Considering Guardianship Basic Facts to Consider as Your Child with Autism Becomes an Adult •
At the age of 18, a child is legally considered an adult.
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The parents are no longer the legal guardians once the child reaches the age of majority.
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Adult children may need the protection of a guardian if they cannot care for themselves, communicate, or make important decisions in their own best interests, or manage their financial assets.
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Guardianship should not be automatic; not all individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) require the protection of a guardian.
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Consider the strengths, weaknesses, needs, and best interests of the individual before making the decision to seek guardianship.
What Is Guardianship? The NC Division of Aging and Adult Services defines guardianship as “a legal relationship in which someone (the guardian) is authorized by the clerk of superior court to be a substitute decision maker for an incompetent adult (the ward). Incompetence is determined in a court proceeding and means an adult is unable to manage his own affairs or is unable to make or communicate important decisions.” Laws defining the powers and responsibilities of a guardian can be found in the NC General Statues Chapter 35A (www.ncleg.gov/Laws/ GeneralStatuteSections/Chapter35A). In other words, guardianship is a legal process in which the guardian is given the authority to make decisions on behalf of their ward (in this case, their adult child). A guardian is often a parent, but not always. The decisions the guardian has the power to make will depend on the type of guardianship, which is discussed in greater detail below.
Guardianship is a legal process in which the guardian is given the authority to make decisions on behalf of their ward (in this case, their adult child).
When Is Guardianship Needed? According to North Carolina law, guardianship is appropriate when an adult, an emancipated minor, or a minor who is at least 17½ years of age, who other than by reason of minority, lacks sufficient capacity to manage his affairs or to make or communicate important decisions concerning himself, family, or property, whether the lack of capacity is due to mental illness, mental retardation, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, autism, inebriety, senility, disease, injury, or similar cause. (N.C. Gen. Stat. 35A-1101) These are the general reasons a person might need a legal guardian to protect their interests and ensure their care: •
A minor is approaching the age of 18 and will be considered an incompetent adult.
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A minor inherits property and needs a guardian to manage it.
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A minor loses their parent(s) and needs a guardian to make personal decisions.
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An adult becomes incompetent through injury, illness, or disease and needs a guardian to make personal, health-care, end of life, or property decisions on their behalf.
Guardianship Toolkit • Pg 3
