A guardianship is the legal process in which a court appoints a guardian to make decisions for a person if that person is unable to make decisions due to mental or physical incapacity. A conservatorship is the legal process in which a court appoints a conservator to make financial decisions for a person because that person is unable to make these decisions for themselves. In Washington, the person filing for a guardianship or conservatorship is called the petitioner. The person who is the subject of the guardianship or conservatorship proceeding is called the respondent or individual. In Washington, a guardian can be appointed as a full or limited guardian.
We advise and represent family members, professionals and individuals in guardianships and conservatorships in King County. We serve on cases involving adults with cognitive impairments, developmental disabilities, and individuals with traumatic brain injury or other conditions resulting from an injury. We use a professional and thoughtful approach to guide clients through guardianships and less restrictive alternatives. The services we offer include drafting less restrictive alternatives including Durable Powers of Attorney, supported decision-making agreements and petitioning for guardianship or conservatorship.
If you are considering a guardianship or conservatorship for an adult, we’ll first discuss the Individual’s needs and capabilities and your concerns. We then discuss less restrictive alternatives to guardianship and conservatorships to assess whether filing a guardianship and/or conservatorship petition is the appropriate step to take.
Please contact us at 425-296-6271 ext. 101 to schedule a consultation.
