Guardianship
Know Your Rights
Alternatives to Guardianship: Supported Decision Making Agreements (SDM)
Learn more about this alternative to guardianship that helps people with disabilities without limiting their rights. #3306EN
Durable Power of Attorney Documents
A power of attorney document lets you choose a trusted friend or relative to help you with your finances and/or health care decisions. #9608EN
I am age 12 – 16. What are my rights in a minor guardianship case?
If you are a teen and someone has filed to have a court appoint a guardian for you, read this to find out what your rights are. #4402EN
If you are a parent in a minor guardianship case, you can ask for a lawyer.
If you are served with minor guardianship papers over your child, you can ask the court to appoint you a lawyer at public expense. Learn more and get the forms and instructions for filling them out and filing them. #4404EN
Indian Child Welfare Act
The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) is a federal law that creates strict standards for state courts to follow in Indian child custody proceedings. The ICWA declares "the policy of this Nation is to protect the best interests of Indian children and to promote the stability and security of Indian tribes and families." #9201EN
Minor Guardianship of Native American Children
When someone who isn't a parent wants to get legal custody or guardianship of Indian children, special laws and procedures apply. #4416EN
New Minor Guardianship Law Effective January 1, 2021 RCW 11.130 FAQs
Read this for an overview of the new minor guardianship (guardianship of a child) law.
Non-Parent Custody is Changing to Minor Guardianship
Washington state's non-parent custody law is ending in 2021 and a new court procedure will be taking its place. Read a brief overview here.
Options for Grandparents and Other Nonparental Caregivers: A Legal Guide for Washington State
A practical 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.
Power of Attorney (POA) for Parents
Parents: you can now give someone power of attorney to take care of your children for up to two years. Learn more. #3105EN
Protecting Elders and Vulnerable Adults from Abuse and Neglect
Read about the different types of abuse that frail elders and vulnerable adults are protected from under the law. #9920EN
Webinar: Protective Parenting Plans
A webinar to discuss creating a protective parenting plan when there are concerns of domestic violence or parenting deficits that are detrimental to the children. This webinar will discuss parenting plans and provide a general overview for self-represented people of some important court rules to help you understand how to get a temporary motion for a parenting plan before the court.
Your Child with Disabilities is Turning 18
If you have a child who is unable to care for them self because of a disability, you may be concerned about what to do when your child turns 18. Parents do not automatically have the authority to make legal decisions for their children who turn 18, when the law considers the person an adult. #3303EN
Durable Power of Attorney Documents
A power of attorney document lets you choose a trusted friend or relative to help you with your finances and/or health care decisions. #9608EN
Alternatives to Guardianship: Supported Decision Making Agreements (SDM)
Learn more about this alternative to guardianship that helps people with disabilities without limiting their rights. #3306EN
Durable Power of Attorney Documents
A power of attorney document lets you choose a trusted friend or relative to help you with your finances and/or health care decisions. #9608EN
Options for Grandparents and Other Nonparental Caregivers: A Legal Guide for Washington State
A practical 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.
Power of Attorney (POA) for Parents
Parents: you can now give someone power of attorney to take care of your children for up to two years. Learn more. #3105EN
I am age 12 – 16. What are my rights in a minor guardianship case?
If you are a teen and someone has filed to have a court appoint a guardian for you, read this to find out what your rights are. #4402EN
If you are a parent in a minor guardianship case, you can ask for a lawyer.
If you are served with minor guardianship papers over your child, you can ask the court to appoint you a lawyer at public expense. Learn more and get the forms and instructions for filling them out and filing them. #4404EN
Minor Guardianship of Native American Children
When someone who isn't a parent wants to get legal custody or guardianship of Indian children, special laws and procedures apply. #4416EN
New Minor Guardianship Law Effective January 1, 2021 RCW 11.130 FAQs
Read this for an overview of the new minor guardianship (guardianship of a child) law.
Non-Parent Custody is Changing to Minor Guardianship
Washington state's non-parent custody law is ending in 2021 and a new court procedure will be taking its place. Read a brief overview here.
Your Child with Disabilities is Turning 18
If you have a child who is unable to care for them self because of a disability, you may be concerned about what to do when your child turns 18. Parents do not automatically have the authority to make legal decisions for their children who turn 18, when the law considers the person an adult. #3303EN
Durable Power of Attorney Documents
A power of attorney document lets you choose a trusted friend or relative to help you with your finances and/or health care decisions. #9608EN
Power of Attorney (POA) for Parents
Parents: you can now give someone power of attorney to take care of your children for up to two years. Learn more. #3105EN
Protecting Elders and Vulnerable Adults from Abuse and Neglect
Read about the different types of abuse that frail elders and vulnerable adults are protected from under the law. #9920EN
Your Child with Disabilities is Turning 18
If you have a child who is unable to care for them self because of a disability, you may be concerned about what to do when your child turns 18. Parents do not automatically have the authority to make legal decisions for their children who turn 18, when the law considers the person an adult. #3303EN