Huntsville, TX asked in Family Law for Texas

Q: Do i need a lawyer to file a written answer, or should I do it myself?

I've received a citation for personal service from the county clerk for a cps case. They've eliminated the perpetrator of no neglect, but is trying to force myself and my daughter to take agree to therapy, which I feel we do not need. I'm unsure of what I should do next.

Related Topics:
4 Lawyer Answers
Jon R. Boyd
Jon R. Boyd
Answered
  • Fort Worth, TX
  • Licensed in Texas

A: You should file an Answer. It can be prepared by you if you want since it is so simple. Just write the style and cause no. just like the Petition served on you, then say is is your Answer to the Petition, then say you deny all the allegations of the Petition. Add your name, address, cell phone and email address, then sign. Add at the bottom that you ceritfy you are sending a true copy of it to the Petitioner's attorney, and send a copy to that attorney. Last, you need to go to the Clerk's office and FILE it. Take the original and at least 3 copies, so you will get the file stamped copies back for proof that you filed it.

That is just the start. What you really need is to hire a lawyer to defend the suit.

Jon R. Boyd
Jon R. Boyd
Answered
  • Fort Worth, TX
  • Licensed in Texas

A: Also, make sure you file it on time.

Sharita Blacknall
Sharita Blacknall
Answered
  • Plano, TX
  • Licensed in Texas

A: Yes you can prepare and file your own answer.

Rahlita D. Thornton
PREMIUM
Rahlita D. Thornton
Answered
  • Houston, TX
  • Licensed in Texas

A: CPS are serious cases to be involved with. If you have been served then they mean business. Get an attorney and save yourself the headache or heartbreak. Good luck. 888-343-4529.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.