Orange Abogado de Separación Familiar

Family separation can occur unexpectedly, because of immigration enforcement, at the border, or following a parent’s detention. An Orange County family separation lawyer helps families determine legal steps to reunite and secure their rights.

At U.S Law Center, we represent parents, spouses, and children who have been detained or are facing deportation proceedings in locating loved ones, communicating with agencies, and exploring all forms of relief available under U.S. immigration law. Each case is treated with urgency and compassion, with a focus on the fundamental importance of family unity.

Hire a Family Separation Lawyer

U.S. Law Center serves families throughout Orange County who are suffering from separation because of detention, deportation, or border enforcement. Our attorneys understand how emotionally and legally complex these cases can be. 

Whether coordinating with detention facilities, preparing a humanitarian parole case, or filing a motion related to child custody, we approach each case with care and precision. As a firm near the Santa Ana Immigration Court, we are well-informed and offer accessible representation to families working to reunite under challenging circumstances.

Why Family Separation Happens in Immigration Cases

Family separation can occur for many reasons, including detention, deportation orders, visa processing delays, or border enforcement actions. According to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), 271,484 individuals were removed to 192 different countries during fiscal year 2024. 

When one family member is detained or facing removal, others may struggle to stay informed about their rights or next steps. It is important to understand the reason for separation, so that families can act quickly to pursue any legal remedies for reunification or temporary relief.

Locating and Communicating With Detained Family Members 

Family members sometimes turn to us after a loved one has been detained or they have been separated by immigration enforcement. The two ICE facilities nearest Orange County that accept detainees from this area are the Theo Lacy Facility in Orange and the Adelanto ICE Processing Center. 

Visitation and communication policies vary by facility, so our lawyer helps families navigate the ICE Detainee Locator System, get in touch with facility case managers, and determine which immigration court has jurisdiction. The location of a detainee’s immigration proceedings can help families make logistical arrangements for bond hearings and maintain contact during the process.

Legal Options for Reuniting Separated Families

Families separated by detention and deportation may have several legal avenues to pursue based on their situation. The different forms of relief all have their own filing standards and evidence requirements. 

An attorney reviews a family’s history to determine which, if any, apply and can then expedite the collection of supporting documentation and follow up with an immigration court or agency to move the case forward as quickly as possible. These options may include:

• Bond hearings to request release from detention.
• Motions to reopen prior removal orders.
• Requests for humanitarian parole to expedite reunification.
• Waivers to address inadmissibility issues or prior unlawful presence.

Supporting Children and Guardians During Separation

Children who have been separated from their parents have similar overlapping legal and emotional concerns. In some cases, children may be eligible for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) if it is not safe for them to be with one or both parents. In other situations, children may need temporary guardianship or other protective status to ensure they can continue to attend school, receive medical care, and maintain housing. 

We help guardians with family court documentation and immigrant filings at the same time, giving children protection under the law and minimizing uprooting during a family’s journey to stability.

Preguntas frecuentes

Q: What Rights Do Families Have During Immigration Separation?

A: During immigration separation, families still hold many rights. Separated families have the right to contact each other and should be kept informed about custody proceedings and given an opportunity to seek legal representation. Children are entitled to proper care and education while a parent is in custody. Understanding these rights at the outset of a case can help avoid communication breakdown and give the attorney the ability to plan with the family member in custody for the next steps.

Q: Can a Lawyer Stop a Family From Being Separated?

A: A lawyer may not be able to prevent a family from being separated, but in many cases, the outcome is different with legal involvement. A lawyer may be able to request a bond hearing, make an argument for prosecutorial discretion or a stay of removal, or otherwise make a case for keeping the family intact while a parent or child pursues lawful immigration relief. 

Q: How Long Does Family Reunification Take After Separation?

A: The length of time it takes for family reunification depends on the cause for separation, the type of immigration relief being sought, and which office processes the case. To keep delays to a minimum and establish a record of cooperation with immigration authorities, it is important to keep good records and respond in a timely manner to all requests for evidence.

Q: Can Children Apply for Immigration Relief on Their Own?

A: In certain cases, a child may be eligible to seek immigration relief on their own behalf, known as Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS). This applies when a state court has made a finding that reunification of the child with one or both parents is not viable due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment. To apply for SIJS, the child must first obtain a juvenile court order and then apply through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for lawful permanent residency.

Orange Abogado de Separación Familiar

Family separation is one of the most difficult experiences any person can face, but legal guidance can make a difference in reuniting loved ones and restoring stability. At U.S. Law Center, we represent families in Orange County who face detention, deportation, or custody issues with urgency and compassion. 

We approach each case with the knowledge and focus needed to help families preserve communication, reunite, and protect each person’s rights. Book a consultation today to hire a family separation lawyer.