Middle Ground Alternatives

Limited Guardianship

There are several forms of guardianship, including limited, temporary, and full. Not all forms of guardianship are as restrictive as full guardianship. While persons under full guardianship can lose their basic rights to make choices about their lives, adults under limited guardianship retain some decision-making authority while giving-up control in certain areas of their lives when they are unable to make informed decisions.

Limited Guardianship - Some persons are able to make responsible decisions in some but not all areas of their lives. A young woman with a debilitating illness may be able to manage her finances but may be overwhelmed with medical decisions and need someone to handle her health care for her.

Under a limited guardianship, the court makes an order that gives the guardian power to make decisions in a certain area of a person’s life (such as money management, living arrangements, or major health care decisions). The person keeps the right to make all other life decisions.

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