When someone accuses you of being an unfit parent, you may be scared that you’ll lose your family. You may feel like the system is stacked against you, that no one’s listening to your side, and that things are moving too fast to keep up. Our Plymouth Meeting unfit parent defense lawyer can help.
At McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., we’ve helped parents in Plymouth Meeting and across Montgomery County take back control. Our Plymouth Meeting criminal defense lawyer moves quickly, stands between you and the agency, and builds a strategy that protects your rights and your family. Contact us today for a free evaluation of your case.
In Pennsylvania, a parent may be deemed “unfit” if they are unable or unwilling to provide a safe, stable, and nurturing environment for their child. This determination isn’t made lightly but doesn’t always reflect the whole truth.
Being labeled an unfit parent doesn’t always stem from clear-cut abuse or neglect. In many cases, allegations arise from misunderstandings, one-sided reports, or personal conflict (especially during custody disputes).
Some of the most common accusations include:
It’s important to remember that an accusation is not a verdict. These claims can and should be challenged. At McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., we know how to do precisely that.
When you’re facing allegations of being an unfit parent, you deserve an advocate who understands what’s at stake. At McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., we bring an unwavering commitment to every case.
Attorney David McKenzie is a former criminal prosecutor who knows how child welfare investigations work and how to challenge them. We don’t just react; we build innovative, proactive strategies to protect your parental rights and future.
Our firm is known for being accessible, dependable, and client focused. We keep you informed, fight hard in and out of court, and never charge surprise legal fees. You can read some of our client testimonials to get a feel for how we can fight for your best interests.
When your family is on the line, trust the firm prioritizing your peace of mind and your children’s well-being.
The Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth (CYS) and Child Protective Services (CPS) exist to protect children from harm. Their mission is critical, ensuring that every Pennsylvania child has a safe, stable, and supportive environment. Many caseworkers are genuinely trying to help families in crisis and prevent long-term trauma.
But when you’re the parent under investigation, it can feel like CYS is against you, not with you. Their involvement can be sudden, confusing, and deeply emotional, especially if you’re a loving parent doing your best in a difficult situation.
At McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., we understand both sides of the equation. We respect the mission of CYS, but we also know that the system can get it wrong—and when it does, families suffer. We step in to protect your rights, make sure your voice is heard, and work toward outcomes that keep families together whenever possible.
If you’ve been contacted by CYS or CPS, you’re likely scared and unsure what to do. Understanding that these agencies are focused on gathering evidence is critical. That’s where we come in.
Here’s what you should do immediately:
Fear is natural, but staying calm is key. These situations escalate quickly, and delays can cost you valuable opportunities to protect your parental rights. The sooner you speak with a defense attorney, the more options you have.
CYS caseworkers may ask to speak with you or inspect your home, and often they do this with little warning. While they may seem friendly, anything you say or show them can be used against you. Politely tell them you need to consult your attorney first.
Preserve every email, voicemail, letter, or message from CYS or CPS. These documents can become crucial evidence in your case. Even minor details, like the tone of a voicemail or the timing of a visit, can help us build your defense.
Keep a detailed record of every contact. Write down the names of caseworkers, the date and time of conversations, what was said, and what actions were taken. This helps us verify facts and challenge inconsistencies in their reports.
The sooner we get involved, the more we can do to protect your rights. We can communicate directly with CYS on your behalf, prevent missteps, and begin gathering evidence to defend your case.
When Child & Youth Services or Child Protective Services opens an investigation into your parenting, it can feel invasive and deeply unsettling. These investigations often move quickly and can catch you off guard.
Here’s what typically happens:
Even well-meaning case workers can misinterpret situations or act on incomplete information. That’s why having a knowledgeable defense attorney can be critical. Our goal is protecting your rights, guiding your responses, and ensuring your voice is heard.
If you’re under investigation, CYS may request to inspect your home. They sometimes request an inspection with little or no notice. These inspections are meant to assess the safety and cleanliness of your living environment, but they can feel invasive and intimidating.
You are not required to allow a home inspection without understanding your rights. In many cases, it’s best to contact your attorney before you consent to such an inspection. Letting an investigator into your home without legal guidance can lead to misinterpretations or unjust conclusions based on appearance alone.
At McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., we prepare you for what to expect, help you document your living conditions accurately, and ensure your rights are respected throughout the process. We can often arrange to be involved if a home visit is necessary, so you’re not facing it alone.
Once CYS or CPS completes its investigation, they will issue a formal finding. This investigation’s outcome can significantly impact your family, and understanding possible results is key to preparing your defense:
At McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., we work to resolve your case as quickly and favorably as possible.
If allegations are considered “founded,” you may face a dependency hearing. In Pennsylvania, dependency hearings are legal proceedings that determine whether a child should be declared “dependent” due to concerns such as abuse, neglect, or abandonment. These hearings are governed by the Pennsylvania Juvenile Act and the Rules of Juvenile Court Procedure.
Depending on how each stage goes, there may be up to four hearings in these cases.
If a court or CYS determines that you’re an unfit parent, the consequences can be devastating, but they’re not always permanent.
You could face:
Being labeled “unfit” doesn’t mean you’re beyond help. At McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., we fight to prevent this outcome or work toward reunification and restoration of your rights if a finding has already occurred. The sooner you contact us, the more options we may have to protect your family. Call today to learn more.
At McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., we take control of your case and build a defense rooted in facts, strategy, and compassion.
Here’s how we fight for you:
McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., is deeply rooted in Plymouth Meeting and serves families across Montgomery County with the insight that only comes from years of working in the local court system.
We understand how the Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth operates. We know how to navigate the system precisely and strategically. Whether your case involves local schools, a family court, or a pending criminal matter, we tailor our defense to fit the unique dynamics of this region.
Below are quick answers to some of the more common questions we get about unfit parent cases.
Yes, in serious cases, CYS can request emergency removal of a child while the investigation is ongoing. That’s why it’s helpful to contact a defense lawyer as soon as you’re contacted by CYS. Early legal action can prevent temporary decisions from becoming permanent outcomes.
Yes, but with caution. While cooperation may seem helpful, speaking to investigators without legal guidance can harm your case. Even well-meaning answers can be misinterpreted. We recommend consulting a lawyer before giving statements, allowing home visits, or signing any documents.
If someone has made a false claim, we can help uncover the truth, challenge their credibility, and present evidence that supports your parenting ability. Don’t try to handle it alone.
Absolutely. Many parents struggle with issues like addiction, mental health, or unstable housing at some point, but that doesn’t mean they’re unfit. We help you present the full picture, including the steps you’ve taken to improve. Courts recognize change when it’s clearly documented and presented.
We respond to inquiries quickly and confidentially and are ready to act when you become a client. We offer 24/7 call answering, and once we’re officially retained, you’ll have direct access to your attorney via phone, text, or email throughout your case.
If you’re under investigation or facing accusations of being an unfit parent, the worst thing you can do is wait. Every hour counts when your relationship with your child is on the line.
At McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., we know how overwhelming this feels. We’re here to step in, take the legal pressure off your shoulders, and fight for the outcome your family deserves. From day one, you’ll have a responsive and empathetic advocate in your corner.
Let us protect what matters most: your rights, your future, and your child. Call now or request a free and confidential initial consultation.
