Special Education Law & IEPS
Thomas R. King, Esq. has both personal family experience and experience representing special needs students in IDEA proceedings, both to schools and Administrative Law Judges in Trenton. He first became involved with representing special needs children while at Fordham Law School in New York City where he volunteered for two years representing at-risk and low income families for SSI benefits and IEPs for special needs children.
I provide guidance and counsel in legal challenges faced by children with learning and communication difficulties, behavioral issues, and neurological and physical disabilities. In today’s educational climate, vigorous legal representation of a special-needs child’s interests is a necessity. My firm is well versed in the special-education process and emphasize the importance of early diagnosis as a precursor to identifying appropriate educational and related services.
I assist families through the school district’s initial assessment, negotiate an Individualized Education Program (IEP), ensure the district’s ongoing compliance with the IEP and, where necessary, resolve disputes about the extent and quality of services a district must provide. Although I emphasize cooperation and negotiation, I have the experience to resort to litigation when necessary in the form of a due process hearing in the Office of Administrative Law or state or Federal court.
Special-Needs Estate Planning
Our office provides special-needs estate planning services for families with special-needs children and disabled adults. Through trusts, powers of attorney and other means, we work to protect rights and assets and to maintain eligibility for government programs.
