LOGAN PACL GETS SERVED: ONE FAMILY'S JOURNEY THROUGH GUARDIANSHIP

​ Turning 18 is a milestone for any teen—but for families of children with rare or special needs, it comes with unique legal and practical challenges. Guardianship ensures that young adults with significant care needs continue to have advocates who can make decisions on their behalf. When Logan Pacl, who has Sanfilippo syndrome, reached adulthood, his family faced the process head-on.

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Facing the Birthday That Comes With Paperwork

Logan Pacl turned 18 last year (2025). While most teens were thinking about birthdays, driving, or school, Logan’s family was focused on legal paperwork.

“Honestly, it felt like Logan was served a very different kind of birthday present,” his mom Noelle said, referring to the stack of court documents.

Guardianship is not a life changing event - in fact, quite the opposite.  It freezes the legal relationship between parent and child guaranteeing their legal oversight in perpetuity.

For Logan, who has Sanfilippo Syndrome, a neurodegenerative condition, and the cognition of a 1-year-old, this step was crucial. While Logan’s story is specific to Sanfilippo, the guardianship process applies broadly to special needs families across the U.S.


The Guardianship Process: What to Expect

For the Pacls, preparation began months before Logan’s birthday: gathering medical records, drafting personal statements, and scheduling court dates. Working with a lawyer familiar with special needs law helped simplify the process.

“Going through guardianship made us hyper-aware of all the daily decisions that happen behind the scenes,” Logan’s dad Billy said. “From healthcare to finances, it’s about protection and continuity for Logan’s life.”


State-to-state differences:

Guardianship laws vary significantly across the U.S. In some states, parents may need additional filings or court approvals for medical and financial decisions; in others, the process is more streamlined. The Pacls note the challenge of navigating these differences:

“It feels unfair that we have to worry about state-by-state issues instead of a more uniform, federal standard,” Noelle said.  This variation adds complexity for families who relocate or live near state borders, and underscores the importance of early planning.


Guardianship Isn’t About Taking Over

A key lesson for families: guardianship doesn’t mean taking away a child’s voice or individuality.

“It means we stand beside him,” Noelle said, “making sure his needs are met safely and respectfully.”

Even though Logan cannot make many decisions independently, establishing routines for involvement wherever possible preserves dignity and promotes consistency in care.


Recommendations for Families Approaching Age 18

The Pacls offer practical guidance for families of special needs children:

1. Start early: Begin gathering medical, educational, and personal documents well before the 18th birthday.
2. Work with experienced professionals: A lawyer familiar with special needs guardianship can simplify the process and explain complex legal language.
3. Organize and track information: Keep files of all records, reports, and letters to present a clear case to the court.
4. Include your child in decisions when possible: Guardianship should support independence, not replace it.
5. Prepare for emotional ups and downs: Support networks and patience are essential.
6. Understand state differences: Laws vary by state, which can affect timelines, requirements, and decision-making authority. Families should plan accordingly.
7. Remember it applies broadly: Whether your child has a rare disease like Sanfilippo or other developmental or intellectual disabilities, guardianship is a tool families across the U.S. rely on to protect their loved ones.

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Looking Ahead: Life After Guardianship
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With the paperwork finalized, Logan’s family reflects on the milestone not as a limitation, but as an affirmation of their advocacy and care. Guardianship may be a legal requirement, but at its heart it is love, protection, and planning for the future.
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“It’s a big step, but it gives us confidence that Logan will continue to be cared for with his best interests in mind,” said Billy.
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For families navigating this process, the Pacls’ experience highlights both the challenges and the reassurance that comes with proper planning. Guardianship is a legal milestone—but for families like the Pacls, it is also a marker of dedication, foresight, and the commitment to protect their loved one’s life at every stage.

CLIP #1 (1 minute): Noelle explains the Guardianship process

We wanted to make sure that we could continue to provide the same care to Logan after he turned 18, when he's legally considered an adult" 

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Clip #2 (1 minute): Noelle and Billy on the involvement of their other two children in the Guardianship process for their brother Logan.

Because our other two children live in the home as well, they needed to be notified ahead of time by the court that somebody would be coming out to do an interview with the family" 

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Clip #3: Noelle's piece of advice for other parents - Don't take it personal; it's all being done for the best interest of your child.

Try not to take it personal; they're just doing their jobs and looking out for your child's best interest"

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​FULL interview (18 minutes):

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