If you have a child with special needs, you may find yourself in certain circumstances that require you to go to court and to use a special needs attorney. No matter what the case is, the right attorney is essential to find. The wrong attorney can end up overcharging you, not doing a thorough job, and just lack the care and understanding of your child and the situation that one should have.
As a parent of a special needs child, you must take the time to find the right special needs attorney for your family. While many parents of special needs children may not feel the need to find a special needs attorney until the a circumstance arises, having a special needs attorney on your contact list that you trust can be beneficial in the long run.
There are many different qualifications you want to look for when finding an attorney that deals with special needs. While all attorneys will have the same or similar educational background when it comes to the law, a select few will be trained in special education. Look for an attorney that knows the laws of special education, along with knowing the field of special needs and the law. Special needs and special needs education can be a very complex and tricky area of the law, so only an expert will do.
Furthermore, look for an attorney that has had years of practice in helping those with special needs. There are several areas and cases that an attorney should have experience in when it comes to special needs. These areas should include simple negotiations and agreements, mediations, administrative hearings, and court hearings. When you are a special needs parent, there is no telling what you need to be prepared for, so it is essential to have an attorney that has a wide range of experience in special needs cases.
Another important factor to consider when choosing a special needs attorney is to see how they relate to your case and your child. If the special needs attorney does not understand your child’s case or disability, this may be a red flag, and they may not be willing to do research. Also, if you do not feel that the attorney is compassionate or understanding of your case, this situation is another red flag. The right attorney should understand your child’s unique disability and how it affects him or her. If you do not feel confident with an attorney, the best plan is to find a different one.
Your job as a parent with a special needs child is already a challenging one. Unfortunately, there are circumstances that may arise in your child’s life that requires you to seek out a special needs attorney. You want to find an attorney that knows what they are doing, as well as an attorney in whom you can trust.
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Resource: Guidelines for Choosing an Attorney for Special Education Representation
