The Arc of Winnebago, Boone and Ogle Counties

Guardiaship Assistance provides information, assessment and legal services to families or others seeking uncontested legal guardianship of adults (18 years or older) with disabilities living in Winnebago, Boone and Ogle Counties.

Guardianship Info
Once a child reaches age 18, the parent is no longer the guardian. The individual is an adult.

Guardianship is a legal means of protecting adults who cannot take care of themselves, make or communicate decisions in their best interest, or handle their assets.

If a person is capable of making some but not all decisions, some alternatives to guardianship are:
      Money Management or Representative Payee
      Durable Power of Attorney for Propterty
      Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care
      Trusts

There are different types of Guardianship:
      Guardian of the Person
      Guardian of the Estate
      Limited Guardianship

Guardianships are supervised by the court.

Parents or other potential guardians must carefully consider the person's individual cicumstances, including strenghts, challenges, needs and best interests, before petitioning for guardianship.