General information
Guardianship involves the court appointing someone to make decisions for another person because the other person is not capable of managing their own affairs.
Washington LawHelp has an overview of adult guardianship, conservatorship, and other protective arrangements, and the State Court has an Introduction to Guardianship and Conservatorship, Alternatives, and Overview of Petitioning.
Adult guardianship laws changed effective January 1, 2022. If you have a guardianship that was in place prior to that date, or want to learn more about the new law, the Administrative Office of the Courts has information about the transition to the new laws.
Forms and instructions
Forms (and some instructions) for guardianship proceedings are available:
- The State Court has a list of official court forms related to guardianships, conservatorship, or other protective arrangements.
- Spokane County Superior Court has a website with instructions, a checklist, and forms for guardianship proceedings. Some of their checklists and instructions may be a helpful addition to the official court forms.
- A form for Notice of Right to Object to Guardian or Conservator Plan.
Additional resources
Resources that are available from the State Court include:
- A Guardianship Portal with information about the guardianship process and programs as well as a search tool for finding a guardian.
- The required Lay Guardian Training for Adults and Conservators that can help you understand and carry out your duties and responsibilities as a guardian
The Family and Volunteer Guardian's Handbook answers some questions about the process. It was written for the prior law but offers some valuable general information.
The law library has some specialized forms for Clark County that apply to specific circumstances after a case is filed.
The Clark County Volunteer Lawyers Program has a program to assist you with a guardianship if you meet the income qualifications. They can be reached at 360.695.5313.