Supported Decision-Making for Legal Professionals

Attorneys have ethical duties to consider self-determination and less restrictive alternatives to guardianship while properly advising and assisting their clients. Supported Decision-Making is a key framework to familiarize yourself within pursuit of those duties.

People seek legal counsel for complicated problems and issues which means informed legal professionals are critical to understanding alternatives to guardianship and Supported Decision-Making.

Resources

An infographic with the text "PRACTICAL Tool for Lawyers: Steps in Supported Decision-Making"

PRACTICAL Tool

The PRACTICAL Tool aims to help lawyers identify and implement decision-making options for persons with disabilities that are less restrictive than guardianship.

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Supported Decision Making

Resources on Supported-Decision Making as an alternative to guardianship provided by the American Bar Association for legal professionals.

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Alternatives to Guardianship for Lawyers

This presentation from the ABA Commission on Law and Aging offers steps attorneys can take to integrate alternatives to guardianship in their practice.

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Case Studies

Additional Information

By understanding the Supported Decision-Making process, professionals are able to better serve individuals with disabilities and understand their needs.

Learn more about what it is, how it works, and why it’s important by clicking the button below.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I learn more about Supported Decision-Making laws in my state?

Some states have supported decision-making laws. Each of these laws is different. Some of these laws have rules about who can be your supporter. Some do not allow a person to be your supporter if they are paid to work with you or if they have broken the law in the past. Some require you to use a specific kind of Supported Decision-Making Agreement form or sign it in a special way. Some have other rules to follow. So, if you are living in one of these states, you should make sure you understand what is okay under your state’s laws. You can contact your state’s Protection and Advocacy Agency, Developmental Disabilities Council, or a lawyer to get information about the Supported Decision-Making law in your state.

Where do I find information about Supported Decision-Making in my state?

For state-specific information and resources, we recommend checking first with your state’s protection and advocacy program or your state’s Council on Developmental Disabilities

I am looking for an attorney to help with a guardianship issue.

You can contact the Georgia Advocacy Office, Atlanta Legal Aid or Georgia Legal Services to receive help in finding an attorney.

I want to file a petition for guardianship, can you help?

We would love to understand the reason you are seeking guardianship and help you explore less restrictive alternatives. Contact us at [email protected] or 800.537.2329.

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I DECIDE Georgia is supported by Georgia Advocacy Office, the state’s designated protection and advocacy system and non-profit organization in Decatur, Georgia that received the Supported Decision-Making grant from the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities. This project was supported, in part by grant number 2001GASCDD-03, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects with government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy.

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