse
Larmour Law Offices, PSC, located in Georgetown, defends central Kentucky parents in dependency, neglect and abuse (DNA) cases, in which courts decide whether children should be removed from the home in order to protect their well-being. As an experienced litigator and a compassionate counselor, Attorney Ashley Larmour understands the need for family unity. She is willing to challenge the state while she works closely with parents to improve outcomes for both themselves and their children. If you are facing removal of your child from your home, it is critical to have a strong family lawyer who can clearly communicate to the court your strengths as a parent and your child’s needs with a view toward keeping your family together.
Experienced attorney defends against claims of child abuse and neglect
In general, any individual who knows or has reasonable cause to believe that a child is being neglected, abused or otherwise mistreated has a duty to report it to local law enforcement or to the Department of Kentucky State Police, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, the Commonwealth’s attorney or the county attorney. Reports are commonly made by teachers, doctors or relatives who observe physical or behavioral indications of a child’s mistreatment. An anonymous report can also be made, usually on the Child Abuse Hotline.
Once child abuse or neglect is reported, an investigation will follow. If investigators find good cause, a dependency, neglect and abuse (DNA) petition will be filed in the juvenile court. Once a DNA action has begun, the court will hold a hearing to decide whether to issue temporary child custody orders requiring removal of the child from the home and placement with another family member or in foster care.
A trial will later be held, at which the parent has the right to respond to the allegations in the petition and address whether the temporary removal of the child was justified. The court’s final disposition may be a return of the child to the home, a continuation of temporary custody or foster care or, in the worst cases, a termination of parental rights. If the child is returned to the home, other protective actions may be required, including the provision of medical, educational, counseling, social work, day care and or homemaking services.
If parental rights are terminated, it can be a long and difficult process to regain them. The parent must show that he or she has acquired the necessary parenting skills, will not harm the child and will shield the child from further abuse or other mistreatment. At Larmour Law Offices, we are experienced in DNA cases and can articulate your position to the court, interface with the state’s representatives and work to achieve a positive outcome for you and your children.
Contact an experienced Kentucky attorney if your parental rights are in jeopardy
Larmour Law Offices, PSC in Georgetown provides zealous representation for central Kentucky parents in dependency, neglect and abuse cases and related proceedings. Please call 859-813-5614 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation.
Discounts are available for military personnel, nurses, teachers, police officers and firefighters.