Zealous Advocacy of Parents in Abuse and Neglect Proceedings

• Citation: Vol. 48 No. 5 Pg. 22
• Year: 2025
• Pages: 22

Zealous Advocacy of Parents in Abuse and Neglect Proceedings No. Vol. 48 5 Pg. 22 Wyoming Bar Journal October, 2025

Zealous Advocacy of Parents in Abuse and Neglect Proceedings

3 Things to Consider as a Parent's Attorney

by Hope M. Mead

Parents facing abuse and neglect proceedings are thrust into one of the most challenging legal landscapes imaginable. The stakes are high: the potential loss of custody, family disruption, and lasting emotional impact. In this context, the concept of zealous advocacy becomes paramount. For parents accused of abuse or neglect, their attorney's commitment to this principle can make the difference between family reunification or permanent separation. The question becomes what we can do better and how we ensure justice for our clients and these families. Here are a few places to ensure we, as parents' attorneys, are holding the others in the system accountable and providing the best representation we can to our clients.

1. Preserve the Right to a Jury Trial

Preservation of your client's right to a jury trial is one of the first steps a parents' attorney may take in the zealous advocacy of their client. Requesting a jury trial pursuant to Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 14-3-423 at the outset of the proceeding, simultaneous with your entry of appearance and demand for discovery, is the best way to preserve that right for your client. When making this request it is also the optimal time to request a twelve (12) person jury pursuant to Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 1 -11 -119. After preserving that right you will have adequate time to conduct a more thorough evaluation as to...