what kind of lawyer is needed to represent you with division of social services

by Miss Myrtle Anderson 10 min read

A Social Security Disability attorney will ensure that you have a fair hearing and that you are asked all of the questions you should be asked during this process. It is important, however, that you choose a lawyer who is familiar with Social Security disability laws and what it takes to get a SSI or SSDI claim approved.

Full Answer

What does a social justice lawyer do?

A social justice lawyer, also known as a human rights lawyer, advocates for citizens and immigrants in the U.S. who face discrimination based on the following protected categories indicated by the NYS Human Rights Law: This law applies to discrimination in employment, housing, education, medical care, and other equal opportunity services.

What do lawyer specialize in?

Lawyers can provide a wide range of services to their clients. Some lawyers handle many different types of cases. Some lawyers specialize in one or two types, such as family and divorce law. What is Criminal Law? What Do Criminal Lawyers Do?

When do you need a Social Security disability lawyer?

The need for a Social Security disability lawyer arises when your initial claim for Social Security Disability is denied. It is at this point that you should consider hiring an attorney to represent your interests. When your initial claim for Social Security disability is denied you will have to go through an appeal process.

Who can represent you in a social security case?

Representing Social Security Claimants. Every person has the right to be represented by an attorney or other representative while pursuing a claim or other rights under titles II, XVI, and XVIII of the Social Security Act.

image

How do I sue DSS in SC?

If You Are Thinking About Suing DSS, Consult a Lawyer If something like that has happened to you, you may have a basis for bringing a lawsuit in state court. And if you believe your federal rights have been violated, you may be able to bring a civil rights claim in federal court.

What are my rights with DSS in SC?

Both the United States Constitution and the South Carolina Constitution guarantee against unreasonable searches and seizures and unreasonable invasions of privacy. You have a right to legal representation at all stages of a DSS action, including the investigative stage.

How do I sue CPS in California?

The Process of Suing Child Protective Services in CaliforniaFind a Civil Rights Litigation Attorney.Compile and Organize Your Evidence.Allow Your Civil Rights Attorney to File a Legal Complaint.

How long does DSS case stay open in SC?

But DSS can keep the records for five years. What happens if DSS cannot complete the investigation? If the investigation cannot be completed, it may be reopened later. If the investigation is reopened, DSS has 45 days to make a decision.

Can social services take my child away without evidence?

Can social services take my child away? Social services will usually only take a child away from their parents if they believe that the child is at risk of harm or neglect in their current circumstances. They are obliged to investigate any complaints or concerns reported to them.

What can you do if someone falsely reports you to social services?

If you think someone has intentionally made a false report against you or your family, contact the police. If the police agree the person who made the report is harassing you they may decide to investigate.

How do I file a complaint against a DCFS social worker in California?

For problems with DCFS in general, contact the DCFS Ombudsperson at (213) 739-6454. For issues with the Independent Living Program, call (877) 694-5741.

Can I sue social services for negligence?

You may be able to claim against social services if you were under the organisation's care when the abuse happened, or if neglect on the part of a social worker put you in a situation where you were abused.

Can you sue social services for emotional distress?

The answer is yes, you can take legal action against if this has happened to you or someone that you love. You could be able to make a claim irrespective of whether the abuse or negligence that you have suffered happened recently or a long time ago when you were a child.

How old can a child stay home alone in SC?

Some states have explicit laws that say how young is too young to leave a child at home. South Carolina does not. However, there is non-binding, unofficial guidance from the state setting the minimum age at 8 years. That's a good rule of thumb for any parent in Greenville, SC to follow.

What is considered abandonment in South Carolina?

Abandonment Defined Abandonment is defined in Section 63-7-20(1) as willfully deserting a child or willfully surrounding physical possession of a child without making adequate arrangements for child's needs or continuing care of the child.

What is considered child neglect in South Carolina?

Neglect is when a parent or guardian does not provide for the basic needs of a child, though capable of doing so. Neglect can include not meeting physical, medical, educational or emotional needs.

What do lawyers do?

Different types of lawyers specialize in different areas of law. Some lawyers mostly do the work outside of the courtroom, such as drafting contracts and wills, preparing documents to comply with a process, negotiating deals, and advising clients on a legal problem. There are also lawyers who present cases in court or litigations ...

What is a family lawyer?

Family Lawyers. These are lawyers who handle all kinds of domestic cases, such as divorce, legal separation, child custody, adoption, paternity, alimony, prenuptial or postnuptial agreements, and emancipation. But family attorneys may also handle reproductive rights cases, and their work may intersect with other areas of the law.

Why do we need malpractice lawyers?

Since these are professions that ascribe to a set of standards , they have greater professional responsibilities that may be challenged in the courtroom or in litigation.

What is a real estate lawyer?

Real estate lawyers provide legal guidance for individuals or companies seeking to buy or sell a property. They work with their clients and the real estate agents to draft documents and ensure that the paperwork is legally binding. They may also negotiate for the buyer or seller, or represent a property owner during a foreclosure dispute.

What kind of lawyer handles reproductive rights?

But family attorneys may also handle reproductive rights cases, and their work may intersect with other areas of the law. For instance, if there’s a criminal investigation of child abuse or a domestic violence case, or if there’s a juvenile delinquency case, a family lawyer may also work with a criminal lawyer. 3. Estate Planning Lawyers.

What do IP lawyers need to know?

They need to have expert knowledge in both business and innovation trends. IP lawyers may also negotiate settlements on behalf of the creator or inventor if someone has infringed on their work, such as in cases where branded goods are faked and sold for a lower price in the market.

What is a criminal defense lawyer?

Last but not least, a criminal defense lawyer is skilled in handling all stages of a criminal lawsuit. They provide valuable counsel to their clients from the time they are arrested, through the investigation, charging, arraignment and sentencing. Their work isn't quite done if their clients wish to appeal their case. A good criminal defense attorney knows how to navigate the nuances of the law, which allows them to keep their clients out of prison.

Where do lawyers work?

Government lawyers may work in Attorney General’s Offices, governors’ or mayors’ offices, in executive agencies, public defenders’ offices, or in state legislatures.

Where can I work as a family lawyer?

Family lawyers can work at smaller law firms specializing in family law, or at nonprofit organizations. Some states also offer board certification in family law or child welfare law for those who want to demonstrate verified knowledge and expertise in the area, but it is not required. 9. Immigration Lawyer.

Why do tax lawyers pursue a masters in taxation?

Some tax lawyers pursue a Master’s in Taxation to further specialize their knowledge and stay up-to-date in their practice.

What is an estate planning lawyer?

An estate planning lawyer is well-versed in the intricacies of property rights, wills, probate, and trusts. They provide legal advice and assistance to ensure client assets passing both inside and outside the will or trust are handled correctly, while also ensuring that tax and legal issues are properly addressed. Deciding how to provide for various family members is a delicate process, so estate planning lawyers may use questionnaires to help clients evaluate their assets and liabilities, and aid them in their decision-making.#N#Estate planning lawyers may pursue additional certification—most commonly the Chartered Trust and Estate Planner (CTEP), Accredited Estate Planner (AEP), or the Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA) certification .

What does an entertainment lawyer do?

Entertainment lawyers represent athletes, artists, musicians, actors, and other media-related clients or brands. They help to protect the intellectual property of their clients, which can be anything from a singer’s lyrics to a comedian’s comedy routine. Additionally, entertainment lawyers may negotiate contracts and fee arrangements, secure talent releases, act as a liaison between agents or venues, or oversee membership into unions and guilds.

What is a criminal defense lawyer?

Criminal Defense Lawyer. Criminal defense lawyers advocate on behalf of those accused of criminal activity and ensure that their liberties and basic rights are fairly upheld within the justice system.

What is a constitutional lawyer?

Constitutional lawyers deal with the interpretation and implementation of the U.S. Constitution, and balance the interests of government institutions with the interests of individuals. Various roles of a constitutional lawyer might include challenging the constitutionality of a piece of legislation, representing individuals in discrimination suits, or working as a constitutional law expert at a university. Constitutional lawyers may be involved in civil rights cases, and some argue legal issues before state supreme courts or the U.S. Supreme Court—a rare opportunity for lawyers in other fields.

What happens if you get denied Social Security?

When your initial claim for Social Security disability is denied you will have to go through an appeal process. People who have legal representation at this stage are often more successful in being approved for benefits than those who decide to go on and represent themselves.

Who is more likely to have disability claims approved?

A study conducted by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) determined that individuals who were represented by an attorney or an advocate were three times more likely to have their disability claim approved than those who represent themselves.

Can an attorney represent you at a hearing?

An attorney can represent you at this hearing and will be able to help you prepare for questioning at the hearing. An attorney will be able to determine what kinds of questions you will be asked and will be able to help you determine the best way to proceed with your claim.

Do disability attorneys get paid?

Disability attorneys and advocates take cases on the contingency basis. This means that your advocate or lawyer isn ’t paid until your claim is approved and you get disability benefits.

What to do if you have an attorney on disability?

If an attorney represented you at an earlier stage in your disability case, you should consider contacting that person to see if he or she can help you with your overpayment. The attorney will already be familiar with you and your disability case, and might be more willing to help you than an attorney who did not have a relationship with you.

Where do attorneys hold their retainers?

Attorneys must hold their retainers in special bank accounts called client trust accounts. After the attorney has completed all of the work on your case, he will submit a petition to Social Security to review the fee agreement and approve his fee. Once Social Security approves the fee (or modifies it), the attorney can take money to pay ...

How long does it take for a Social Security attorney to return money?

If he spends less than 15 hours, he will return money from your retainer to you at the end of the case. Attorneys in Social Security overpayment cases are conscious that their clients are usually lower-income individuals due to their disability, and they know that it might be hard for the client to pay the attorney's bill. ...

What happens if you lose your Social Security case?

That is, if you lose your case, you will owe your attorney $3,000 in fees (if Social Security approves the request), and you will still owe the overpayment. On the other hand, if Social Security says you owe a $160,000 overpayment, and your attorney will charge you a $3,000 retainer to begin working on it, then you might decide ...

What is legal aid?

Legal Aid attorneys work for non-profit law firms whose goal is to provide free legal advice and representation to low-income individuals in civil cases. (A civil case is any kind of case that does not involve a crime. Disability cases are civil cases.) Legal Aid attorneys may be more likely to take overpayment cases than some disability lawyers, ...

What does Social Security consider when deciding a fee?

Social Security will consider a number of factors when deciding whether a particular fee is fair, including the outcome of the case and the level of skill that was required to handle the case. Social Security can approve the attorney's fee petition request, disapprove it, or modify the fee to a lower amount. Getting Social Security ...

Do disability attorneys overpay Social Security?

Getting Social Security to approve the fee is an additional step that some disability attorneys do not want to bother with, and so they just decide that they will not do overpayment cases.

Who is a mandatory reporter?

Mandatory reporters typically include teachers, doctors, police, firefighters, day-care providers, and attorneys.

Who can contact CPS for child abuse?

Anyone concerned for the safety and well-being of a child can contact CPS to make a report. Accusers may leave identifying information or remain anonymous. Friends, family, and other third-parties who witness child neglect or abuse may call and make a report, but aren't required to do so by law.

What is the right to know when an agency is investigating you?

Right to Know. You have a right to know precisely why the agency is investigating you. Although most agencies won’t disclose who reported the alleged abuse or neglect, you can ask the worker to describe the allegations to you. You may also request written copies of the allegations.

Can a CPS agent interview you?

The agent may request to interview you, your spouse, and your children, separately. CPS doesn’t have to tell you that they're going to meet with your child unless it’s in your home. For example, if the report comes from a teacher, CPS can interview your child at school without getting your permission.

Can you record a conversation with a CPS worker?

Before you record any discussion with a CPS worker, make sure you understand your state laws on privacy and recording conversations.

Can you defend yourself in court?

In most cases, you’ll receive notice of the upcoming hearing, and you can attend and defend yourself. However, if the allegations are severe, the court may grant an ex parte (or emergency) court order, granting the agent permission to enter your home without giving you notice or the right to a hearing.

Can a CPS agent come to my home?

You have a right to refuse to grant the CPS agent entry into your home. The 4th Amendment of the United States Constitution protects us from “illegal search and seizure,” meaning a government agent can’t come to your home and demand entry without a court order. If you get a surprise visit from CPS, you can politely tell them that you don’t want them to come in. If the worker insists, remember, you can continue to say no.

What is a social justice lawyer?

A social justice lawyer, also known as a human rights lawyer, advocates for citizens and immigrants in the U.S. who face discrimination based on the following protected categories indicated by the NYS Human Rights Law: This law applies to discrimination in employment, housing, education, medical care, and other equal opportunity services.

What classes do human rights lawyers take?

As for classes, many aspiring human rights lawyers take classes in constitutional law. Typically, there are also classes on human rights violations such as family law, education law, and civil rights law.

image