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DSS Lawyer in Union, Laurens & the Upstate
If the Department of Social Services has opened an investigation, removed your children or filed a case against you, you need a lawyer who handles DSS cases every week. Call day or night.
We help parents and families stand up to DSS
At Butler Law Firm, we believe children belong with their families. Attorney Melinda Butler represents parents, grandparents and relatives in DSS cases in family courts across the Upstate.
DSS cases we handle
- DSS investigations, before or after a case is filed
- Emergency removals and probable cause hearings
- Merits hearings and treatment plans
- Getting your child back from the State
- Getting your grandchild or relative out of foster care and placed with family
- Termination of parental rights (TPR) cases
- Appeals of DSS and TPR decisions
What to do right now
- Call us before your next meeting or hearing. DSS deadlines move fast, and the first hearings matter most.
- Keep every paper DSS or the court gives you, including safety plans, notices and court orders.
- Write down dates and names of every caseworker visit, phone call and drug screen.
- Do not miss a court date. If you have a hearing coming up, tell us the date when you call.
Flat fees, so you know the cost
Our typical fee for a DSS investigation or DSS matter is a $3,500 initial fee plus a $395 monthly flat fee that covers meetings, calls, filings, hearings and mileage. After we review your situation, we give you the actual fee in writing before you hire us. Pay over time with Affirm is available.
Already have a DSS ruling against you?
Mrs. Butler handles DSS and TPR appeals and has handled many of them. Appeal deadlines are short, so call as soon as possible. See our appeals page.
DSS involved with your family?
Call day or night. The sooner we start, the more options you have.