However, substantiation of some combination of the following is typically required: A disabling condition (eg, intellectual disability, a mental disorder, dementia or other brain disorder, chronic use of drugs) A lack of cognitive ability to receive and evaluate information or to make or communicate decisions An inability to meet essential requirements of physical health, safety, or self-care without protective intervention A finding that guardianship or conservatorship is the least restrictive alternative for protecting the person If physicians question a person's legal capacity, they may seek a court's determination through guardianship or protective proceedings.