Friday, March 20, 2009

Potentially moving forward with a Due Process hearing is an expensive proposition

It was a somewhat discouraging morning. We had the sit-down with the Education lawyer to discuss Trey's case, and where we go next. All in all, she felt that we have a very strong case. Great, right? But then she explained the 'normal' out of pocket expenses involved in going to court (although we were getting a discounted rate): $100,000 plus, potentially. Ouch. The discounted rate was discounted, but you can imagine still more than we were anticipating.

No wonder few people pursue due process hearings. And, now I understand why school districts are so quick to stick to their guns. Who can afford to take them to court? If we had that kind of money, we wouldn't be bothering to try to get the district to pay for Trey's schooling.

We can pursue mediation, with legal aide supplied by the district, but that seems to be a conflict of interest, doesn't it?

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