When Do I Need a Special Education Attorney?

Here are some situations where you may need to consult with an experienced special education lawyer:

1. The school is attempting to change your child’s special education placement.

2. The school is imposing a suspension, expulsion, or interim alternative educational placement and you do not agree.

3. Your child has a disability and is being repeatedly restrained and isolated.

4. You have requested an evaluation and the school refuses to do one.

5. You have requested special education services and the school refuses to provide them.

6. Your student is receiving services but the school will not add them to the IEP.

7. You suspect that the school is not providing your child’s IEP services.

8. You want to place your child in a private school for students with disabilities or residential placement, and want to seek reimbursement from the school district.

9. You have requested ESY or recovery services and the school says your child is not eligible.

10. Your child is not allowed to attend school at all, or is only allowed to attend for part of the day.

Here are situations where you may benefit from having a lawyer or advocate advise you “behind the scenes”:

1. You would like to revise or improve your child’s IEP goals or 504 plan accommodations.

2. You need help learning what services to ask for on your child’s IEP.

3. You have been placed on a communication plan by the school district and need help learning to communicate effectively with the IEP team.

4. You need help communicating your concerns effectively at IEP meetings.

5. You need help understanding the IEP or 504 process.

*The following is intended to be information only and not legal advice. Please consult with an attorney regarding your specific situation.