When your child turns 18 it changes everything legally — but conservatorship isn’t the only option.
Once your son or daughter turns 18, you can no longer automatically make legal decisions for them — about health care, work, school, social life or where they live — regardless of the level of their disability.
Limited conservatorship allows you to stay involved and protect your child’s well-being, while the court only grants powers over what they truly can’t handle themselves — encouraging as much independence as possible.
But conservatorship also restricts a person’s rights and isn’t required for everyone. Many adults with developmental disabilities can make their own decisions with some guidance from family or others. Plus, California law requires families to consider less restrictive options first, including:
- Supported Decision-Making: your adult child leads and makes choices, with help from people they trust
- Power of Attorney / Healthcare Directive: gives specific financial or medical powers, with no court case
- Representative Payee: helps manage benefits like SSI through an assigned person
🗓️ Join us October 15 for a workshop with Attorney Cynthia Waterson on Conservatorships and Alternatives, including Supported Decision-Making. See flyer below for more info.
📄 Event flyer
Also — have you heard of CalABLE?
Adults served by the regional center who receive SSI are legally limited to $2,000 in savings. CalABLE helps them save for the future so they can afford to live their best life without affecting eligibility for public benefits.
The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, handled through CalABLE in California, currently allows individuals to save up to $20,000/year (up to $100,000 total, more if working) without losing eligibility for public benefits like SSI. CalABLE is a powerful tool for building financial independence.
🔗 Learn more:
- Lanterman: lanterman.org/lrc-resources/calable
- CalABLE: calable.ca.gov/how-it-works