Wertheimer LLC represents families and individuals who have had their children wrongfully removed by ACS or DSS. 

Associate Mara Fleder heads the practice after spending ten years at the Bronx Defenders representing individuals in Bronx Family Court in child neglect and abuse proceedings.  Her deep expertise allows the firm to bring cases on behalf of parents and children who have been wrongfully separated, as well as parents who were never charged with wrongdoing, but had their children placed in the foster system because of allegations concerning their other parent.  The firm also provides consultation services to parents who are being investigated by child welfare services and who are seeking to have their names cleared at the State Central Register.

While at the Bronx Defenders, among many cases, Ms. Fleder helped secure the return of one mother’s children after ACS and the NYPD illegally searched her home and removed her kids.  The mother was then able to sue the City of New York and secure an over six-figure settlement.