Legal Question in Juvenile Dependency in California

Access to case workers report only minutes before court

Every 6 months I go into court for a review hearing. Just before court, I am given the paperwork with the social workers report and recomandations. She has said that I suffer from post tramatic stess, bi-polor etc... She also states ''Her prognosis for recovery is gaurded.'' She has also made claims that I don't write him or I didn't feed him during a visit. I usally don't even have time to read this stuff until after court. How can I possibly gather evidence to the contrary when I'm lucky to even finish reading it? I don't even see my lawyer until we are in the courtroom. Her assistant will talk to me a few minutes before we go in, but it's practically pointless to even go. Shouldn't I have more time to see the evidence against me so I can be prepared to defend myself?


Asked on 9/01/02, 10:06 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
David Diamond Diamond & Associates

Re: Access to case workers report only minutes before court

The social worker gives the court the report. It isn't something you can get earlier. But what does concern me is that you don't have more contact with your attorney. Please contact my office at 310/277-1707.

Sincerely,

Lawrence Wolf, Esq.

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Answered on 9/03/02, 2:21 pm
E. Daniel Bors Jr. Attorney & Counselor At Law

Re: Access to case workers report only minutes before court

Dear Inquirer:

Nothing herein shall create an attorney-client relationship, unless a written retainer agreement is executed by the attorney and client. This communication contains general information only. Nothing herein shall constitute an attorney-client communication nor legal advice. There likely are deadlines and time-limits associated with your case; you should contact an attorney of your choice for legal advice specific to your personal situation, at once.

If you haven't already done so, please visit my

web site at --

http://home.pacbell.net/edbjr/ OR

http://www.CaliforniaDivorceAttorney.com

The site contains quite a bit of general information about California Family Law, Tenants' Rights, and Juvenile Dependencies, and EDD hearings and appeals, as well as information about me (education, experience, et cetera) and my office (location, hours, fees, policies).

NOW, IN RESPONSE TO YOUR INQUIRY --

I believe you should have access to the report AND YOUR LAWYER at least ten (10) days before the hearing. Also, if you wish to challenge any of the social worker's recommendations, the court will re-set (postpone) the matter for a "contested hearing."

Thanks for sharing your interesting inquiry with

us on LawGuru, and good luck with your case.

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Answered on 9/10/02, 1:20 pm


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