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Special Education


Child Support for Special Needs Children in New York
When parents of a special needs child divorce or separate, ensuring adequate financial support becomes even more critical. New York's child support laws recognize that children with disabilities often require additional care, therapy, medical attention, and educational services that extend well beyond typical expenses. Understanding how child support works for special needs children can help you advocate effectively for your child's future. In this post a Syracuse child suppo
Paul Tortora Jr.
Dec 15, 2025


The Difference Between IEPs and 504 Plans in New York
As a parent of a child with special needs in New York, understanding the educational support options available can feel overwhelming. Two terms you'll frequently encounter are IEP and 504 Plan. While both are designed to help students with disabilities succeed in school, they operate under different laws, offer different levels of support, and serve distinct purposes. In this post, a Syracuse special education lawyer discusses what you need to know about the key differences b
Paul Tortora Jr.
Nov 27, 2025


Protecting Your Child's Rights: How New York Law Considers Disabilities in School Disciplinary Hearings
School disciplinary hearings in New York must take a child’s disability into account, ensuring procedural safeguards and special consideration for whether a disability contributed to the alleged behavior. In this blog post, a Syracuse special education lawyer explains what New York law requires and how attorneys can help families navigate these complex proceedings. Legal Protections for Students with Disabilities Students identified under the Individuals with Disabilities Ed
Paul Tortora Jr.
Nov 4, 2025


Special Education and the Law: A Guide for Parents of Autistic Children
Navigating the special education system can be overwhelming, especially for parents of autistic children who want to ensure their child receives the support they deserve. As an experienced Syracuse special education law attorney, I’ve seen firsthand how knowledge of your rights can transform your child’s educational journey. This guide is designed to help you understand the legal landscape and advocate effectively for your child. Understanding Autism and Educational Needs Aut
Paul Tortora Jr.
Nov 3, 2025


Special Considerations in Custody Cases Involving Children with Special Needs
Custody cases are always sensitive, but when a child has special needs, whether physical, developmental, or emotional, courts in New York must take additional factors into account to ensure the child’s best interests are met. As an experienced Syracuse child custody attorney serving clients across Central New York, I know first-hand how these cases often require more detailed parenting plans, specialized medical and educational considerations, and careful evaluation of each p
Paul Tortora Jr.
Oct 22, 2025


Special Considerations in New York State Divorces Involving Children With Autism
The steady increase of children being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has resulted in the unique needs of those families impacted playing a more prominent role in New York State’s family court system. With the growing frequency of such cases, a more thorough understanding of the particular concerns inherent in them has become crucial to ensuring that the best interests of the child are truly being met. Divorces involving parents of children diagnosed with ASD pr
Paul Tortora Jr.
Jun 27, 2025
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