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In Minnesota, young adults are granted certain legal rights - such as the right to vote, marry, open a credit card, consent to medical treatments, make living arrangements and sign contracts - at age 18. All educational rights provided to parents or guardians also transfer to the youth at 18.
If extra support is needed for decision making as an adult, supported decision making provides an alternative to guardianship.
Decision Making Options
Independent decision-making happens when a young adult makes choices on their own, without asking for input first. This can begin with simple choices, such as what to eat for breakfast or which movie to watch. For bigger decisions - such as whether to move out, take a new job or make a major purchase - your child may seek a second opinion or extra support. You can play an important role by offering guidance when needed while still promoting independence.
Supported decision-making helps young adults make choices with help from people they trust, like family, friends, teachers or counselors. Whether decisions are small or large, support allows young adults to stay in charge while understanding their options and outcomes.
Guardianship is a legal arrangement where a court appoints someone (usually a parent or guardian) to make decisions for a young adult. This might include living arrangements, money management, or decisions about work, education or health care. Guardianship removes certain rights, so it should be considered only as a last resort. Whenever possible, it's better to provide guidance and support without taking away a young adult's ability to make choices.
Conservatorship is someone the court appoints to help manage a person's money and finances if that person cannot make these decisions because of an injury, illness or disability.
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