School Law
Parents face a multitude of concerns as their child moves through the K-12 school system. While many of these concerns can be handled by parents without legal representation, there are times when having the expertise of an attorney makes the process less daunting and assures parents that their child’s needs and civil rights are met.
Practice Areas
- Adoption
- Appeals
- Assisted Reproduction
- Child Custody, Placement, and Support
- Child in Need of Protection and/or Services (CHIPS)
- Collaborative Divorce
- Divorce and Dissolution
- Foster Parent Rights
- Grandparent Rights
- Guardianship
- Guardian Ad Litem Appointments
- Immigration
- International Adoption
- International Family Law
- International Surrogacy
- LGBTQ+ Family Formation and Protection
- LGBTQ+ Family Law
- Marital Property and Cohabitation Agreements
- Mediation
- Parent Coordination
- Paternity
- School Law
- Surrogacy
- Transgender Law
Special Education Services
Every student is entitled to a free and appropriate education under the law. Parents of children with special needs may find it difficult to ensure their child is receiving the educational services they need and to which they are entitled.
A parent has the right to request that a school complete an evaluation for services for a student. A parent may participate in the planning and implementation of these services. A parent may also object to these services. Similarly, a parent has the right to ensure that proper services, once implemented, are fully and appropriately provided to a student. If a parent is dissatisfied with the lack of services, the service planning process, or how services are (or are not) provided, that parent may challenge a school’s decisions or actions through a formal and/or informal complaint procedure.
We can help you navigate this system so your child’s educational needs are met by:
- Requesting and obtaining special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
- Participating in Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meetings
- Representing parents and students at mediation or due process hearings
- Advocating for students receiving services under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act & the Americans with Disabilities Act
Disciplinary Actions
A parent may also seek an attorney to assist with student disciplinary issues. The Law Center will work to informally solve disputes with the school if possible. If informal resolution isn’t possible, The Law Center is a strong advocate for parents and students in:
- Manifestation determinations for students receiving special education services
- Suspension matters
- Expulsion hearings