Turning 18
Guardianship & alternatives — the least-restrictive choice
At 18, your child becomes a legal adult. NJ law and person-centered practice ask you to start with the least-restrictive option and only add authority you truly need.
This page is education, not legal advice. Guardianship is a court process that removes rights. Talk with a NJ disability attorney or Disability Rights NJ before deciding.
Supported Decision-Making
- Best for
- Best for adults who can make decisions with help from trusted people.
- How to set up
- A written agreement listing supporters. No court needed. Reversible.
- Why choose it
- Preserves rights. Low cost. Person-centered.
Power of Attorney (POA)
- Best for
- Best when the adult can appoint someone but needs help with finances or healthcare.
- How to set up
- Signed with a notary. Can be limited or durable.
- Why choose it
- No court. Revocable at any time by the individual.
Healthcare Proxy / Advance Directive
- Best for
- Anyone 18+. Names who makes medical decisions if the individual can't.
- How to set up
- Free form from the NJ Attorney General. Signed with two witnesses.
- Why choose it
- Essential regardless of other legal tools.
Limited Guardianship
- Best for
- Adult can make some decisions but needs a guardian for specific areas (finances, medical).
- How to set up
- Court petition in Superior Court. Requires two physician/psychologist certifications.
- Why choose it
- Preserves rights in every area not specifically limited.
Full (Plenary) Guardianship
- Best for
- Adult cannot make significant decisions in any area.
- How to set up
- Court petition. Physician + psychologist certification. Attorney typically required.
- Why choose it
- Broadest authority — but removes the individual's legal rights. Use only when necessary.
Where to get help in NJ
- Disability Rights NJ — free legal advocacy.
- NJ Courts Self-Help Center — guardianship forms.
- Legal Services of NJ — free civil legal help.
- Talk to a NJ DDD & Medicaid Navigator navigator.
Sources & last verified
Last verified: July 2026
- NJ Courts — Guardianship of an Adult— NJ Courts
- Disability Rights NJ— DRNJ
- NJ Advance Directive Form— NJ Health
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