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Guardianship for Adults

This is the story of Brianna Watts and her father, Melvin Watts. Brianna was born with a severe form on cerebral palsy. Melvin became her court-appointed legal guardian when Brianna was 20 years old. A guardianship is for adults who need someone else to make life decisions for them.

Supported Decision Making

This is the story of Colby Spangler, his mother Kim Spangler, and Colby’s supporters.  Colby was born with cerebral palsy.  He has been able to rely on a system of supported decision-making instead of having a court-appointed guardian.  Supported decision-making is a legal and social concept in which an individual remains at the center for the decision-making process, consulting with a network of supporters.

Guardianship video series introduction

Meet John Craft, the chairperson of Alabama WINGS (Working Interdisciplinary Networks of Guardianship Stakeholders). Hear John provide an introduction to WINGS and their role in improving guardianships and conservatorships in Alabama.

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Guardianship Instructional Video Series

Video 1 – Guardianship and Conservatorship Basics

Video 1 introduces the fundamental concepts of guardianship and conservatorship.  It answers the question: “What is a guardianship and conservatorship?”  The terms “guardianship” and “conservatorship” are defined and distinguished. 

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Video 2 – Capacity to Make Decisions

Video 2 emphasizes an individual’s ability to make decisions as a foundational principle before considering guardianship or conservatorship. It answers the question: “What does it take for a person to make a decision?”
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Video 3 – Planning Ahead to Avoid Guardianship

Video 3 focuses on advance planning as a way to maintain control and preserve independence in decision-making. It answers the question: “What can I do now in case I need help with making decisions or handling money?”
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Video 4 – Powers of Attorney

Video 4 explores powers of attorney in more depth. Properly executed powers of attorney are beneficial advance planning documents. They also come with some risks, especially when giving someone else the authority to act with your money and property. 

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Video 5 – Decision Making for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

Video 5 addresses particular issues and explores alternatives for adults with intellectual disabilities. It answers the question: “Does an adult with intellectual disabilities need a legal guardian?”
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Video 6 – Abuse, Neglect, and Financial Exploitation

Video 6 provides an overview of adult abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation and ways to seek protection for a vulnerable adult. It answers the question: “What can be done to protect an adult from being abused, neglected, or financially exploited?”
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Video 7 – The Court Process to Appoint a Guardian or Conservator

Video 7 describes Alabama’s probate court procedure for appointing a guardian or conservator for an adult. It answers the question: “How do I become an adult’s legal guardian or conservator in Alabama?”

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Video 8 – Responsibilities of the Guardian

Video 8 explains the roles and duties of a guardian. It answers the question: “What are my responsibilities as guardian for an adult?”
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Video 9 – Responsibilities of the Conservator

Video 9 explains the roles and duties of a conservator. It answers the question: “What are my responsibilities as conservator of an adult’s money and property?”
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Video 10 – Modifying or Concluding a Guardianship or Conservatorship

Video 10 examines the ways a guardianship or conservatorship can be modified. It answers a two-part question: “When does a guardianship or conservatorship end and how can changes be made?”
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