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Family & Safety

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Adult guardianship

Guardianship When a person is appointed by a judge to take care of a child or an adult with a disability of an adult Any person 18 years old or over is when a judge chooses a person to take care of another person who is 18 years old or older who can't make basic life decisions or manage their own property or money. Learn more here.

Starting a case for guardianship of an adult
Steps to get guardianship of an adult from the forms you need to how the court hearing works.
How-To
Getting guardianship of an adult
Learn more about what guardianship of an adult is and the legal process involved in getting one.
Guide
Confidentiality for mental and developmental disabilities
Information about privacy and protection under the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act.
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Community integrated living arrangements
Explains the Community Integrated Living Arrangements Licensure Act for adults with mental or developmental disabilities.
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Changing adult guardianship
Working to change a guardianship agreement requires a judge. Learn the steps required to change or modify an adult guardianship agreement.
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Training and Annual Report Obligations for Guardians of Adults with Disabilities in Illinois
The essential requirements for Guardians of adults with disabilities in Illinois, including how to complete the online training program and submit the Annual Report Regarding Ward.
How-To
My rights as a person with a guardian
Explore what rights a person with a guardian still keeps after a guardianship.
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Using a lawyer to get guardianship of an adult
Explains when it might be helpful to talk to a lawyer about getting guardianship of an adult.
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Making decisions for an adult
Learn more about different ways a person can help an adult with a disability in making decisions about their life and property.
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Supported decision-making agreements for adults with disabilities
Explains how adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities can create a supported decision-making agreement.
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Fighting a case where someone wants guardianship over me
If you are an adult, the only way someone may become your legal guardian in Illinois is by going to court. You have rights in the process, and there are things you can do to protect them. For example, you can present evidence at the hearing as to why you do not need a guardian.
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Adult Guardianships, Advance Directives, and Mental Health Law
Explains mental health law, considerations, powers and duties of a guardian, and terminating and modifying guardianship. 2025 edition
IICLE
Advising Elderly Clients and Their Families
Information on representing elderly clients on issues such as estate and tax planning, Medicare, and elder abuse. 2023 edition
IICLE
Estate planning forms and commentary: Powers of attorney and advance directives
Explains and provides sample forms for estate planning. Includes: power of attorney for property, Illinois advance health care directives, premarital agreements, and guardianships. 2022 edition.
IICLE