If school authorities are implementing your child’s IEP and providing tailored special education programs, you may be able to handle the process on your own.
Unfortunately, this is not often the case. There are times when schools and districts fail to meet their obligations under the IEP, no matter how hard parents try.
In fact, schools are known to disregard parents’ opinions and requests during IEP meetings when an attorney isn’t present. In situations like this, you need the help of an attorney.
How can a lawyer help?
You can have your lawyer handle everything from start to finish. Alternatively, you can take a front-seat role while your lawyer advises and handles certain tasks.
Your lawyer can:
Ensure you participate fully on the IEP team
Make sure school authorities follow the IEP and provide all the necessary services
Request an evaluation or IEP meeting
Help you prepare for IEP meetings by reviewing documents and relevant materials
Attend IEP meetings with you
Evaluate previous IEP to determine what’s working
Review evaluations and IEP documents before you sign them
Help you resolve disputes out-of-court
Prepare and file a complaint
Assess the strength of your case and discuss possible legal obstacles with you
Represent you in court
Hiring a special education lawyer
When hiring a lawyer to help with the IEP process, it’s important to ensure you’re consulting one that practices special education solely or primarily.
That’s because special education is a very specialized field. And while general practice lawyers will tell you they can help, it’s often best to work with an attorney with extensive knowledge of the IEP process.
Any lawyer you intend to hire must also have considerable experience handling cases in your district. That way, you take a crucial step toward guaranteeing the best IEP outcome for your child. Do you need to hire a compassionate lawyer to help with the IEP process in North Carolina? Connect with me today.