Term |
Meaning |
Ward |
This is a term the court uses for an adult with developmental disabilities that needs decision making help. A ward will have a guardian or guardian advocate appointed to help them depending on how severe the situation is, and which process is chosen (guardian advocate or guardianship). |
Guardian Advocate |
A person that is appointed by the court to help an adult with developmental disabilities make decisions in certain areas of their life. A guardian advocate is only appointed from the guardian advocate process. The guardian advocate process is less restrictive than guardianship. This allows the adult with developmental disabilities to retain more of their civil rights. |
Guardian |
A person that is appointed by the court to help an adult with developmental disabilities make decisions in most areas of their life. A guardian is only appointed in a guardianship. The guardianship is more restrictive than the guardian advocate process and may remove all civil rights. Because of this it should only be used if the adult with developmental disabilities can make no decisions for themselves. |
Co-Guardian Advocate Co-Guardian |
The court can appoint one or two people to be a guardian advocate or guardian for an adult with developmental disabilities. When two people are appointed they are referred to as co-guardian advocates or co-guardians |
Court Appointed Attorney |
The court will appoint a lawyer to represent the adult with developmental disabilities in any guardian advocate or guardianship case. This ensures that they have a court representative that is on their side. Having a dedicated lawyer helps ensure that the petition is legitimate and prevents people from taking advantage of them. |
Of the Person |
When you become a guardian advocate or guardian "of the person" this means you can make life decisions (residence, medical treatment, social environment) for the adult with developmental disabilities. You can also receive and help manage any government benefits they have. However, this does not allow you to manage their overall finances, accounts, or property unless you are also appointed guardian advocate or guardian "of the property" |
Of the Property |
When you become a guardian advocate or guardian "of the property" this means you can make decisions regarding the accounts, overall finances, and property of the adult with developmental disabilities. However, this does not allow you to manage any other general life decisions (residence, medical treatment, or social environment) unless you are also appointed as guardian advocate or guardian "of the person" |
Plenary |
This term is used when a guardian or guardian advocate is given full decision-making rights for an adult with developmental disabilities. |
Limited |
This term is used when a guardian or guardian advocate is given partial decision-making rights for an adult with developmental disabilities. |