For the welfare of your child and the family, the parent of a child with special needs must determine to which degree their child will need guardianship. Guardianship process typically starts prior to the Childs 18^th birthday. When an individuals turns 18^th they’re considered an adult, so if they’re admitted into an emergency room or have an encounter with law enforcement. The parent has no legal right or say in medical treatment. So protect yourself and your child’s best interest, complete the legal process of obtaining guardianship.    

Arizona Instructions and forms for petitioning guardianship. This is only a guideline; please consult your local judicial system for current procedures.  It’s crucial that the parents or the guardian successfully complete the guardianship procedure when the child turns 18 years of age, without it the child will/may become ward of the state. 

Below is a link to the Superior Court of Arizona. The process is broken into four steps, with instructions and forms.

http://www.superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/superiorcourt/self-servicecenter/forms/probatecases/prob_pbga1.asp