Guardianship Forum

Tuesday, October 6, 2026 - WindSwell Foundation - 6-8pm

In person and Zoom attendance options are available

Join us for our 2026 Guardianship Forum. This FREE event is on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 from 6-8pm at the WindSwell Foundation, 5323 W Jefferson Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46804. You will learn more about how the guardianship process works in Indiana and alternatives to guardianship. In-person and Zoom attendance options are available.

RSVP is required as space is limited.

This year's panel and topics include:

Magistrate Phillip Houk - How the process looks in the courtroom and general overview of guardianship.
Kristin Steckbeck, Attorney at Dale Huffman and Babcock Law - What is the Guardian Ad Litem and your attorney's role in guardianship.
Karly Poulter, The Arc Advocacy Network Director at the Arc of Indiana - Supported Decision Making and alternatives to guardianship.
Victoria Fox, Nurse Practitioner at Parkview Health - What is the role of the medical community in guardianship?
Kathy Hunsche, Guardianship Coordinator at the Volunteer Lawyer Program. What is the Volunteer Lawyer Program and it’s qualifications.

Click to RSVP

What is Guardianship?

In Indiana, guardianship is a legal relationship established by a probate court where a judge appoints a person or entity (the guardian) to make decisions for an individual deemed "incapacitated".
Indiana law explicitly presumes that every adult—regardless of disability status—has the right to make their own decisions. However, when an individual is unable to care for themselves or manage their affairs due to a disability, a court can grant legal authority to a guardian.

Why does My Autism Ally host an annual Guardianship Forum and future planning events?

My Autism Ally believes that future planning is crucial for autistics and their families. It ensures a safe, stable and fulfilling life, long after parents are gone. It takes the burden off the future guardian and provides peace of mind to family and friends knowing the autistic they care about is protected.

What are some things that I should consider as my autistic child becomes an adult for future planning.

When a child with a disability turns 18, they automatically become a legal adult under Indiana law. Without prior legal arrangements, parents suddenly lose the legal right to access medical records (due to HIPAA), speak with schools, or manage medical care. Planning before age 18 ensures there is no lapse in support or advocacy.
If you have a male child, he still needs to register for Selective Service, regardless of disability.
Parents are often the primary caregivers and decision-makers for a person with a disability. Planning ahead answers the ultimate question: "What happens when I'm no longer here or able to care for my child?" Designating successor guardians or alternative support systems in a will or trust prevents an emergency court proceeding if a parent suddenly passes away or becomes ill.
Indiana recognizes Supported Decision-Making (SDM) by law. Under SDM, an individual retains their full legal rights but signs a formal agreement appointing a trusted circle of family and advisors to help them understand, weigh, and communicate choices. Courts in Indiana must consider SDM and other less restrictive options (like Power of Attorney or Healthcare Representatives) before granting full guardianship. Future planning lets you test these less restrictive tools first to see if full court intervention is even necessary.
An important component of future planning involves structuring financial assets so the individual remains eligible for essential public assistance, such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Future planning allows families to integrate tools like Special Needs Trusts and ABLE Accounts. Indiana has an ABLE account plan called INvestABLE Indiana.

If you have questions about guardianship or future planning, reach out to us with our FREE One-On-One Consultation services in one of the following ways.