Guardianship nominations are an important part of a comprehensive estate plan, allowing parents and caregivers to name who should care for minor children or dependent adults if they become unable to do so. This page explains what guardianship nominations accomplish, how they integrate with documents like wills and trusts, and why clear nominations reduce uncertainty for families. The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman can help Oakland residents create thoughtful, legally sound nominations that reflect their values and priorities. Planning ahead helps ensure children and dependents have continuity of care and a smooth transition should the unexpected occur.
Choosing a guardian is a deeply personal decision that involves practical, emotional, and legal considerations. Guardianship nominations clarify who you trust to raise your children or manage care for a dependent adult, and they can address factors such as geographic proximity, parenting philosophy, financial ability, and willingness to serve. Including nominations in estate planning documents helps courts understand your preferences and can reduce disputes among family members. At the Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman, clients in Oakland and throughout Alameda County receive guidance to draft nominations that are clear, legally effective, and aligned with broader plans like trusts and powers of attorney.
Guardianship nominations provide clarity and direction during a difficult time, helping courts honor the wishes of parents or caregivers. When nominations are properly drafted and included in estate planning documents, they reduce uncertainty, shorten the court process, and lower the risk of family disputes. Guardianship nominations also enable parents to specify preferences about education, religion, medical care, and other important aspects of a child’s upbringing. For dependent adults, nominations can identify a trusted person to manage personal and living decisions. Thoughtful nominations contribute to continuity of care and protect the welfare and stability of vulnerable family members.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman provides estate planning services to families in Oakland, San Jose, and across California. Our approach emphasizes careful listening, tailored recommendations, and clear drafting so that guardianship nominations and related documents reflect each client’s unique family situation. We guide clients through choices about primary and alternate guardians, integrate nominations into wills and trusts, and explain how nominations work with powers of attorney and health care directives. Our goal is to make the legal process understandable and manageable while protecting the best interests of children and dependents.
A guardianship nomination is a formal statement within your estate plan identifying who you would like to serve as guardian for a minor child or dependent adult. In California, nominations are typically included in wills, trusts, or separate nomination forms and are presented to the court if guardianship proceedings become necessary. While courts make final appointments based on the child’s best interests, clear nominations provide strong evidence of the parents’ or caregivers’ intent. Drafting nominations with specificity about primary and successor guardians helps ensure your preferences are known and increases the likelihood that your chosen individuals will be appointed.
Nominations should address practical details such as who will serve as alternate guardian if the primary nominee cannot act, whether guardianship is intended to be temporary or permanent, and any considerations about a guardian’s location, schooling choices, or religious upbringing. Guardianship nominations also intersect with other estate planning tools, including trusts that hold assets for a child’s benefit, pour-over wills that funnel assets into trust, and health care directives that name decision-makers for a dependent adult. Clear alignment among these documents prevents gaps and minimizes the potential for contested proceedings.
Guardianship nominations are written expressions of your preference for who should care for your minor children or dependent adults if you are unable to do so. Although the court retains ultimate authority to appoint a guardian based on the child’s best interests, it typically gives significant weight to the parents’ nominations. Nominations can be included in wills, trust documents, or standalone forms. They often name both primary and successor guardians and can include guidance about upbringing, education, and health decisions. Properly drafted nominations help streamline court proceedings and provide reassurance that your wishes will be considered.
Creating effective guardianship nominations involves identifying primary and alternate guardians, documenting their willingness to serve, and integrating the nominations into broader estate planning documents. The process includes discussing candidate suitability, confirming practical arrangements like housing and finances, and specifying any preferences about how a child should be raised. Attorneys also ensure nominations comply with California statutes and provide clear language that courts can rely upon. In some cases, parents pair nominations with trusts or appointment letters that clarify financial management for the child’s benefit and outline long-term care plans for dependents.
Understanding common terms helps families make informed decisions about guardianship nominations. This glossary explains essential concepts such as primary guardian, successor guardian, temporary guardianship, guardianship petition, and related documents like pour-over wills and certification of trust. Clear definitions make it easier to see how nominations fit into a comprehensive estate plan, how courts treat nominations, and what documents should be prepared to support the nomination. Having these terms defined in plain language allows clients to communicate their wishes accurately and confidently when planning for their family’s future.
A primary guardian is the person you nominate to assume care and responsibility for your minor child or dependent adult if you are unable to do so. This nomination indicates your first choice for day-to-day care, decision-making about education and medical treatment, and overall welfare. While the court has final say, naming a primary guardian in your estate planning documents signals your preference and can carry considerable weight during appointment proceedings. It is wise to discuss this responsibility with the chosen individual in advance and to name at least one alternate in case the primary guardian cannot serve.
A successor or alternate guardian is the individual designated to act if the primary guardian is unwilling or unable to serve. Including alternates in nominations ensures continuity of care and provides the court with additional options aligned with your preferences. Successor designations can name multiple alternates in order of priority and may come with guidance about when an alternate should assume responsibility. Clear successor nominations minimize delays and disagreements if the primary guardian is unavailable, helping maintain stability for the child or dependent adult.
A pour-over will functions together with a trust to transfer any assets not previously moved into the trust at the time of death. For guardianship nominations, a pour-over will can include a nomination clause that indicates your preferred guardian for minor children. The will ‘pours over’ residual assets into the trust, where a trustee manages funds according to the trust’s terms for a child’s support and benefit. Using a pour-over will helps ensure that financial resources are available for a guardian to provide for a child’s needs, consistent with the trust provisions you have established.
A certification of trust is a concise document that summarizes key information about a trust without revealing the full trust terms. It is often used to demonstrate a trustee’s authority to third parties, such as financial institutions. In the context of guardianship nominations, a certification of trust can show that funds are available to support a child or dependent under trust management, which can reassure a court or guardian about financial arrangements. Certification streamlines transactions while protecting privacy, and it can be part of a broader estate plan that supports a guardianship nomination.
Families have choices about how to document guardianship preferences and provide for a child’s care. Options include naming guardians in a will, integrating nominations within a revocable trust, or preparing separate nomination forms and letters of intent. A will-based nomination typically requires court proceedings to appoint a guardian, while trust arrangements can provide ongoing financial management without court approval for asset control. The right choice depends on family circumstances, asset structure, and the desire for privacy or speed. An informed approach weighs the practical needs of the child, potential family dynamics, and long-term financial planning.
A straightforward guardianship nomination included in a will may suffice for families with limited assets and a clear, unanimous agreement about who should serve as guardian. If the nominated guardian is local, willing, and has the means to provide care, a simple nomination may avoid unnecessary complexity. In these situations, parents can name a primary guardian and an alternate, and provide a brief letter of intent outlining preferences. While court approval is still required, simplicity can be appropriate when family circumstances are uncomplicated and the nomination aligns with the child’s best interests without needing extensive financial arrangements.
A limited guardianship approach can be appropriate when a family anticipates short-term care needs, such as during a temporary disability or travel. Temporary guardianship nominations combined with powers of attorney allow a trusted person to handle immediate caregiving responsibilities until the parent resumes care. These arrangements are useful when there is confidence the situation is temporary and the nominated caregiver is available and prepared. Clear instructions and documentation help ensure the temporary guardian can make day-to-day decisions, access medical care, and manage essential tasks without undue delay.
Comprehensive planning is often necessary when families face complex circumstances such as blended families, special needs dependents, or substantial assets that require careful management. In these cases, nominations should coordinate with trusts, guardianship letters, and durable powers of attorney to address both caregiving and long-term financial security. Detailed plans can specify how funds are to be used for a child’s education, medical care, housing, and other needs. A coordinated approach helps prevent disputes, ensures financial resources are managed appropriately, and protects the child’s or dependent’s stability over time.
When a dependent has ongoing medical or support needs, nominations must be paired with carefully structured trusts and benefit planning to preserve eligibility for government programs and to provide for extra care. Trusts such as special needs trusts or designated provisions in a trust can protect public benefits while funding supplemental care. Guardianship nominations in these situations should include detailed guidance about caregiving preferences, coordination with medical providers, and clear financial arrangements. Thoughtful planning reduces the risk of gaps in care and helps ensure a dependent’s needs are met responsibly over the long term.
A comprehensive approach to guardianship nominations combines clear caregiver designations with financial and legal structures that support the child or dependent person. By coordinating nominations with trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives, families create a cohesive plan that addresses caregiving, asset management, and medical decisions. This reduces the likelihood of contested proceedings and ensures that appointed guardians have access to the necessary resources. Comprehensive planning provides peace of mind by anticipating potential complications and ensuring that both short-term and long-term needs are addressed in a consistent manner.
Comprehensive planning also improves continuity of care by specifying who will make critical decisions and how financial resources will be handled. It can protect eligibility for public benefits, provide for educational and medical expenses, and allow for orderly transitions if a guardian changes over time. With a full plan in place, nominated guardians are better prepared to assume responsibility and manage assets for a dependent’s benefit. This approach is particularly valuable for families with unique needs, blended households, or any situation where financial management and caregiving responsibilities must be carefully balanced.
Comprehensive nominations and supporting documents reduce ambiguity about parental wishes and minimize opportunities for disagreements among relatives. When wills, trusts, and nomination letters consistently identify preferred guardians and lay out financial management plans, courts can more quickly honor those preferences. This clarity lessens the burden on children and families during emotionally challenging proceedings and helps maintain relationships by limiting uncertainty. Overall, a cohesive plan fosters smoother transitions and supports stable caregiving arrangements when they are most needed.
A comprehensive approach prepares families for both immediate care and long-term support by ensuring financial resources are available and decision-making authority is clearly assigned. Trusts and designated funds can cover education, medical care, and living expenses so guardians are not left without means to care for a child or dependent adult. Advance planning anticipates changes in circumstances and includes successor arrangements, providing continuity over years or decades. This forward-looking structure helps protect a dependent’s well-being and provides a reliable roadmap for those stepping into caregiving roles.
Talk with potential guardians well before an emergency arises. A candid discussion ensures the nominated person understands the responsibilities, availability, and any financial or personal considerations. Getting consent and confirming willingness to serve helps avoid surprises and ensures the person named is prepared to accept the role when needed. It is also helpful to discuss any preferences about schooling, healthcare, and religious upbringing so the guardian understands your priorities. Early conversations create a smoother transition and allow time to address logistics such as temporary housing or access to financial information.
Ensure that financial planning aligns with guardianship nominations by establishing trusts, designating trustees, and confirming how assets will be managed for the child’s benefit. A pour-over will can move residual assets into a trust, and a certificate of trust can help a trustee access funds. For dependents with ongoing care needs, consider trust structures that protect public benefits while providing supplemental support. Coordinating legal and financial documents ensures a guardian has the resources necessary to care for a child or dependent without delays or complications.
Planning guardianship nominations gives families control over who will care for their children or dependents and helps minimize the emotional and logistical disruption that follows an unexpected incapacity or death. Nominations guide courts toward your preferences and can significantly shorten the decision-making process. By deciding in advance and documenting your choices alongside trusts and powers of attorney, you protect both the immediate caregiving needs and the financial support structure a guardian will use. This foresight benefits children and dependents by promoting continuity of care and reassuring extended family and friends.
Additionally, nominations allow parents to express values and expectations for upbringing and care, reducing ambiguity in difficult times. Families with blended relationships, long-distance relatives, or special care needs particularly benefit from clear nominations and coordinated financial planning. Nominations are not irrevocable, and circumstances can change, but having a well-documented plan reduces the risk of family conflict and provides a practical roadmap for those who must step in. Drafting nominations as part of an estate plan keeps your wishes up to date and legally accessible when they are needed most.
Guardianship nominations are commonly needed when parents have minor children, when caregivers are aging, or when a dependent adult requires ongoing assistance. They are also essential in blended families where parental roles might be contested, and in situations where parents travel frequently or work in high-risk occupations. Special needs families rely on nominations paired with trusts to protect benefits and care continuity. Additionally, single parents and families with complex financial arrangements benefit from formal nominations and supporting documents that clarify both caregiving and asset management.
When a child’s other parent is not available or is not expected to assume caregiving, a formal guardianship nomination is particularly important. It tells the court and relatives who parents trust to raise the child and provides legal clarity about immediate day-to-day care and long-term decisions. Including financial arrangements in the estate plan helps ensure that the nominated guardian has resources to provide for the child’s needs. This planning reduces the chance of dispute and helps protect the child’s stability in the absence of a co-parent.
Families caring for someone with disabilities need nominations that coordinate with trust planning and benefit preservation strategies. Guardianship nominations identify who should handle daily care and important decisions, while trusts such as special needs trusts provide supplemental support without displacing public benefits. Detailed planning addresses medical needs, therapies, housing, and long-term support. Having these arrangements documented helps a guardian manage care responsibly and ensures the dependent’s quality of life is preserved according to the parents’ intentions.
In blended families or when close relatives live far apart, nominations reduce uncertainty about who should step in for caregiving. Clear choices about guardianship help prevent disputes between biological parents, stepparents, or extended family members and guide courts toward your preferred arrangement. When distance is an issue, planning should also consider logistical details like relocation, schooling, and access to community support. Including detailed instructions and alternate choices protects the child’s welfare and helps ensure a smoother transition when caregiving arrangements change.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman assists Oakland families in creating guardianship nominations and coordinating related estate planning documents. We help identify suitable guardians, draft nomination clauses for wills and trusts, and prepare letters of intent that explain your preferences. Our services include aligning financial arrangements so appointed guardians have access to necessary resources and guiding clients through legal procedures if court involvement becomes necessary. Families receive practical support to ensure their nominations are clear, legally effective, and integrated with their overall estate plans to protect children and dependents.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman focuses on practical, family-centered estate planning solutions tailored to each household’s needs. We work with clients in Oakland and throughout Alameda County to draft nominations, coordinate trusts and wills, and prepare supportive documentation that reduces court uncertainty. Our approach emphasizes clear communication and realistic planning so clients understand how nominations function and how they interact with financial arrangements. We assist clients in making thoughtful choices that reflect their values and ensure continuity of care for children and dependents.
Clients receive personalized support in identifying guardians, naming alternates, and describing caregiving preferences in letters of intent. We ensure documents comply with California law and are drafted to be persuasive in court while protecting family privacy. Our services also include coordinating with financial planning tools such as revocable living trusts, pour-over wills, certification of trust, and powers of attorney so that appointed guardians can access assets and manage a dependent’s needs effectively. This comprehensive alignment promotes smoother transitions and reliable care.
We also help families update nominations as circumstances evolve, whether due to changes in relationships, relocation, or the child’s growing needs. Regular reviews ensure that nominated guardians remain appropriate and that trustee and financial arrangements continue to support the nominated caregiver. Our practical guidance helps clients document their wishes in a way that reduces stress for family members and provides the strongest possible protection for children and dependents when a guardian must be appointed.
Our process begins with a thorough family and asset review to understand caregiving preferences, financial arrangements, and any special needs. We discuss potential guardians, confirm willingness to serve, and outline primary and alternate nominations. Documents are drafted to integrate with your estate plan, including wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. We explain how nominations are presented to the court if guardianship becomes necessary and provide letters of intent to assist appointed guardians. The goal is a cohesive set of documents that streamline decision-making and secure resources for a dependent’s care.
The initial step involves assessing family dynamics, caregiving preferences, and potential guardian candidates. We discuss the qualities to consider when choosing a guardian, such as availability, values, and capacity to manage caregiving responsibilities. This consultation also identifies financial needs and whether trust arrangements will be necessary to support the nominated guardian. Collecting this information ensures nominations are realistic, aligned with your priorities, and integrated into the broader estate plan to provide for both immediate care and long-term financial support.
We guide clients through evaluating candidate suitability by reviewing factors such as parenting philosophy, proximity, financial stability, and willingness to serve. Conversations explore how a potential guardian would handle schooling, medical care, and daily routines. We recommend naming alternates to ensure backup options are available. These discussions help clarify preferences and identify any potential issues that should be addressed in estate planning documents. The result is a considered nomination that reflects your family’s needs and expectations.
Once candidates are identified, we assist in obtaining their informed consent and documenting practical arrangements such as housing, nearby family support, and access to funds. This step includes drafting letters of intent that outline daily care preferences, medical history, and important contacts to make transition smoother. Confirming consent reduces surprises and provides courts assurance that nominated guardians are prepared to take on responsibilities. It also helps ensure the nominated person understands any financial assistance or trust arrangements that may accompany the role.
After the initial assessment, we draft nominations and integrate them into wills, trusts, or standalone forms as appropriate. This step ensures that nomination language is clear, legally effective, and consistent across documents. If trusts are needed to manage assets for a child’s benefit, we draft trust provisions and related documents such as certification of trust and pour-over wills. We also prepare powers of attorney and advance health care directives where they complement guardianship planning, providing a comprehensive framework for decision-making and financial management.
We prepare nomination clauses that clearly identify primary and successor guardians, include relevant instructions, and state preferences for upbringing and care. Letters of intent can accompany nominations to provide practical guidance on routines, educational priorities, medical needs, and contact networks. These documents supply appointed guardians with immediate, actionable information and support a smoother transition. Clear drafting reduces ambiguity and helps courts and guardians follow the parents’ or caregivers’ intentions effectively when they must assume responsibility.
When financial support is needed, we coordinate trust provisions that designate trustees, funding sources, and distribution terms for a child’s benefit. For dependents with special needs, trusts can be structured to preserve public benefits while providing supplemental support. We also prepare documents such as pour-over wills and certification of trust to ensure assets are available and accessible to trustees or guardians. This coordination ensures guardians have the financial resources required to carry out caregiving duties without unnecessary delays.
The final step is reviewing all documents with you, executing them according to California formalities, and arranging for safe storage and distribution of copies to relevant parties. We schedule follow-up reviews to update nominations and supporting documents as family circumstances change. Regular review ensures guardian choices remain appropriate and that trustees and other decision-makers are aligned with current needs. Ongoing maintenance of the estate plan preserves the intended protections and keeps documents effective when they are needed most.
We explain the formal execution requirements under California law and supervise signing so nominations, wills, and trusts are properly valid. After execution, we advise on secure storage, distribution of copies to nominated guardians and trustees, and registration options when appropriate. Ensuring documents are accessible to those who need them reduces delays if an emergency arises. Clear instructions about where to find documents and who to contact help nominated guardians assume responsibilities effectively and avoid unnecessary court complications.
Life changes such as marriage, divorce, relocation, or shifts in a guardian’s circumstances may require updates to nominations and related documents. We recommend periodic reviews to confirm that nominations remain appropriate and that trusts and financial arrangements still meet the family’s needs. When changes are needed, we help prepare amendments or new documents to reflect current preferences. Regular attention keeps the estate plan aligned with real-world conditions and maintains protection for children and dependents over time.
A guardianship nomination is a written statement included in estate planning documents that identifies who you prefer to be appointed as guardian for your minor children or dependent adults if you are unable to care for them. In California, the court considers these nominations and typically gives them substantial weight, but the court’s primary obligation is to appoint a guardian in the child’s best interests. Nominations are commonly placed in wills, trusts, or standalone forms, and they can name both primary and successor guardians to provide backup options. When a guardianship becomes necessary, nominated individuals present the documentation to the court during guardianship proceedings. While nominations are influential, the court examines the family circumstances, the suitability of the proposed guardian, and any potential objections. Proper drafting and supporting letters of intent help the court understand your preferences and can streamline the appointment process, reducing uncertainty and stress for the child.
Yes, you can name multiple guardians and you should name alternates to ensure continuity of care if the primary guardian is unwilling or unable to serve. Naming a succession of alternates provides courts with a clear sequence of choices aligned with your preferences, which helps avoid delays and disputes. It is practical to discuss these choices with the nominated individuals and confirm their willingness to accept the role before finalizing documents. Including alternates also allows you to address different scenarios, such as temporary versus permanent care, or geographic and logistical considerations. Clear language in the nomination and supporting letters of intent will indicate when an alternate should assume responsibility, and integrating these choices into your broader estate plan ensures financial and legal supports are in place for whichever guardian is appointed.
Guardianship nominations work best when coordinated with trusts and wills so that both caregiving and financial management are addressed. A will can contain nomination language that instructs the court regarding your preferred guardian, while a trust can hold assets for the child’s benefit and designate a trustee to manage funds for education, healthcare, and living expenses. Pour-over wills can transfer any remaining assets into an existing trust, ensuring the child’s financial support is handled according to the trust terms. When nominations and financial arrangements are aligned, a guardian appointed by the court will have clearer access to resources necessary to care for the child or dependent adult. Coordination prevents gaps in funding, helps trustees and guardians understand their roles, and reduces the likelihood of disputes over asset control and day-to-day decision-making.
A letter of intent is a non-binding document that provides practical guidance to a nominated guardian about a child’s routines, medical history, educational preferences, and social supports. It can include contact information for teachers, doctors, and family members, as well as details about daily schedules, disciplinary approaches, dietary requirements, and any special needs. The letter helps a guardian step into the role with essential information that eases the transition and supports continuity of care. While not a formal legal instrument, a letter of intent complements nomination clauses by offering context and instructions that are immediately actionable. It should be updated periodically to reflect changes in the child’s life and shared with nominated guardians so they have access to the most current information when needed.
Guardianship nominations should be reviewed whenever major life changes occur, such as marriage, divorce, the birth of another child, relocation, or alterations in a nominated guardian’s circumstances. Regular reviews every few years are also advisable to ensure nominations remain suitable and that all associated documents, like trusts and powers of attorney, are aligned with current realities. Updating documents keeps your plan effective and avoids unexpected problems if a guardian must be appointed. Routine reviews also allow you to confirm that nominated guardians continue to agree to serve and to adjust financial planning if needs change. Maintaining up-to-date records and ensuring nominated guardians and trustees have access to necessary documentation reduces delays and helps protect the well-being of the child or dependent adult.
The court gives significant consideration to the parents’ or caregivers’ nominations, but it is not strictly bound by them. The court’s primary responsibility is to act in the best interests of the child or dependent, which means it will review the suitability of the nominated guardian, any potential risks, and the family dynamics involved. Clear, consistent nominations combined with supporting documentation increase the likelihood that the court will honor your preferences. If there are concerns about a nominated guardian’s ability to provide proper care, or if there are competing claims from relatives, the court may conduct a more thorough review or consider alternatives. Solid planning—such as naming alternates and documenting a guardian’s willingness and capacity to serve—helps courts act in a way that adheres closely to the parents’ intentions while safeguarding the child’s welfare.
When a dependent receives government benefits, special planning is necessary so that financial support from an estate or trust does not inadvertently disqualify those benefits. Tools like appropriately drafted trust arrangements can provide supplemental funds for a dependent’s quality of life without disrupting eligibility. Special needs trusts and other structures can hold and manage funds for housing, therapy, and extracurricular needs while preserving access to public programs. Guardianship nominations should be integrated with benefit-preserving financial planning, and trustees should be instructed on distributions that supplement rather than replace public benefits. Clear coordination among nominations, trust documents, and benefit plans ensures appointed guardians have the legal framework to provide comprehensive care without jeopardizing critical supports.
To ensure a nominated guardian has access to funds, coordinate nominations with trusts, pour-over wills, and clear trustee designations. Naming a trustee who manages assets for the child’s benefit and establishing a trust with specific distribution terms gives a guardian a reliable source of financial support. Certification of trust documents can help trustees access accounts while protecting the privacy of full trust terms, and pour-over wills ensure residual assets are transferred into the trust after estate administration. It is also important to document who will handle interim expenses in the period before trust funds are accessible, and to include instructions for accessing medical or educational funds quickly. Clear communication among parents, nominated guardians, trustees, and financial institutions reduces delays and ensures funds are available when needed for a dependent’s care.
If you want a non-relative to serve as a guardian, discuss the choice with that person and confirm their willingness and ability to provide care. Courts will consider non-relative guardians if doing so serves the child’s best interests. It is helpful to document the nominee’s relationship to the child, the reasons for the choice, and any community supports that will assist the guardian. Letters of intent and a record of the nominee’s consent strengthen the nomination when presented to the court. Additional considerations include practical arrangements such as housing, local support networks, and financial capacity to provide care. Coordinating nomination language with trust provisions or financial arrangements ensures a non-relative guardian has access to necessary resources and formal backing to assume responsibilities effectively.
Nominations for adult dependents differ because the emphasis may shift from custody to decision-making and support. Guardianship for adults typically involves appointment of a conservator or guardian over the person, with the court evaluating the adult’s needs and capacity. Nominations can indicate who a person prefers to make personal and healthcare decisions on their behalf, and they are often paired with powers of attorney and advance health care directives that take effect if the adult loses capacity. For adult dependents with ongoing needs, nominations should be coordinated with financial management documents, trusts, and health care directives so appointed guardians or conservators have a clear mandate and access to funds. Planning helps preserve the adult’s dignity and autonomy while ensuring necessary supports are legally available when they become necessary.
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