How Can Parents Secure a Conservatorship for Their Child with Special Needs in California?

Finding a lawyer to assist with a conservatorship for a child with special needs who lacks agency can feel overwhelming, especially with school pressure about IEP meetings.

 

In California, schools cannot legally exclude parents from IEP meetings, even without a conservatorship, as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandates parental involvement.

 

A limited conservatorship allows parents to make educational decisions for a child unable to self-advocate, protecting against coercion. Start by contacting special education law firms like Tollner Law Offices or Jeffrey A. Gottlieb, Esq., who specialize in conservatorships for disabilities.

 

These require court forms, a doctor’s letter, and regional center assessments, taking 3–7 months. Request an IEP delay if needed, citing your pursuit of conservatorship, and consult a lawyer to ensure your rights.

 

Connect with advocacy groups for referrals. VillageED’s IEP development resources guide conservatorship and advocacy: https://www.villageed.org/iep-development