If you’ve already created an estate plan, first: well done! You’ve taken a critical first step to protect your family and secure your legacy. Here’s the catch: it’s only a first step. You need to revisit your estate plan periodically to ensure that it still meets your needs; having an outdated estate plan can, in…
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A Guide to Managing a Visit from DCPP
When the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP or the “Division”) knocks on your door, it can be an overwhelming experience. If you find yourself in such a situation, there has most likely been a child abuse or neglect referral made against you. When such a referral is made to the Division, a caseworker…
Read More »Navigating Appeals for Substantiated Findings in DCPP Cases
People have rights under New Jersey Law The Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP or the “Division”), formerly known as the Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS), is New Jersey's child protective service agency. There may be situations where you disagree with a finding made by the Division upon the conclusion of its…
Read More »What Can Be Included in a Prenuptial Agreement in New Jersey?
A prenup can protect you in the event of a divorce, but only if it complies with the law Marriage represents many things: a commitment to another person, an announcement to the world, and a hope for a life together. But it’s also a legal institution subject to many rules, including laws that determine how…
Read More »What Happens When DCPP Takes You to Family Court in New Jersey?
A lawyer who knows the Division and New Jersey courts can help Whether you’re being accused of child abuse or neglect, or involved in a child custody dispute where those allegations are in play, your case may end up in family court—and the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP) is likely involved…
Read More »What to Do When DCPP Comes to Your Door
A surprise visit from DCPP doesn’t mean you’re powerless It’s the knock on the door that no parent ever wants to hear. A DCPP caseworker is there, demanding to be let in, inspect your home, talk to your children, and require assessments and services right away. They may even threaten to take your child away…
Read More »LaDonna M. Cousins Recognized Among the 10 Most Powerful Women in Law in 2025
LaDonna M. Cousins, Partner at Williams Law Group, LLC, was recently honored by Women World Magazine as one of the 10 Most Powerful Women in Law Making an Impact in 2025. This full-feature spread celebrates her leadership, empathy-driven approach, and commitment to clients navigating some of the most challenging moments of their lives. At Williams Law…
Read More »Top 8 Reasons Why New Jersey DCPP Is Called
If You’re Facing a DCPP Investigation, You Have Rights, But You Need To Move Fast To Protect Them New Jersey’s Department of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP), a division of the Department of Children and Families (DCF), is the state’s primary child protection and child welfare agency, responsible for investigating reports of child abuse or…
Read More »When Does Child Support End in New Jersey?
Paying child support can be a significant expense, especially if your child or children are young. That expense can last for many years. Conversely, if you are receiving child support, you may be dependent on the income and need to know how long you can count on it. Either way, it’s important to know when child support…
Read More »How Social Media and Digital Evidence Can Impact Your Divorce
In 2025, our lives—and our marriages—are increasingly online. We use emails, text messages, social media, and other digital methods to conduct business, communicate with friends and family, and often, hash out disagreements. We also store a great deal of information about ourselves in digital formats. During a divorce, most of that information is fair game.…
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