Silver Spring Juvenile Law Attorney

Serving Clients throughout Montgomery County

Juvenile law relates to the conduct, care, and supervision of those under the age of 18 in Maryland. Various laws have been enacted in the state of Maryland regarding child abuse, children in need of assistance, and the termination of parental rights. At the Law Office of Eshigo P. Okasili, LLC, our Silver Spring juvenile law attorney provides knowledgeable and effective legal assistance with any of the above issues, as well as advice and guidance in all matters relating to minors. We are dedicated to ensuring that every child’s best interests are represented through appropriate legal means.

Need help with a juvenile legal issue? Call our Silver Spring juvenile law attorney today at (301) 760-2066 or contact us online.

Juvenile Issues in Maryland

Child abuse and/or neglect. Maryland law prohibits the abuse or neglect of minors by parents or any others responsible for their care. Under the law, neglect is defined as an intentional act or omission to provide for the physical or mental care of a child which leads to a significant risk of harm. As such, it is a misdemeanor crime that carries serious penalties. Anyone suspecting child abuse or neglect has a duty to report it to their local Department of Social Services. This includes teachers, police officers, healthcare providers, and more. If you need legal help with this issue in any capacity, our firm provides focused assistance.

Child in Need of Assistance (CINA). When a child has been abused or neglected or has a developmental problem and his or her parents or guardians fail to provide proper care for the child’s needs as determined by the local Department of Social Services, the court will deem the child in need of assistance. Abuse can include sexual abuse or physical or mental harm from a parent, caretaker, or household member. In these cases, the court will seek to obtain a permanent placement for the child but will only remove the child from a parent when it is in the best interests of the child. This action is begun with a petition to the court. The court’s job is to adjudicate if the child has been abused or neglected and then take action on behalf of the child for shelter, to determine where the child should be placed, and to conduct future hearings regarding the child’s placement.

Termination of parental rights (TPR). A parent’s rights may be terminated either voluntarily or involuntarily in the state of Maryland, depending on the circumstances. In the case of a parent giving up a child for adoption, voluntary termination of rights will occur. In other cases where a child has suffered abuse or neglect, the court may order an involuntary termination of parental rights to protect the child. Courts may also terminate a parent’s rights when the parent has abandoned, failed to support, or failed to remain in contact with a child. When the need for a voluntary or involuntary termination of parental rights arises, or if you are contesting such a termination, it is best to consult with a Silver Spring juvenile law attorney experienced in handling these issues through the court.

Need legal counsel for any of the above juvenile law matters? Contact the Law Office of Eshigo P. Okasili, LLC at (301) 760-2066 for assistance.