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Specific Learning Disabilities / Dyslexia and the Science of Reading
Twenty-six years ago, I opened the Child and Family Law Center of the North Shore, now a division of Grund & Leavitt). Some of you who have known me well are aware that one of the inspirations for this law practice was my journey with my own dyslexic son. We […]
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS
This school year has been one where student’s mental health issues have been at the top of mind in cases in our office. Regrettably, this has been a period where calls from clients often involves bullying, threats of school violence, and bringing weapons to school. These are not neatly categorized […]
NEW GUIDANCE HELPS SCHOOLS SUPPORT STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES and AVOID DISCRIMINATORY USE OF DISCIPLINE
On July 19,2022, the Department of Education for Civil Rights (OCR) and Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) released guidance to assist public elementary and secondary schools fulfill their responsibilities to meet the needs of students with disabilities and avoid discriminatory use of student discipline. These newly released […]
The Minor’s Right to Confidentiality under Illinois Law
Parents are often shocked at how much control their minor child has over their mental health records. In a post-dissolution of marriage proceeding, the petitioner mother sought to restrict the father’s parenting time with their minor child based on allegations that the father would continue to interfere with the medical […]
The Child and Family Law Center: Advocating for the Legal Rights of Children for over 25 years
What does it take to win a Due Process Hearing? A due process hearing is one of the mechanisms for resolving disputes regarding special education services between parents and school districts. Other less formal options such as mediation or a resolution session are available and typically occur before the parties […]
Getting the Right Reading Intervention Shouldn’t Be So Hard
It has been nearly 26 years since I started my practice with a focus on special education law and advocacy for children and adolescents. The practice is and was inspired and informed by my own son’s struggle with dyslexia. I was fortunate to have both the financial ability and resources […]
Divorce Checklist
It is not uncommon for someone to consult with our office when they are just beginning to contemplate the possibility of divorce. Often, they want basic information about the legal process and their rights as well as advice on how to prepare for such a major life event. My clients […]
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CHILD IS ARRESTED?
Summer is upon us and as a general rule this is a time when our office gets calls from parents regarding their teenager or young adults arrest or questioning by police. Have this discussion now. One time is not enough. Here are some Frequently Asked Questions that I hope will […]
Co-Parenting in the Age of Coronavirus
There is no road map that allows us to provide hard guidance on how to manage parenting during this difficult time. Families are in unfamiliar territory. However, there are some things that hopefully will help you navigate co-parenting. Follow existing court orders. Parents must follow existing court orders. This is […]
Finding the Right Fit: Decision-Making Supports and Guardianship
There was a period in my practice that guardianship seemed like the only option for families of disabled adults. That is no longer the automatic solution. In our office we have always emphasized that there is no one size fits all. Guardianship does not solve most issues facing families with […]
Apps for Divorcing Parents
It centralizes communication and helps with organization. Even for divorcing or divorced parents it has been my experience that the apps provide a less emotional vehicle for communication. Using an app can also limit the he said, she said phenomenon. FAQ: What can an app do to help with […]
The Holidays and Divorced or Separating Families
The holidays can be fraught with tension for many families who are divorced or who are in transition. Over the years of my practice as a family law attorney, I have developed a list of those things that can help during this complicated time of year. 1. Plan ahead. That […]