Defending Your Parental Rights at
Los Angeles County's Busiest Dependency Court
Edmund D. Edelman Children's Court in Monterey Park is the central hub for all Los Angeles County DCFS dependency cases — the busiest juvenile dependency courthouse in the United States. The judges, commissioners, procedures, and pace of litigation here are unlike any other court in California.
DCFS is the largest child protective services agency in the country. It is represented at Edelman Court by the Los Angeles County Counsel's office — experienced attorneys who litigate these cases every day. Parents facing DCFS deserve equally experienced representation on their side.
At ALL Trial Lawyers | CPS Defense Lawyers, our attorneys appear regularly at Edelman Court and understand the judicial officers, local procedures, and the strategies that produce results for families.
Call for a Free ConsultationWe represent parents and guardians at every stage of the dependency process — from the first DCFS visit through reunification.
Held within 72 hours of removal, this is your first chance to argue for your child's immediate return. We appear prepared and fight hard at this hearing.
We challenge DCFS petitions at jurisdiction and advocate for the least restrictive case plan at disposition — including fair visitation and a realistic reunification timeline.
Getting your family back together is the goal. We guide you through case plan compliance and push for the fastest possible reunification at every review hearing.
Many DCFS referrals arise from custody disputes, mandated reporter errors, or personal conflicts. We investigate and build a direct challenge from day one.
If DCFS moves to terminate parental rights, we fight aggressively at the permanency hearing to protect your relationship with your child.
When DCFS acts at a hospital or makes an emergency removal, we respond immediately — advising you before you make any statements.
Each stage of the LA County dependency process moves quickly. Here's what to expect — and where our attorneys make the difference.
A mandated reporter or concerned party contacts DCFS. A social worker investigates. Do not speak in detail before consulting an attorney — everything said can be used in the petition.
If your child was removed, a judge at Edelman Court decides within 72 hours whether the child stays detained or comes home. The right attorney at this hearing changes everything.
The court reviews DCFS allegations. Social worker reports, police records, and witnesses are all at issue. We challenge the petition aggressively with counter-evidence.
The court sets the case plan — services, visitation, and the reunification timeline. We fight for terms that reflect your family's actual circumstances.
Every six months the court reviews your progress. Strong advocacy at review hearings accelerates reunification. We prepare you thoroughly for every appearance.
When DCFS took my children I had no idea what to do. Attorney Abuershaid appeared at the detention hearing and my kids were home that same night. I cannot put into words what that meant to our family.
— Former Client, Los Angeles CountyThe allegations against me were completely false — a custody battle that got out of hand. The team challenged the petition directly and it was dismissed before jurisdiction. Professional and relentless.
— Former Client, Edelman Court CaseI was terrified walking into Edelman Court the first time. My attorney knew the courtroom, knew the process, and made sure I was prepared at every hearing. We achieved reunification in under four months.
— Former Client, Southern CaliforniaBe calm and respectful, but do not make detailed statements about your family or your child until you have spoken with an attorney. Contact us immediately — even before your first DCFS meeting. Early legal intervention frequently prevents cases from escalating to a formal petition.
Edmund D. Edelman Children's Court in Monterey Park handles all Los Angeles County DCFS juvenile dependency cases. It is the busiest juvenile dependency courthouse in the United States. Judicial officers there have specific expectations about case presentation — which is why local courthouse experience matters enormously.
DCFS can make an emergency removal if a social worker believes a child faces immediate risk, but they must then seek judicial authorization. You are entitled to a detention hearing at Edelman Court within 72 hours where a judge reviews whether the removal was justified. An attorney at that hearing can argue for your child's immediate return.
Yes. Many DCFS referrals in LA County arise from custody disputes, mandated reporter errors, or personal conflicts. We investigate the referral source, gather counter-evidence, and challenge the credibility and accuracy of the allegations directly at the jurisdiction hearing.
Call us at (866) 811-4255 for a free, confidential consultation. An attorney will review your situation, explain the process, identify immediate steps, and answer your questions. There is no charge and no obligation — and we recommend calling before you have made any statements or attended any hearings.
DCFS cases move fast and the stakes are high. Call ALL Trial Lawyers for a free, confidential consultation today.