Practice Area
Jurisdiction Hearing
If the child is detained, a jurisdiction hearing will be held within fifteen days of the courts order to detain the child. By this point, the parents should have a chance to see the petition which lists the allegations against them and should also discuss these matters with their attorney. This hearing is the opportunity for the parents to defend themselves against the allegation(s) of mistreatment to their child.
During the jurisdiction hearing, the Judge will review the facts of the case and determine if the allegations against the parents are true. The Judge has the authority to amend the petition and decide whether any or all of the allegations are true. If the Judge finds that the allegations were not proven, the case can be dismissed and the child must be returned to their parents. However if the Judge finds that allegations were true, the case will be set for a disposition hearing.
