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.

Illustration / Infographic of the Failings of Guardianship

Resources

Case Studies

Case Study: Delores

“Delores” is an 87-year woman who was the first person in DC to reverse guardianship using Supported Decision-Making.

Jenny Hatch and her attorney, Jonathan Martinis, celebrate after her court victory in 2013.

Case Study: Jenny Hatch

Jenny Hatch was the first person in the US to have her guardianship overturned in favor of Supported Decision-Making.

Photograph of Mr. Nicholas Clouse

Case Study: US Senate

The US Senate Committee on the Judiciary held a hearing on Toxic Conservatorship. Watch the hearing and review written expert testimony.

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.