Frances has extensive experience working in the Glynn County juvenile court system and is often called upon for legal issues concerning juveniles. In any case involving children, Frances is passionate about advocating for their needs and best interests. Often these cases in Juvenile Court involve working with the Department of Family and Children Services (DFACS).
Guardian ad litem
Frances serves regularly as a guardian ad litem, the person a court appoints to represent the best interests of a child in a divorce or parental rights and responsibilities case. It is her responsibility to investigate the family situation and provide counsel to the court about where the child should live and what type of contact is appropriate with parents.
Dependency/Deprivation
Frances represents parents and/or the extended family in cases of child dependency. A deprived child may be defined as one who is without proper parental care, education, or care for his physical, mental or emotional health. Also, a child who has been placed for care or adoption in violation of law, or has been abandoned by parents or guardian, or one who does not have a parent, guardian or custodian, can be considered to be a deprived child. Often these cases in Juvenile Court involve working with the Department of Family and Children Services (DFACS).
Foster Parent Representation
Frances represents foster parents in navigating the dependency process in Juvenile Court. She aides in assisting the foster parents in gaining permanency for the child or children.
Family Representation
Frances represents extended family members who have an interest in the child who is in the Department of Family and Children Services (DFACS) care and custody. She assists them in gaining permanency for the children.
