Child Abuse/Neglect

Neglect and Child Abuse Lawyer

Charges of child abuse and neglect are taken very seriously by law enforcement and the child protection systems. Children can be in circumstances that are entirely unsuitable and dangerous. The welfare and safety of the children in our community is important. I work to protect them.

Allegations of child abuse and neglect are serious for the child and for the person charged. Talk with an attorney about your rights and options.

However, people can manipulate the system to get even with an adult — a former spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend. In such cases, charges of child abuse or even wrongful death have nothing to do with the safety of a child and everything to do with the anger one adult feels toward another. I make sure children are not being used to retaliate against an adult.

If you have been accused of child abuse or if you know of a child in danger, contact my Charleston, West Virginia, law office. Call Shawn Taylor, PLLC toll-free at 304-345-5959 to learn how I can help.

All allegations are investigated

If the Department of Health and Human Resources receives a report of child abuse or neglect, they will send a Child Protective Services worker to investigate. If the investigator is able to substantiate the allegations, the child can be removed from the home and parental rights terminated. If this happens to you, seek legal counsel immediately.

An experienced lawyer in child abuse and neglect cases

I have considerable experience on both sides of this issue. I have helped fathers whose children became associated with drug labs because the mother's new boyfriend was a methamphetamine dealer. I have helped grandparents secure guardianship of their grandchildren because the mother was subjecting the children to emotional abuse and psychological injury. I have helped mothers defend against charges levied at them by their former spouse.

Know your rights

In all of these cases, I make sure that clients know their options and that they understand that the primary issue is the welfare of the child. I work to protect their parental rights as much as possible. If you know of a child in danger or if you have been accused of child abuse or neglect, it is important to have experienced advice. Contact me at Shawn Taylor, PLLC. Call me toll-free at 304-345-5959.