Other parent called CPS during our custody case. How worried should I be?
Got a knock on the door from a social worker. They saw the kids, looked around, asked questions. Said they'd be back. Terrified.
Please readThis is a community space for sharing personal experience — it is not legal advice, and posts here are not from Lawma or your attorney. We strongly encourage you to post under an anonymous handle, keep questions general, and avoid posting private details of your active case. For advice about your own situation, message your attorney.
Got a knock on the door from a social worker. They saw the kids, looked around, asked questions. Said they'd be back. Terrified.
✓ Verified answer from a licensed attorney — shown first
Take a breath. CPS investigations in the middle of contested custody cases are common — and the vast majority close as 'unfounded' or 'inconclusive' because the original report was custody-conflict-driven. What matters now: be cooperative but not unfiltered. You can answer questions truthfully; you can also decline to let them in without a warrant, though refusing often escalates the case. Strongly recommend hiring a dependency-savvy attorney for the CPS piece even if you have a family lawyer for the custody case — they're different tracks. Document the visit (date, what was asked, who was present). Tell your family-law attorney immediately because the report itself sometimes becomes evidence in the custody case.
Been there. They came twice, then closed it. Stay calm and document everything. It feels enormous in the moment but it usually passes.
Around the case
Other things people in your situation usually need to handle. Some are paid partners; some are free community resources — labeled clearly.
Court Self-Help Center
Free signature + form witness · Free
Most US counties have a free Court Self-Help Center (or Family Law Facilitator's Office). They review papers, witness signatures, and explain procedure. No appointment usually required.
Find your nearest SHC →Sesame Workshop — Divorce toolkit
Talking-to-kids resources · Free
Free professional toolkit for explaining family changes to young kids — videos, conversation starters, printable activity sheets.
Browse the toolkit →Swift Serve
Process server · $90–$120 typical
Same-day service on family-court papers. Flat fee, transparent pricing, certified Proof of Service delivered back.
Get a quote →Share what helped you. Be kind — and remember this is your experience, not legal advice.
Please readThis is a community space for sharing personal experience — it is not legal advice, and posts here are not from Lawma or your attorney. We strongly encourage you to post under an anonymous handle, keep questions general, and avoid posting private details of your active case. For advice about your own situation, message your attorney.