Why did it take a grand jury indictment to bring charges in the death of 11-year-old Aarabella Lavine? Why did child welfare officials overlook repeated reports of abuse?
On February 26, 2025, a San Diego County grand jury indicted Aarabella’s adoptive mother and grandparents for murder and related charges. Despite California’s strong legal standards prioritizing child safety in family law, this case shows how those protections are often ignored in practice.
Why do courts sometimes fail to act when warning signs are clear? What happens when a parent seeks legal protection, but the court does not follow through? How can irreversible harm occur even after relief is granted?
Lehr Law has seen firsthand how difficult it can be to protect a child from an abusive environment when the system does not respond. We believe courts must be held accountable for following safety standards and that families should not have to fight alone to be heard.
If you are in a custody dispute or suspect child abuse, there may be civil implications to your action. Contact Lehr Law today to learn if we can help.