Dependency/DCF
Marie Calla Quartell, Esq. has years of experience handling Dependency/DCF cases. Chapter 39 of the Florida Statutes governs dependency actions. Dependency actions are filed in cases where there is evidence of abuse, abandonment or neglect. DCF actions are very serious.
If you find yourself being investigated by DCF, please give us a call to set up a free consultation. Only an experienced attorney in this area can guide you through this process. The process, depending on the level of DCF involvement can be quite confusing and scary. Not knowing the laws contained in Chapter 39 means that you do not know what your rights are and what to expect.
The Office of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel http://www.rc-4.com/index.shtm will represent persons who are indigent and cannot afford counsel. Because important parental rights are involved, a no cost attorney will be provided by the state (similar to a public defender in a criminal action. In dependency matters, Regional attorneys represent parents whose children may have been removed from their custody and who face the possibility of losing their parental rights.
If you do not meet the criteria for indigent status you can print the application for indigent status (https://www.flcourts.org/content/download/403010/3456394/indigent_application.pdf) located at the Supreme Court’s Website and file it with your local clerk’s office. The Clerk of your county will determine your eligibility for a free lawer based on your income and assets.
If you are not indigent please contact our office for assistance with your DCF matter.