About Siegel & Black — General Practice San Anselmo California

Siegel & Black is a general practice San Anselmo firm with a particular focus on legal matters affecting children and families across Marin County. The practice handles adoption, special education advocacy, and Individualized Education Program (IEP) representation, alongside the broader range of civil and family questions that come up for North Bay families. Marin County’s well-resourced school districts produce frequent IEP disputes when families and districts disagree about appropriate services. Browse other San Anselmo, California attorneys to compare options before scheduling a consultation.

The firm files family matters in the Marin County Superior Court at 3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael, while special education disputes proceed through California’s Office of Administrative Hearings under the IDEA framework. Adoption cases — including stepparent adoptions, agency adoptions, and adoptions of children with disabilities — require investigation of the prospective parents before a court grants the petition, regardless of family relationship. The firm coordinates the home study, court filings, and post-finalization documents so families can focus on the transition rather than the procedural steps.

What Clients Say

Reviewers describe deep expertise in children’s law and a passionate, advocacy-focused approach. Clients with children who have disabilities highlight the firm’s willingness to push school districts to provide appropriate services — including private placements and compensatory education when warranted. The combination of legal knowledge and practical familiarity with the special education system comes up consistently as a strength.

General Practice San Anselmo — Practice Areas & Services

• Adoption: Stepparent, agency, and complex adoptions, including children with disabilities.
• Special education advocacy: IEP development, due process hearings, and Section 504 plans.
• Children with disabilities: Trust planning, conservatorships, and transition services for adulthood.
• Family law: Custody, support, and dissolution at Marin County Superior Court.
• Educational disputes: Disciplinary hearings, school placement, and 504 accommodations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an IEP and when do I need a lawyer?

An Individualized Education Program is a federally required written plan for students with qualifying disabilities under IDEA. A lawyer becomes valuable when the school district denies eligibility, proposes services that fall short of the student’s needs, or refuses requested evaluations. Due process complaints and mediation are formal options under California’s special education framework.

Does an adoption always require an investigation in Marin County?

Yes. Before granting any adoption petition — including stepparent adoptions — the court orders an investigation of the prospective parents. Marin County’s Family and Children’s Law Center can provide low-cost representation on a sliding scale for many adoption matters. The investigation is generally less intensive for stepparent and relative adoptions than for agency placements.

What happens at a special education due process hearing in California?

Due process hearings are conducted by the California Office of Administrative Hearings under IDEA and California Education Code. Both parties present evidence, witnesses, and expert testimony before an administrative law judge. Decisions can order specific services, compensatory education, or private placement at district expense. Resolution sessions and mediation often resolve cases before hearing.