The PRACTICAL Tool: A Decision-Guide for Lawyers /Guardians ie: those w/ Disabilities/Special Needs
Services
Guardianship is a drastic intervention; it is a protective measure, but it also removes fundamental human rights.
The American Bar Association's PRACTICAL Tool aims to help lawyers avoid guardianship, if possible, by identifying and implementing decision-making options for persons with disabilities that are less restrictive than guardianship.
This Practice Tip introduces the PRACTICAL Tool and highlights the key steps lawyers and guardians can use to enhance a client's self-determination and asses for modification of guardianship or restoration of rights.
The PRACTICAL Tool aims to help lawyers identify and implement decision-making options for persons with disabilities that are less restrictive than guardianship.
It is a joint product of four American Bar Association entities – the Commission on Law and Aging, Commission on Disability Rights, Section on Civil Rights and Social Justice, and Section on Real Property, Trust and Estate Law, with assistance from the National Resource Center for Supported Decision-Making.
“PRACTICAL” is an acronym for nine steps for lawyers to identify these options.
The lawyer can use the PRACTICAL checklist of steps during the client interview and immediately after to assist in case analysis.
The steps blend in naturally with the case interview process. Lawyers serving in different roles may use the steps differently.
Service Area
Statewide