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Glossary Terms G-L

This section of the glossary includes terms beginning with the letters G through L, with definitions tailored for disability-focus divorce and financial planning.

H I  |  J  |  L

G

General Support Services

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Generation Skipping Tax

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Gift

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Gift Tax

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Good Faith

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Government Benefits

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Graduated Support Model

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Grantor

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Grievance Proceedure

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Gross Estate

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Gross Income

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Group Home

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Group House

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Guardian

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Guardian ad Litem

A Guardian ad Litem (GAL) is a neutral professional appointed by the court to investigate and make recommendations about a child’s best interests during a legal dispute. The GAL interviews parents, reviews records, and may speak with teachers or therapists. Their recommendations often carry significant weight in cases involving children with disabilities because they assess each parent’s ability to meet specialized needs.

Guardian-Limited

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Guardian-Natural

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Guardian of the Estate

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Guardianship of the Person

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Guardian-plenary

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Guardian-public

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Guardianship

Guardianship is a legal process in which a court grants someone authority to make personal, medical, and daily‑living decisions for an adult who lacks capacity. It is the most restrictive option and is used only when less‑restrictive alternatives—such as supported decision‑making or powers of attorney—are not sufficient. Guardianship can be tailored to specific areas of need, depending on the individual’s abilities.

Guardianship Alternatives

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Guardianship Review

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Guardian-Successor

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Guardian-Temporary

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Guardian-Testamentary

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Guardianship Plan

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Guardianship Proceeding

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H

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

HIPAA is a federal law that protects the privacy of medical information and limits who can access a person’s health records. Parents of adults with disabilities often need a HIPAA release to communicate with doctors, therapists, or hospitals. Without proper authorization, providers may refuse to share information even when the family is actively involved in care.

Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS)

HCBS refers to Medicaid waiver programs that provide supports such as personal care, respite, employment services, and residential assistance in community settings rather than institutions. These services help individuals with disabilities live as independently as possible. Eligibility and availability vary by state, and waitlists can be long.

Home Health Aide

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Housing Assistance

Housing Assistance includes federal, state, and local programs that help individuals with disabilities secure safe, affordable housing. Examples include Section 8 vouchers, public housing, and state‑funded rental supports. These programs often coordinate with Medicaid waivers to provide both housing and in‑home services.

Health Care Proxy

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Homebound Instruction

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Hearing Officer

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Home Modification Services

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Hospital Discharge Planning

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Hardship Exemption

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I

IEP (Individualized Education Program)

An IEP is a legally binding plan that outlines the special education services, accommodations, and goals for a student with disabilities. It is developed by a team that includes parents, teachers, and specialists. The IEP ensures the student receives a free appropriate public education tailored to their unique needs.

IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan

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Incapacity

Incapacity refers to a person’s inability to understand information or make informed decisions about their personal, medical, or financial affairs. Courts use medical evaluations and functional assessments to determine incapacity. This finding is often required before appointing a guardian or conservator.

Income Withholding

Income Withholding is a court‑ordered process in which child support or spousal support is automatically deducted from a parent’s paycheck. This ensures consistent payment and reduces conflict between parents. For families with disabilities, reliable support is essential to maintain therapies, equipment, and care routines.

Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)

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In-Home Support Services

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Inclusion

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Informed Consent

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Intellectual Disability

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Interagency Coordination

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J

Joint Decision-Making

Joint Decision‑Making means both parents share responsibility for major decisions about a child’s education, medical care, therapies, and welfare. It requires communication and cooperation. When a child has disabilities, joint decision‑making can be challenging if parents disagree about treatment approaches or service providers.

Joint Legal Custody

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Joint Physical Custody

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Judicial Review

Judicial Review is the process by which a court examines the actions or decisions of an agency, school district, or lower court to determine whether they followed the law. Families may seek judicial review after exhausting administrative appeals, such as in special education disputes or benefit denials.

Jurisdiction

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Job Coaching

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Job Placement Services

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Juvenile Guardianship

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K

Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)

Early Intervention refers to specialized services provided to infants and toddlers from birth to age three who have developmental delays or disabilities. These services may include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and developmental instruction delivered in the home or community. Early Intervention focuses on strengthening foundational skills during a critical developmental window and supporting families in learning how to meet their child’s needs.

Legal Custody

Legal Custody refers to the authority to make major decisions about a child’s upbringing, including education, medical care, therapy, and religious instruction. Parents may share legal custody or one parent may hold it exclusively. For children with disabilities, legal custody often includes additional responsibilities related to treatment coordination and specialized services.

Letter of Intent

A Letter of Intent is a non‑legal document parents create to guide future caregivers or trustees about their child’s routines, preferences, medical history, supports, and long‑term needs. It does not replace legal planning but provides essential context that helps maintain continuity of care. Families of individuals with disabilities often update this document regularly.

Life Care Plan

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Life Skills Training

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Limited Guardianship

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Long-Term Care Planning

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Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS)

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Loss of Benefits

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Least Restrictive Housing

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L

Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)

Early Intervention refers to specialized services provided to infants and toddlers from birth to age three who have developmental delays or disabilities. These services may include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and developmental instruction delivered in the home or community. Early Intervention focuses on strengthening foundational skills during a critical developmental window and supporting families in learning how to meet their child’s needs.

Legal Custody

Legal Custody refers to the authority to make major decisions about a child’s upbringing, including education, medical care, therapy, and religious instruction. Parents may share legal custody or one parent may hold it exclusively. For children with disabilities, legal custody often includes additional responsibilities related to treatment coordination and specialized services.

Letter of Intent

A Letter of Intent is a non‑legal document parents create to guide future caregivers or trustees about their child’s routines, preferences, medical history, supports, and long‑term needs. It does not replace legal planning but provides essential context that helps maintain continuity of care. Families of individuals with disabilities often update this document regularly.

Life Care Plan

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Life Skills Training

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Limited Guardianship

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Long-Term Care Planning

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Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS)

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Loss of Benefits

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Least Restrictive Housing

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