I need decision-making support for someone under 18

If you are under the age of 18, you are a minor. That means your parents or legal guardians can make decisions for you. Even though decisions are made on your behalf, there are several supported decision-making strategies that can help develop your decision-making skills before you become a legal adult.

The resources on this page can help minors, parents and educators work together to make decisions. Because decision making happens at every age, these supports can be helpful prior to the transition to adulthood.

Keep in mind, on this site, supported decision-making refers to the idea that a person has the right to make decisions to the full extent of their capacity, even as they get needed support.

Click on each item below for more information.

Guardianship

Parents are legally responsible for all decisions for their children until the child turns 18. A court can appoint a person to be a child’s guardian.

ABLE Account

A savings program that you can use to pay for disability-related expenses.

Special Needs Trust

Legal plan with someone you trust to protect the assets and money of a person with a disability.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter. No recipients of content from this site, clients or otherwise, should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content included in the site without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from an attorney licensed in the recipient’s state. The content of this website contains general information and may not reflect current legal developments, verdicts or settlements. The Tennessee Center for Decision-Making Support expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all the contents of this website.