Guardianship

It is always advisable to have an alternate guardian or conservator in the event of separation, deployment, illness, incapacitation, or death of the primary guardian or conservator. If the individual with special needs is younger, naming a second successor guardian is also suggested. The process of establishing an alternate guardian may be different in each state. If your state does not provide for alternate guardians, place (in order of preference) the names of individuals you would prefer the Court consider as future guardians for your young child or adult with special needs in your will. If the person agrees to serve and petitions the court, the court will usually follow your stated preferences.