Walter Davis Shaw III

I was absolutely terrified when LA County DCFS showed up at my house because of a misunderstanding at my daughter’s school. The social worker was pushing hard for removal, and I had no idea how the juvenile dependency system worked. I hired this firm immediately, and it was the best decision I ever m...ade. My lawyer told me not to sign anything or answer questions without him present. He showed up to the meetings, reviewed the initial DCFS report, and quickly pointed out massive inconsistencies in the social worker's timeline. Because he knew exactly how the LA dependency judges think, he was able to get the petition dismissed at the very first detention hearing. My kids never had to leave my home. If you are dealing with DCFS in Los Angeles, do not try to handle it alone. Get this lawyer on your side.

When LA County DCFS filed a dependency petition against me, my mother was the only one who stepped up to take my children. But getting her approved as a placement was a nightmare because the LA courts are so backed up and bureaucratic. DCFS kept delaying her home study, and I was terrified my kids wo...uld end up with strangers in foster care. I hired Mr. Shaw because of his specific experience with LA juvenile matters. Walter forced the issue and got us a hearing much faster than I expected. He argued passionately in the downtown LA courthouse and wasn't afraid to get into it with the DCFS county counsel when they tried to make excuses. He walked my mom through every single interview and requirement. The judge ultimately ordered DCFS to place my kids with her. Walter is an absolute beast in the courtroom and truly cares about his clients.

I never thought I’d need a dependency lawyer until Riverside CPS filed an emergency petition to remove my daughter over alleged "unsafe living conditions" at my apartment. I was panicking and couldn't afford to lose her. This attorney was incredibly down-to-earth and met with me the same day I called.... He rushed to the Riverside courthouse for the emergency removal hearing and explained every single document the county was throwing at us. He convinced the judge that my daughter was not in imminent danger and argued for a safety plan instead of removal. The judge agreed, and she stayed in my care while I fixed the minor issues they cited. He even followed up to make sure I passed the re-inspections. He literally saved my family from being torn apart. Highly recommended for any parent in Riverside facing CPS.

My ex-wife made false allegations of physical abuse, and San Bernardino CPS opened a dependency case against me. I was stripped of my kids and only allowed supervised visits. I felt completely helpless and like the system was just going to rubber-stamp the social worker's report. This lawyer took my ...case and actually listened to me. He didn't just take my money and tell me to settle; he told me we were going to fight it at the jurisdiction hearing. He had me complete a psychological evaluation to prove I was stable, and then he completely dismantled the social worker's case on the stand. The judge dismissed the dependency petition, and my boys are back home with me full-time. The emotional toll of a CPS investigation is brutal, but having a lawyer who knows the San Bernardino judges and isn't afraid to cross-examine the county made all the difference.

I was extremely worried when LA County DCFS became involved with my family following a misunderstanding at my daughter’s school. I had no idea how the juvenile dependency process worked or what steps I needed to take. I hired this firm right away, and it was one of the best decisions I made. My at...torney explained how I should handle communications with DCFS, attended meetings with me, and carefully reviewed the initial report. He identified inconsistencies in the timeline and made sure those issues were properly addressed. He represented me at the initial detention hearing, and the petition was dismissed. My children were able to remain at home, which was the outcome I had been hoping and praying for. I am very grateful for the guidance and support I received throughout the process. If you are facing a DCFS matter in Los Angeles County, having an experienced juvenile dependency attorney by your side can make a significant difference. Thanks