Sometimes MCPS settles out of court before hand. I know a few families who got an attorney and started the process and MCPS finally agreed to a placement. Finding a placement was far harder.

I’m currently in Montgomery county, which is suppose to be the best, but I’ve had a very different experience experience

Anonymous wrote:I am sorry that you need attorney to fight for your child. I was in your shoes 10 years ago with Montgomery county for my child. Another family was in the same elementary school area fought and costed them hundreds of thousands dollars. They gave up the fight with the country. They moved away. I fought for 2 years. We could not get the service that my child need. We sold our house and move. It was the best thing for my child. 50k just to sell the house. Over all, I would do it again in a second.

Did you find a school district that’s better? Where?

Choosing the right attorney is a difficult process. Everyone causes an arm and a leg.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What counties do you guys live in? On paper, MCPS is great but in reality they don’t have the staff and resources to support my child, I have no other option.

I’ve heard about Brian gruber- but I also heard he doesn’t give back the retainer. Is he aggressive? Do you have personal experience with him?

Why would he give back the retainer? Attorneys need to be paid. Do you work for free?

Attorneys who require a retainer are permitted to bill against the retainer for all work they perform at the agreed upon hourly rates. If the retainer is used up before the representation ends, there is nothing to return. If there is money left, then it must be returned. You can always request an accounting.

And I can about guarantee that Brian Gruber does return any retainer not yet used because the fastest way to lose your Law license is to screw with client money. Lawyers are meticulous about record keeping.

Anonymous wrote:Please do research on how many sn parents actually win a case against mcps. The rate is very, very low.

Only 10 percent win...even if you were lucky and got a private placement...it could take a year to get a seat ...and it still may not be a great fit.

I'm sorry you're in this predicament OP. I say this as a stressed out parent of a neurodiverse child that I've mostly educated while sending them to mcps schools and also as an mcps teacher who sees the system fail so many kids.

Please do research on how many sn parents actually win a case against mcps. The rate is very, very low.

Good luck OP. Go for what your child needs. You’re a good mom!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What counties do you guys live in? On paper, MCPS is great but in reality they don’t have the staff and resources to support my child, I have no other option.

I’ve heard about Brian gruber- but I also heard he doesn’t give back the retainer. Is he aggressive? Do you have personal experience with him?

Why would he give back the retainer? Attorneys need to be paid. Do you work for free?

I don’t think you know what a retainer is.

No I'm pretty aware thanks. You didn't answer the question.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What counties do you guys live in? On paper, MCPS is great but in reality they don’t have the staff and resources to support my child, I have no other option.

I’ve heard about Brian gruber- but I also heard he doesn’t give back the retainer. Is he aggressive? Do you have personal experience with him?

Why would he give back the retainer? Attorneys need to be paid. Do you work for free?

I don’t think you know what a retainer is.

Anonymous wrote:What counties do you guys live in? On paper, MCPS is great but in reality they don’t have the staff and resources to support my child, I have no other option.

I’ve heard about Brian gruber- but I also heard he doesn’t give back the retainer. Is he aggressive? Do you have personal experience with him?

Why would he give back the retainer? Attorneys need to be paid. Do you work for free?

For aggressive scorched earth approach, go with Michael Eig. For a more nuanced approach go with Brian Gruber. Before signing, think about what outcomes you're seeking and get their thoughts on the probability of achieving your target outcomes.

Michael Eig

Anonymous wrote:My son had autism. He is low functioning. He was in the autism program for three years, then LfI for a year, and now they want to put him in learning center. They don’t have the support. Period. So I’m going to try my luck with the an attorney- but need help finding the right one.

The learning centers used to be a fantastic option for smaller class size, more support, and ability to attend main stream classes on subject when appropriate. However, today they are a dumping ground for kids with behavioral problems - I would avoid if possible

Anonymous wrote:OP- you might have better luck going to the media --MCPS hates bad press. What kind of schooling are you looking for? Would LFI be a better fit than a learning center?

This 100%