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Last Modified on Oct 06, 2025
Being involved in a domestic violence dispute can be overwhelming, confusing, and terrifying. You may not know the most effective way to resolve things, including getting a restraining order against your attacker or pursuing additional legal actions. The first thing you should do is hire a lawyer to help you figure things out. Throughout it all, if you have kids, you may be wondering, “Does CPS get involved in domestic violence cases in Riverside, CA?” It’s entirely possible.
It’s important for you to prioritize your own health and the health of your children in the wake of a domestic violence situation. Having a Riverside domestic violence attorney by your side can help provide you with peace of mind that things are being handled with the utmost sincerity and grace. You will want a lawyer who has experience handling domestic violence cases like yours, as well as someone with extensive knowledge of the state’s domestic violence laws.
Why Hire a Domestic Violence Lawyer?
There are countless reasons to hire a domestic violence lawyer. When faced with a domestic violence situation, you will want the right kind of legal help on your side to ensure that further incidents don’t happen and that you and your children are properly protected. The legal team at Edgar & Dow understands how delicate this situation can be. Our firm has earned numerous awards for helping our clients through difficult times, including domestic violence cases.
Domestic violence is not a rarity in California. According to recent statistics from the California Department of Justice and the Office of the Attorney General, there were over 163,000 calls to 911 that were directly related to domestic violence throughout the state in 2024 alone. The divorce rate in California is only around 9%, according to recent U.S. Census Bureau data. If you are involved in a domestic violence situation, call the police and call a lawyer for help.
Enduring domestic violence can seriously impact your mental health as well as your physical health. In the interest of protecting yourself and your family, you may want to consider alternative methods of healing, such as visiting a local domestic violence support group. Local groups like Laura’s House or SAFE Family Justice Center can provide you with a judgment-free zone to openly discuss your fears, concerns, and hopes for the future. They can help you.
Does CPS Get Involved in Domestic Violence Cases?
The short answer is yes. If there is a domestic violence case involving children, then Child Protective Services (CPS) will likely get involved in an effort to prioritize the well-being and welfare of any children involved in the altercation at hand. Exposing children to domestic violence is considered a form of child abuse under California state law. In Riverside County, the Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) will move forward with a case by:
- Investigating reports. To begin, CPS workers will investigate any allegations of domestic violence being made. They will assess the impact that such actions have had on the children living in the home and determine if those children are at risk.
- Assessing child safety. Overall, the goal of CPS workers is to protect the child’s welfare in the event of domestic violence. They will assess the overall household environment that the child is living in and explore the nature of the violent action that occurred.
- Connecting with resources. If necessary, CPS workers will link families to counseling options, support groups, and shelters that can address underlying issues and offer long-term support.
- Working with law enforcement. CPS will collaborate with local law enforcement to address all aspects of the case that affect the children. Law enforcement will address the criminal aspect of the domestic violence actions, while CPS will address the child protection issues that everyone needs to be aware of going forward.
FAQs
Does CPS Get Involved in Domestic Violence Cases in California?
Yes, CPS does get involved in domestic violence cases in California, but only if there are children at risk. If there are no children involved, the case will likely remain a focus of local law enforcement. CPS gets involved if the welfare of children is at risk in any way. Domestic violence is seen as a form of child endangerment. CPS may assist families in developing a safety plan or collaborate with law enforcement to reach a solution.
What Is Strong Evidence in a Domestic Violence Case?
There are many different kinds of evidence that could be considered strong in a domestic violence case. Primarily, you will want as much documentation of the incident as you can find. This includes photos, videos, witness statements, police reports, and medical records. The more evidence you have that supports your claim, the easier it can be to seek justice, accountability, or even civil damages.
What Is CPS Not Allowed to Do in California?
While CPS is allowed to act strongly to help children in an unsuitable environment, there are many things they are not able to do. In California, CPS cannot legally enter your home without your express consent, nor can they force you to take a drug test without a court order. They are not allowed to take your child away from you unless they have a court order that allows them to do so. They also cannot directly terminate parental rights.
Should I Hire a Family Lawyer?
Yes, you should hire a family lawyer if you are dealing with a domestic violence situation. The consequences of such a situation can be far-reaching and affect different aspects of your life, including your children. You don’t want to take any chances when your kids are involved. A good lawyer can help you do what must be done in regard to getting a restraining order or complying with CPS.
Contact a Lawyer Today
At Edgar & Dow, we can help you figure out the right course of action after a domestic violence incident. Contact us to speak to a member of our legal team about your options.
