093: What Every Parent (and Family Lawyer) Should Know About IEPs and 504 Plans

In this conversation, Krista sits down with special education attorney and expert witness LaTanya Moore, author of IEPs Made Easy: A Parent’s Guide to Special Education Advocacy. We unpack how education decisions during and after divorce can profoundly shape a child’s future. Krista and LaTanya explain why IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) and 504 plans are not just “school paperwork,” but critical tools that can either support or undermine a child’s ability to learn and thrive — especially when parents are in conflict. They clarify the legal framework behind IDEA and Section 504, what each plan actually does, and how to tell when a child needs more than simple classroom accommodations. Listeners will learn practical questions every parent and family lawyer should ask about a child’s educational needs, why early intervention matters, and how to reframe “labels” as access to support — not a life sentence. Above all, Krista and LaTanya urge parents and professionals to treat education planning as neutral ground, where the child’s needs come first, even when everything else feels adversarial. In this episode, you will hear: Best interests of the child when special needs intersect with custody and parenting plans What IEPs and 504 plans are and how they differ in protections and services How inconsistent home routines, medication use, and parental denial impact school functioning When a 504 plan is not enough and an IEP with measurable goals is needed The role of family lawyers in spotting educational issues and asking the right questions Early intervention, proper diagnosis, and COVID-era developmental delays Reframing “labels” and using school-based supports as neutral ground for co-parents Resources from this Episode https://www.theieplawyers.com/  Book: IEPs Made Easy: https://www.amazon.com/IEPs-Made-Easy-Step-Step-ebook/dp/B0DKJMCG32/ref=sr_1_4?crid=LRSOVSNMETZN&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.xKwOjYo0bPNMOzG_hA72AI3XWfSNo947YVHEIQPNY_0Aj18Qtpayink8xAo07ITrTj4l7O92GHnlfk8AEToj6jvifcSG4U_2hQKtmUfWm2Xp2XwpV66rVfpeLNYEnsrcJO1tyIof3fTy30atBv5zMRfDiQRAK9hXNpMROhRanQcKVFhej5D0Kh3NWqG9PhtZMwBCMERAbJq4B58I48tNVh2gW1yp1yPSrnCkVzmy2HU.F_4X6qXnP3nS3xI6dIkhSP7loRo2QyylEXoavJr9FZ0&dib_tag=se&keywords=IEPs+made+easy&qid=1784825135&sprefix=ieps+made+easy%2Caps%2C212&sr=8-4  www.childrenfirstfamilylaw.com All states have different laws; be sure you are checking out your state laws specifically surrounding divorce. Krista is a licensed attorney in Colorado and Wyoming, but is not providing legal advice through this podcast. Please be sure to seek independent legal counsel in your area for your specific situation.  Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.