Guardianship vs. Supportive Decision-Making Attorney in Katy, Texas

When a loved one with a disability turns 18, families often wonder how to stay involved in helping them make important decisions. In Texas, there are two main paths: guardianship and supported decision-making.

Guardianship is a court-ordered arrangement that transfers certain decision-making rights to a guardian when a person cannot safely make decisions on their own. While it can be necessary in some situations, it should always be considered a last resort, as it limits the individual’s independence.

Supported Decision-Making (SDM) is a newer, less restrictive alternative. Under an SDM agreement, the adult keeps all their legal rights but chooses trusted supporters to help them understand choices, communicate decisions, and manage important aspects of life. It promotes dignity, inclusion, and self-determination while still offering support to an adult with a disability.

At Swanson Law, PLLC, we believe that every person deserves to be treated with respect, compassion, and care — especially when their independence and future are at stake. We take the time to truly understand each family’s values, strengths, and hopes before recommending any path forward. Whether that means pursuing guardianship, supported decision-making, or another creative alternative, our goal is to help families find the balance between protection and autonomy — always with empathy at the center of the process.