Individuals Under Guardianship



Individuals under guardianship (wards) are:
- 18 years and older
- Have a cognitive impairment that prevents their ability to make informed decisions
- There is no other person who is able and/or willing to be a guardian
- Declared by the court to be either wholly or partially disabled and unable to manage their personal, medical, and/or financial affairs*
- Note: Emergency guardians or emergency conservators may be appointed for individuals who have not yet been declared to be disabled. They are not declared until they have a jury/bench trial and are adjudicated disabled.
Examples of disabilities may include:
- Developmental or Intellectual Disability
- Acquired or Traumatic Brain Injury
- Severe and Persistent Mental Illness
- Alzheimer’s or Dementia
*Not everyone with a disability is cognitively impaired and in need of state guardianship.