lisa35 Report post Posted September 24, 2008 It may be that the lea will not agree to the school we have named in part 4 of our statement, if we go to appeal would we have legal costs to pay? Thanks Lisa Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chris54 Report post Posted September 24, 2008 Hi Lisa No. Only your own costs, only a legal court can award cost against you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Flora Report post Posted September 24, 2008 For tribunal you don't have to have a solicitor. Theoretically the tribunal costs for parents (no matter the outcome) is free. You may decide that you would like legal representation at the hearing and you would have to pay these costs. You can get legal aid (if you're entitled) for tribunal preparation, but you would still have to pay for a solicitor/barrister to attend the hearing. Also, if you want independent professional input (eg, EP, SALT, OT) you could also get this on legal aid if they are instructed by a legal aid solicitor, but you'd still have to pay for their attendance at tribunal. If you're not entitled to legal aid and decide to use a solicitor and independent professionals to help with your case... this can run into thousands (average cost about �15000, but some end up paying more, some end up paying less). Flora Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
madme Report post Posted September 24, 2008 I agree that it can be expensive. You can save costs by instructing a barrister direct for some advice on the case and then to represent you at the hearing. Some soplicitors act on a fixed fee basis. Ipsea and the NAS do sometimes provide free advice and representation. SOS SEN likewise. There is a good book by ACE about statements and tribunals. There is a time limit for lodgiing the appeal so you do need to act quickly. Good luck. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
