A guardian has only the specific powers granted by the court order. A person with a guardian has civil rights under law like anyone else. These rights include the rights to vote, to choose a religion, to have privacy, to choose friends, to marry and have children, and to make a will if competent to do so.

A person under guardianship has a right to have an attorney represent him or her and to choose the attorney.

The guardian must consult with the person under guardianship and should follow his or her wishes whenever possible.

If you are a person under guardianship and your rights are being denied, contact us. Fill out our form and we will call you back. Your information will be sent to Legal Services Vermont, which screens requests for help for both Vermont Legal Aid and Legal Services Vermont. You can also call us at 1-800-889-2047.