The Colby Act Becomes Law

Posted on 05/26/23 by Jamie Harding

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When Alabamians need help making vital decisions due to disability, they now have access to an option that reflects a modern approach that is less restrictive than a traditional guardianship.

Named after Colby Spangler, who was born with cerebral palsy, the Colby Act gives an adult with disabilities and older adults a legal option to have a decision-making agreement with their own chosen advisors instead of a guardianship or conservatorship.

"The Colby Act is an important first step in modernizing Alabama's outdated guardianship system, " said Candi Williams, AARP Alabama State Director. "Historically, a person in a guardianship has had fewer rights than inmates in Alabama prisons. Bringing Alabama's guardianship and conservatorship laws into the 21st century is a top priority for AARP."

For more information on guardianship and conservatorship laws in Alabama, go to AlabamaGuardianship.

This story is provided by AARP Alabama. Visit the AARP Alabama page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.

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