FAQ’s

Attorneys for Children is a legal team dedicated to representing victims in abuse in K-12 education settings. Founded to support victims and their families in the legal process as they move forward and heal, our work is to represent their best interests. From there, our clients can make informed decisions throughout the legal process. AFC only has one focus: Our clients. You and your family can focus on healing and a pathway forward.

Our team has a combined 50 years’ experience practicing law and civil litigation. Beyond the injury suffered, we understand the educational operations and practices and the responsibilities of those who harmed or allowed harm to you or your loved one. All of which serve our clients as they seek information and resources to rebuild their lives and find a way to forge a future that best serves them.

• Meet our Principals Todd M. Plate, Esq. and Jonathan P. Musgrove, Esq.

It’s possible. Our process starts with listening and asking you questions to deeply understand your experience and start considering the type of case we could build. Then, we work with you to gather as much information as possible to start building that case. You become a partner in this process as we leave no stone unturned.

Our goal is to represent you and your best interests. Attorneys for Children will be on your side throughout your legal process, guiding you to make informed decisions every step of the way. We work together to define what your goals are and what you and your family need to take the next steps toward healing and building your future.

Our team brings over 50 years of combined experience with a strong track record of success. We know that the damages caused by abuse often last a lifetime. Our goal is to secure compensation for you to fully access any resources you need for your healing and future.

As a team dedicated to representing victims in abuse in K-12 education settings, we are keenly aware of the impact and damages you may have suffered. Navigating abuse issues in school settings can feel overwhelming and it is important you feel well represented through the legal process. Because of our specific focus, our clients can trust our deep knowledge of the issues and the systems of K-12 education as we work together to find a just resolution for you.

Here are some questions we would ask you to help you find your best legal options.

– Did your abuse happen in a K-12 school setting, including (but not limited to):

• On school campus
• Off campus during school-sanctioned or sponsored trips
• At school functions such as athletic events, dances, or other extracurricular activities
• On a school bus or other transportation
• At an after-school program
• With a school or program representative

– When did your abuse occur?

We understand you may be anxious or intimated about contacting an attorney, or you may not know whether it’s too soon or too late to reach out. We also know that an abuse may not be discovered until months or years later. In order to understand the timing, it is important to contact an attorney. We will work through these issues with you in our initial conversations.

– Is there a police report or criminal case pending?

This is important information for us to know, but do not let the answer discourage you from contacting us. There are steps we can take to get started with your case even if law enforcement has been contacted.

– Is your goal to ensure you and your family have the resources to heal and build a future?

– Where did the incident occur?

Your home state and the location of where the events took place are important. But whatever the answer, we will let you know your options and how to proceed with your case.

These are the types of questions we will explore with you when you call or email. We want you to find the best pathway forward to address your abuse. Our team is ready to have a conversation to help you in this process and determine if we are the right representation for you and your family.

You do not pay for our legal fees up front. Instead, we operate on a contingency fee basis. This means we only get paid for our time if we are able to recover money on your behalf. This ensures that you can continue to access our services throughout the process without undue financial burdens. It also means that our team will work tirelessly on your behalf because your success and ours are tied together. We become a team in your legal process working towards a shared goal.

Each case is different. Depending upon the type of abuse suffered, you may be able to pursue legal remedies for years following. Contact AfC where we can properly discuss the timeliness of your case.

We know that often survivors are unable to speak up in the moment about their abuse. We also know that an abuse may not be discovered until months or years later. That is why legal options are available for many years following an incident. If you have been quiet for a long time, we understand you may be anxious or intimated about contacting an attorney. We will work through these issues with you in our initial conversations.

Absolutely, the criminal and civil paths are separate. Criminal prosecutors do not represent the family specifically. Instead, they represent the public at large. On the other hand, we represent you in the civil litigation process, which means once you retain us we are your attorneys and advocates.

We cannot control what might happen with the criminal process. But in a civil case, we do not publicize anything unless we have to, and not without you knowing about it in advance. We can explain the process in more detail when we meet with you.