Can the parents of a child with a disability arrange for his or her protection in the event that they are no longer able to care for him or her?

Verified 20 May 2026 - Public Service / (Prime Minister)

You can arrange in advance for the protection of your child with a disability (minor or adult) when you are no longer able to care for him or her due to a disability (for example: disabling illness, severe mental illness, disability, long-term hospitalization, incarceration) or death. Some measures apply immediately if you need them, while others can be planned for the future. We tell you what you need to know depending on whether your child is a minor or an adult.

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Your child is a minor

Measures can be put in place immediately or for later.

Immediate measures

You can do one of the following:

  • Guardianship of minors. This measure makes it possible to appoint a guardian to represent your child and manage his/her assets.
  • Delegation of parental authority. This measure enables all or part of parental authority to be entrusted to a trusted relative or third party. It makes it possible to organize concretely the care of your child during your lifetime, without completely relinquishing your rights.

In addition, it is important to ensure that living conditions adapted to its needs. This may involve looking for a specialized accommodation facility or home support. To do this, you must apply to the departmental house for disabled people (MDPH).

The request can be made online through an online service, if the MDPH of your residence offers it:

MDPH (AAH, PCH, admission to Ésat, accommodation...) and renewal

You can also apply by post through a form:

Application or renewal of disability benefits (AEEH, AAH, PCH, CMI, accommodation, Ésat...))

You must reach supporting documents mentioned during your online application or on the form.

The documents must be sent (or scanned if you apply online) to the MDPH of your place of residence.

Who shall I contact
Anticipatory measures

You can do one of the following:

  • Guardianship of minors. This measure allows you to designate a guardian in advance who will be responsible for representing your child and managing his or her wealth.
  • Future Protection Mandate. This measure allows you to designate in advance the person who will take care of your child. However, the future protection mandate will only start to take effect when your child reaches the age of majority.

FYI  

You can record your wishes for the protection of your child in a written document, such as a will.

In addition, it is important to ensure that living conditions which are adapted to its future needs. This may involve looking for a specialized accommodation facility or home support. To do this, you must inquire from the departmental house for disabled people (MDPH).

Who shall I contact

Your child is an adult

Measures can be put in place immediately or for later.

Immediate measures

You can do one of the following:

  • Guardianship of adults. This measure allows you to protect your adult child who is no longer able to manage his needs alone. The guardian represents him in most acts of civil life and ensures the management of his assets. This is the most complete and protective measure when autonomy is severely impaired.
  • Curatelle. This measure is aimed at an adult who retains some autonomy but needs assistance for important everyday activities (for example, financial management). The curator does not replace your child, he accompanies him and secures the most sensitive decisions.
  • Family empowerment. This measure allows a family member to be allowed to assist or represent your adult child for certain specified acts. It is based on family trust and is often a more flexible solution than guardianship or curatorship.

In addition, it is important to ensure that living conditions adapted to its needs. This may involve looking for a specialized accommodation facility or home support. To do this, you must apply to the departmental house for disabled people (MDPH).

The request can be made online through an online service, if the MDPH of your residence offers it:

MDPH (AAH, PCH, admission to Ésat, accommodation...) and renewal

You can also apply by post through a form:

Application or renewal of disability benefits (AEEH, AAH, PCH, CMI, accommodation, Ésat...))

You must reach supporting documents mentioned during your online application or on the form.

The documents must be sent (or scanned if you apply online) to the MDPH of your place of residence.

Who shall I contact

You can also use disability savings or a life annuity contract to constitute a financial wealth.

You can also passing on goods by donation or donation-sharing.

Anticipatory measures

You can do one of the following:

  • Guardianship of minors. This measure makes it possible to designate in advance a guardian who will be responsible for representing your child who has become an adult and managing his or her wealth.
  • Future Protection Mandate. This measure allows you to designate in advance the person who will take care of your adult child.

FYI  

You can record your wishes for the protection of your child in a written document, such as a will.

In addition, it is important to ensure that living conditions which are adapted to its future needs. This may involve looking for a specialized accommodation facility or home support. To do this, you must inquire from the departmental house for disabled people (MDPH).

Who shall I contact

You can also use disability savings or a life annuity contract to constitute a financial wealth.

You can also passing on goods by donation or donation-sharing.

Who can help me?

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