Ensuring that your child has access to a high-quality education is a critical goal for any parent. However, it is an unfortunate fact that parents with special-needs children may have a more difficult time providing their children with an education. In some instances, it will be necessary for you to contact an attorney that specializes in these types of educational issues. However, if you have never considered hiring a special-education lawyer to represent your child with special needs, you might benefit from having a few questions answered.
Why Would You Need to Consult with a Special-Education Lawyer?
Public schools are legally required to make accommodations for children that have special needs. Unfortunately, there may be some faculty members or districts that will be reluctant to meet the requirement. If you find that the school is failing to provide your child with an education due to their condition or that your child is being discriminated against, you should schedule a consultation with one of these attorneys to learn what our options are for correcting the situation.
What Should You Expect During Your Consultation?
During the initial consultation, the attorney will need to know about your child's condition. This will be important, as you will be required to prove that your child's condition warrants special treatment. Also, you will need to provide the attorney with information about the actions of the school. For this reason, you should retain any correspondence that you have had with school officials regarding your child's education. After reviewing this information, your attorney will be able to advise you whether the situation warrants an official appeal to the school board or the filing of a lawsuit.
How Much Should You Expect to Pay for This Type of Representation?
Unfortunately, there are many parents that may not seek this type of representation for fear of the costs that may be involved. The way that an attorney charges for these cases will largely depend on the complexity of the matter. While relatively simple disputes may be handled for a flat fee, more complex matters will likely require an hourly rate. Lastly, particularly egregious violations on the part of the school may carry a civil penalty, and when this is the case, you can usually pay your attorney on a contingency basis if they are able to collect damages. Luckily, these attorneys are usually extremely willing to work with clients that have limited financial means. As a result, you can usually arrange for a convenient payment plan.