Why Parents Are at a Disadvantage in Special Education Disputes

When it comes to parent vs. school district legal disputes, it’s not a fair fight.

• School districts budget for legal services—parents usually do not.

• Districts keep attorneys on retainer—parents rarely have that option.

• At due process hearings, schools are almost always represented by lawyers—while many parents struggle to afford representation at all.

How Much Does Your District Spend on Lawyers?

Curious about what your district spends on attorneys for special education disputes? This information is public and can usually be found in your school committee’s budget. Look under:

• Legal services

• Special education costs

These line items often reveal more than just attorney fees. Budgets may also include:

• The number of students placed in out-of-district programs

• District spending on assistive technology

• Other critical special education expenditures

Why This Matters for Parents

Reviewing your district’s budget can be eye-opening. It provides insight into district priorities and may help explain why schools resist certain services or placements. Understanding this context can be powerful when advocating for your child’s needs.

Get Legal Help in Massachusetts

If you are facing a special education dispute with your district, you don’t have to go through it alone.

For special education legal help in Massachusetts, contact Boston-area attorney Lillian E. Wong at Noble Education Law today.