Guardianship
Guardianship is when a person is appointed to make decisions on behalf of another person who lacks decision-making capacity because of a disability. In NSW this occurs under the
Guardianship Act 1987.
Most people with a disability do not need a guardian and they can be supported by their family, friends and carers to make their own decisions. Guardianship is the last resort when decisions can't be made.
Guardianship is limited to a person's current needs and is not intended to last forever. Substitute decision making is a formal appointment and is not assumed by relationship.
More information about guardianship is available on other pages of this website including our
publications. You can also
contact us.