1. Get a lawyer who has experience in the field at issue
 

First and foremost, you want a lawyer who has experience handing your type of case.  For example, if you have a case involving business law, you should find a lawyer who has experience handling that type of case...

I talk to a lot parents who are concerned about their children's education.  There are a few issues that come up over and over again.  So for this blog, I am going to list the top three things I wish every parent of a special needs (or suspected special needs) student...

When you have are having problems with your child’s school regarding its special education program, one option you have is filing a complaint with the California Department of Education, commonly referred to as the “C.D.E.”   

A complaint like this is called a “com...

Under both State law and the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), students with disabilities have the right to a free appropriate public education (FAPE).  The term "free appropriate public education" means special education and related services...

School districts are required to seek out and assess students in all areas of suspected disability.  That means, if a teacher notices a child is having problems holding a pencil properly, the school has to offer to assess the student ‘s  fine motor skills.  If a teache...

Special needs trusts are used to enable children and adults with special needs to have the benefit of assets, while still qualifying for supplemental security income (“SSI”) and Medi-Cal.

Parents of special needs children often create special needs trusts to protect th...

Guardianships and conservatorships are legal concepts which are often confused with each other. One is especially helpful for parents of children with special needs, and one is not.  Do you know which is which?  
 

GUARDIANSHIPS

What is it?

When children are under th...

Did you know that children who have been qualified for special education are entitled to services until age 22?  They are entitled to a transition plan that can include post-high school vocational services, training, and even life skills training....

A school denies a student a FAPE when it materially fails to implement a student’s IEP.  A material failure occurs when there is more than a minor discrepancy between what the IEP requires and what is provided.  Van Duyn ex rel. Van Duyn v. Baker Sch. Dist. 5J, 50...

What is a school district supposed to provide to children with special needs in California? Many people are not even aware that school districts have a duty to educate handicapped children.  They do - school districts are even required to identify and provide services...