- When people turn 18, they are legally adults.
- They make their own medical, legal, and financial decisions.
- This can be scary for families and young adults.
- Parents want to stay involved with decision-making and meetings.
- Guardianship is one way to address this.
Guardianship
- A court decides if a person needs a guardian.
- A Guardian will make decisions for them
- Guardians are a good idea for people who may never be able to make their own decisions.
- Guardians should get training to learn their role.
Alternatives to Guardianship
Power of Attorney:
- A person can choose to have one and what areas they want them to help with.
- A person can remove them when they are ready.
- This is a good choice for people who need help now but will be able to make their own decisions one day.
Money Supports
- Conservators, rep payees, and joint bank accounts can help manage money.
Health Care Proxy
- The person chooses who will make medical decisions for them if they are unable to make them.
Supported Decision Making
- Supported decision making is where a person says what they want support with and chooses a team to help them.
How to Decide What Supports are Needed
- This is a good tool to help you know what support is right for you or your family member.
Recommended reading:
Reversing a Guardianship Agreement
The Arc- Guardianship and Alternatives