Non-parents caring for children
Know Your Rights
Change a nonparent custody order to get your children back
Read this if you are a parent who lost custody of your child in a Nonparent Custody case or minor guardianship case filed in Washington State. #3151EN
Consent to Health Care: A Kinship Caregiver’s Guide
If you are taking care of a relative's child, read this to find out how you can get health care for that child. #5940EN
FAQ: Someone is trying to get guardianship of my kids
Find out your rights and options if if you've been served with court papers from a Washington court seeking to name someone else guardian of your children. #4405EN
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
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 has changed to Minor Guardianship
Washington state's non-parent custody law ended in 2021 and a new court procedure called minor guardianship has taken its place. Read a brief overview here. #3128EN
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
Washington’s Non-Parent Visitation Rights
Learn how and when certain non-parent relatives can file for non-parent visitation with a child. #3152EN
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
FAQ: Someone is trying to get guardianship of my kids
Find out your rights and options if if you've been served with court papers from a Washington court seeking to name someone else guardian of your children. #4405EN
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
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 has changed to Minor Guardianship
Washington state's non-parent custody law ended in 2021 and a new court procedure called minor guardianship has taken its place. Read a brief overview here. #3128EN
Change a nonparent custody order to get your children back
Read this if you are a parent who lost custody of your child in a Nonparent Custody case or minor guardianship case filed in Washington State. #3151EN