Child Protective Services (CPS) Attorney in Portland, Texas

When Child Protective Services (CPS) becomes involved in your family’s life, the experience can be overwhelming, invasive, and deeply emotional. If you’ve been contacted by CPS or are under investigation, you need to act quickly. Even a seemingly small issue can escalate into a removal case, potentially leading to the loss of custody of your child.

At Bourlon Law Firm, attorney Bobby Bourlon provides aggressive legal representation to parents and guardians facing CPS investigations and removals in Portland, Texas. With years of experience handling CPS and family law cases, Attorney Bourlon helps protect families from unjustified accusations, misinterpretations, and overreach.

Why CPS May Get Involved

Child Protective Services can initiate an investigation for a variety of reasons. In most cases, someone—such as a teacher, doctor, neighbor, or relative—has filed a report alleging abuse, neglect, or unsafe living conditions.

Common triggers for CPS investigations include:

• Neglect or inadequate supervision
  
• Suspected physical or emotional abuse
  
• Allegations of sexual abuse
  
• Substance abuse in the home
  
• Unsafe or unsanitary living conditions
  
• Domestic violence exposure
  
• Mental health concerns of a parent or guardian
  

It’s important to know that CPS has the authority to remove your child from your home without a court order in emergency situations. In these cases, a hearing will usually follow within 14 days to determine whether the removal was justified and whether temporary custody should continue.

The CPS Investigation Process

A CPS investigation can last up to 30 days and includes:

• Home visits and inspections
  
• Interviews with children, parents, teachers, and others
  
• Review of medical and school records
  
• Coordination with law enforcement, if necessary
  

Even if no removal occurs, the results of a CPS investigation can have long-lasting effects on your family. A “reason to believe” finding against you can:

• Affect your child custody rights
  
• Prevent you from working in childcare or education
  
• Influence future investigations
  
• Damage your reputation
  

This is why having a knowledgeable CPS defense attorney involved early in the process is crucial.

What to Do If CPS Contacts You

If a CPS investigator reaches out to you:

• Do not speak to them without an attorney present.
  
• Do not allow access to your home without understanding your rights.
  
• Do not sign any documents or safety plans without legal advice.
  

CPS investigators may come across as friendly or helpful, but they are trained to gather evidence that can be used against you. Anything you say can be misinterpreted or misused. Your attorney will protect your rights and ensure that your voice is heard accurately.

Court Hearings and Parental Rights

If CPS removes your child from your home, the next steps move through the court system. There are multiple hearings in a CPS case, including:

• Adversary (Emergency) Hearing: Typically within 14 days of removal
  
• Status Hearing
  
• Permanency Hearings
  
• Final Trial (often within 12 months)
  

During this process, CPS will present evidence justifying the removal and propose a reunification plan or, in some cases, termination of parental rights. Your attorney’s job is to challenge the allegations, advocate for reunification, and present a defense that supports your right to parent your child.

Attorney Bobby Bourlon has extensive experience representing clients in these hearings and will fight to bring your child home as quickly as possible.

How Bobby Bourlon Can Help

CPS cases involve a complex intersection of family law, criminal law, and administrative law. You need an attorney who understands this unique legal terrain and can act fast to protect your family.

Attorney Bourlon will:

• Review and challenge the CPS findings
  
• Communicate with CPS on your behalf
  
• File emergency motions to contest removal
  
• Represent you in every court hearing
  
• Advocate for reunification or dismissal of the case
  
• Guide you through compliance with service plans
  
• Protect your rights under Texas Family Code and constitutional law
  

Your Family Deserves a Strong Defense

Too often, parents believe that CPS is there to help—but CPS is primarily concerned with protecting the child, not with helping parents resolve family problems. Without strong legal representation, parents can lose custody based on incomplete information or unfair assessments.

Whether you are under investigation, facing removal, or trying to regain custody of your child, Bobby Bourlon is here to fight for your rights. He will work tirelessly to ensure that your side of the story is heard and that your child is returned to a safe, loving home as soon as possible.

Schedule a Free Consultation Today

CPS cases can escalate quickly. Don’t wait until it’s too late. If CPS has contacted you—or you fear they might—speak with an experienced Portland CPS defense attorney now.

Call Bourlon Law Firm at 361-289-6040 for a free and confidential consultation. Let us stand by your side and protect your most valuable relationship: your family.