Guardianship & POA

Individuals with Autism display great differences in decision-making capability. But regardless of their capacity, when they reach the age of 18, they are legally recognized as adults. That means they make their own decisions regarding medical care, finances, education, and other important matters. Is your loved one capable of doing this or do you need to explore forms of guardianship or power of attorney?

There are many forms of guardianship. In general, the court may grant the guardian the power to make medical decisions, determine living arrangements, social settings, manage property and handle financial affairs such as banking, investments and expenses, including household and long-term care costs and taxes. As parents, if you are unable to name someone in your family or a close friend the guardian of your adult child with Autism, a judge will appoint an attorney as the guardian. Refer to your county’s Probate Court for paperwork to start the process.

A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that allows someone else to act on your adult child’s behalf. Like guardianship, there are many forms of POA, and in Ohio, you can create your own. If the POA complies with Ohio’s requirements, any POA you create is just as legal as one drafted by a lawyer. To learn more, visit ASGA’s website for the recorded webinar.