A process where a court may make a determination that a guardian be appointed to manage the affairs of, and protect a disabled person. Guardians are substitute decision makers for their wards and must be appointed by the court. Guardians can be any person older than 18 who is not a convicted felon, an institution or agency.
Types of guardianship:
- Guardian of the person ΓÇô makes decisions for housing, daily living, medical or rehabilitative care, educational and vocational needs of the ward.
- Guardian of the estate ΓÇô makes decisions for the management of finances for the ward.
- Plenary guardian ΓÇô makes all decisions for the ward.
- Limited guardian ΓÇô appointed when the disabled person needs some, but not complete assistance. The court will help to determine the guardianΓÇÖs role in decision making while maintaining the wardΓÇÖs autonomy.
Resources:
- Private attorneys
- Surrogate Guardian Services, Inc. 630-761-3201
- Private, non-profit company that assists persons with assets over $25,000
- National Guardianship Association, 520-881-6561
- Can be a resource for guardianship services in Il.
- Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission: www.state.il.us/igac/; Chicago office 312-793-5900
- Must have assets less than $25,000
- Other Chicago Based Resources
Alternatives to guardianship: There are many alternatives to guardianship which may be preferred if a less restrictive mean of protecting a disabled person is possible.
- Power of attorney, heath care power of attorney, property power of attorney, health care surrogate or mental health advance directives.