The last step in the appeal process is the fair hearing. It takes place within 50 days of your fair hearing request unless you or the regional center ask for a continuance (postponement) for good cause. If you try mediation, your hearing may be later. You and the regional center must send each other your evidence and a list of witnesses 5 calendar days before your fair hearing. The fair hearing is held before an Administrative Law Judge (hearing officer) from the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH). At the fair hearing, the regional center has to present its case first. The hearing officer will issue a written decision about 10 days after the fair hearing.