Adults with intellectual disabilities in Connecticut experience more than twice the national average of being subjected to legal guardianship (National Core Indicators, 2022). When plenary guardianship is granted, the individual does not retain their rights to make their own decisions. This phenomenological qualitative study investigates the motivations of family members who pursued guardianship over less restrictive alternatives. The research draws on critical disability theory, self-determination theory, and social role valorization theory as a theoretical framework. Through semistructured virtual interviews with 10 family members who successfully petitioned the probate courts for guardianship, the research examines factors influencing guardianship decisions. The study explores guardians' awareness and understanding of less restrictive alternatives, including supported decision-making and the challenges encountered as a guardian. The findings contribute to a clearer understanding of guardianship practices in Connecticut in the community that serves people with intellectual disabilities. The study informs existing and future policies and practices designed to educate people on less restrictive alternatives to guardianship. Guardianship practices expose the need for increased educational opportunities, awareness, and support for families in navigating decision-making processes. The significance of this study lies in the potential to inform policy and practice efforts aimed at promoting guardianship alternatives while promoting the autonomy and well-being of individuals with intellectual disabilities. By discovering the motivations behind family members decisions, and identifying the challenges they face in the process, efforts to educate and empower individuals with intellectual disabilities have a clearer path to success. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]