When supporting a person with an intellectual, cognitive, or developmental disability, guardianship should be considered only when other, less restrictive options do not provide the support a person needs.

There are several ways a person may receive help with making decisions while maintaining as much control over their own life as possible. These may include:

• Supported Decision-Making (SDM): A person chooses trusted supporters to help them understand information, consider options, and communicate their own decisions. The person keeps the right to make their own decisions. New Mexico's Supported Decision-Making Act created a program within the Office of Guardianship to provide information and support related to SDM. More information on SDM can be found at www.nmsdm.org
• Power of Attorney (POA): A person may voluntarily give someone they trust authority to help with specific financial, legal, or other matters. The authority can be limited to the areas where support is needed.
• Other supports: Depending on a person's circumstances, other options may include health care directives, representative payees, surrogate decision-makers, or other arrangements.

Guardianship is a significant legal decision that can affect a person's rights and independence. Before pursuing guardianship, it is important to understand the available options and determine what level of support is appropriate for the individual. 

Please visit What Is Guardianship to learn more about guardianship.

The New Mexico Developmental Disabilities Council Office of Guardianship can provide information about guardianship services and, through its Supported Decision-Making Program, information about SDM.

Learn more about alternatives to guardianship and the different types of support they provide by watching the videos below.