Guardianship is a legal process in which the court appoints a person or agency to make decisions on behalf of another person and is the most restrictive form of legal protection for an individual. Only individuals with mental health, intellectual, or medical disabilities so severe that they cannot make informed decisions for themselves would meet the criteria for guardianship. The process begins with a petition to the court to create a guardianship. It is recommended that an attorney with expertise in this area be consulted if there is a need for guardianship to explain the various guardianship options. Advocacy organizations also offer specific trainings on this topic.