Guardianship is a legal process where the court by and through its designee (lay guardian or certified professional guardian or guardianship agency) have the power to make personal, health, and/or financial decisions for another individual, whether a minor or an adult.

A guardian may be appointed when the superior court determines the individual has a significant risk of personal harm based upon a demonstrated inability to adequately provide for his or her own nutrition, health, housing, physical safety or is at significant risk of financial harm based upon a demonstrated inability to adequately manage property or financial affairs. In Washington, the court will consider whether appointing a limited or full guardian is appropriate and whether or not there is a least restrictive alternative to guardianship.

We represent individuals who object to the filing of a guardianship petition against them, petitioners who have a good faith belief a guardianship may be necessary for an individual, children who need a responsible decision maker, lay guardians, certified professional guardians, and guardianship agencies. Furthermore, we have qualified attorneys for Title 11.88 guardian ad litem appointments, who serve as court officers that investigate and make a recommendation to the Superior Court on whether a guardianship or least restrictive alternative is appropriate.

We recommend that you contact one of our administrative law attorneys listed below: