General information
Minor guardianship is for custody of children under age 18 who are not yours. The laws about minor guardianship are in RCW Chapter 11.130.
There are two types of cases:
- A Minor Guardianship case is filed when guardianship is needed for longer than 60 days. You can add a request for immediate orders to this case. These cases last until the child turns 18 or the guardianship is terminated by the court, whichever occurs first.
- An Emergency Minor Guardianship case is filed only when there are true emergency circumstances and guardianship is expected to be needed for 60 days or less. (It is possible to get one extension for an additional 60 days if something that wasn't anticipated occurs.)
Some general information to learn more:
- Minor guardianship guide from Washington LawHelp - helpful information but use the form lists below in the Forms and instructions section
- Understanding Minor Guardianship from the King County Law Library
- Minor Guardianship versus Emergency Minor Guardianship in Washington State: What’s the Difference? from Navigate Law Group
- How Do I File for Minor Guardianship in Clark County, Washington? from Navigate Law Group
- What Are the Differences Between an Adoption and Minor Guardianship? from Navigate Law Group
If a parent anticipates the need for a guardian for their child, such as a single parent with a terminal diagnosis, they can appoint a standby guardian for their children to take guardianship when needed.
- What is a Standby Guardian, and How Do I Appoint One for My Minor Child? from Navigate Law Group
Forms and instructions
Washington state's official mandatory pattern forms for minor guardianship cases are on the State Court website. You may also need specific forms from the official mandatory pattern forms list for general guardianship.
To file your case:
- Instructions and a list of forms to file for minor guardianship needed for longer than 60 days, including immediate immediate orders if needed (appropriate for most people)
- Instructions and a list of forms to file for emergency minor guardianship needed for less than 60 days (only appropriate in limited circumstances)
Information for parents if a minor guardianship case has been filed:
- Parents' rights in minor guardianship from Washington LawHelp
- End or change minor guardianship from Washington LawHelp
- What are my rights if my child is the subject of a minor guardianship action? from Navigate Law Group
- Information for parents about requesting an attorney in a minor guardianship case from the Clark County Superior Court
Additional resources
Prior to the hearing you will need to get a file a WATCH report on every person over the age of 16 in the proposed guardian's home.
The required Lay Guardian Training for Minor Guardianship from the Administrative Office of the Courts will help you understand and carry out your duties and responsibilities as the guardian of a minor.
Information about minor guardianship cases including minor guardianship of Native American children and information for teens if someone has filed to have a court appoint a guardian for you.
- Child guardianship from Washington LawHelp
Legal Voice has a handbook for grandparents and other non-parent caregivers who want to understand their rights to establish and maintain legal relationships with the children in their care.
A possible alternative to minor guardianship when everyone is in agreement is a Power of Attorney for Parental Powers. This allows you to say what you want to happen if you become unavailable to care for your child under age 18 or for their property.
If you are raising a child of another family member or a family friend, (i.e., providing 'kinship care'), some support and services are available from the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services.
If you are a kinship caregiver taking care of a relative's child, Washington LawHelp has information about how to get health care for that child.