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When the School Offers a 504 Plan: What Parents Should Do
When a child is struggling and the parent raises the question of special education, school personnel sometimes respond with a proposal to “try a 504 Plan first.” In some cases that is the right answer. In others it is not. The choice between a Section 504 Plan and an Individualized […]
504 Plan vs. IEP: What Parents Need to Know About the Legal Difference
For parents whose child has a disability, the question of whether the school should provide a 504 Plan or an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is one of the most consequential — and most often misunderstood — questions in special education law. The two are governed by different federal statutes, administered […]
Understanding the Endrew F. Standard: What “Appropriately Ambitious” Means in a Due Process Hearing
The substantive question in nearly every special education due process hearing is whether the school district has offered the child a free appropriate public education, or FAPE, as that term is defined by 20 U.S.C. § 1401(9) and shaped by the Supreme Court. Since 2017, the controlling articulation of that […]
What Parents Need to Be Successful in a Special Education Due Process Hearing
A special education due process hearing is a formal administrative adjudication under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 20 U.S.C. § 1415, governed by rules of procedure and evidence and decided by an impartial hearing officer. The decision is enforceable in federal court. Parents who succeed in these proceedings, […]
Transition Planning Under IDEA: An Illinois Parent’s Guide
You Have a Voice at the IEP Table
Supporting Disabled Adult Children in Illinois: Post-Majority Obligations Under the Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act
One of the most challenging questions families face during or after a divorce involves the financial support of a child who cannot become self-supporting due to a disability. In Illinois, the law provides a specific mechanism to address this circumstance by allowing courts to order continued support even after a child reaches […]
Special Needs Divorce Considerations in Illinois: What Families Need to Know
Divorce is complex under any circumstances. When a child or dependent adult has special needs, however, the legal, financial, and practical considerations multiply. Illinois law provides some tools to help families protect vulnerable dependents, but these cases require careful planning to avoid unintended consequences—especially involving government benefits, long-term care, and […]
Parenting Coordination
Parenting Coordination serves two purposes: Parenting Coordination starts with a court order or written agreement for these services. Whatever document is used it is important that it be as specific as possible. Rule 909 clearly outlines what the P.C. can and cannot do. Section 909 informs as to the duties […]
Divorce Involving Special Needs Children: Legal Considerations Under Illinois Law
Divorces involving children with special needs present distinct legal and practical challenges. Family law practitioners in Illinois must navigate not only the traditional aspects of custody (now referred to as “allocation of parental responsibilities”), parenting time, and support, but also the unique needs of these vulnerable children whose care often […]
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES: CHILDHOOD TRAUMA
In August, Governor Pritzker signed a bill into law to help schools properly address childhood trauma with trained teachers, administrators and staff. At least 40% of children in Illinois have experienced at least one adverse childhood experience. At least 10% of youth across the state have had three or more […]
Advocacy Tips for Parents Staying on Top of Your Child’s Education
Resources: www.understood.org Our office is available for consultation and or representation in special education, bullying, and educational concerns. Please feel free to email us at mmoran@grundlaw.com or call (312)-640-0500.