Whether you decide to obtain guardianship for your child is an individual family decision that should be considered carefully. If your child is 18 years old and is unable to make decisions about finances, medical care, or other important matters, you can apply to a local court for guardianship so that you have the legal right to make decisions on your child's behalf. A judge will determine if guardianship can and should be granted, but keep in mind that most forms of guardianship involve a loss of rights for the individual with a disability, such as the ability to marry, sign contracts, or vote. If your child needs help in some areas but not others, alternatives to guardianship might be a better solution.
You can apply for different kinds of guardianship, including Guardianship of the Person, which will enable you to make decisions about your child's activities, education, medical care, residential placement, and services; or Guardianship of the Estate, which will give you the right to manage your child's property and finances.
General Guardianship Information
The Arc
Decision-Making Resources
Center for Future Planning
Equip for Equality
Self-Determination/Guardianship
Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission
Guardianship Fact Sheet
Guardianship Frequently Asked Questions
Guardianship Training
A Guide to Adult Guardianship in Illinois
A Practitioner's Guide to Adult Guardianship in Illinois
Illinois Legal Aid Online
Adult Guardianship
Illinois State Bar Association
Serving as a Guardian for an Adult with Disabilities
Organizations
Center for Guardianship Certification
Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission
Illinois Guardianship Association
National Guardianship Association
Guardianship Information by County
Cook County
DuPage County
Kane County
Lake County
McHenry County
Will County
Legal Resources*
Pro Se Adult Guardianship Help Desk (Cook County)
Can assist prospective guardians with understanding the guardianship process and paperwork.
Center for Disability and Elder Law
Can provide legal representation in adult guardianship cases for low-income families in Cook County.
Greenlight Family Services
Offers sliding scale fees for legal representation in adult guardianship cases throughout Illinois.
Special Needs Alliance
A national network of special needs attorneys.
If you would like help locating an attorney in the Chicago area who specializes in guardianship, please contact our office (847-318-2303) and ask to speak with one of our patient advocates, Ann Garcia or Jennifer Smid.
*This list is given for informational purposes only. The Adult Down Syndrome Center does not recommend or endorse any particular attorney, organization, or law practice.