Non-parents caring for children

Know Your Rights

Other Family Problems

For court forms, choose the Court Forms & Procedures tab below

Ask for an Emergency Minor Guardianship Order

Use this packet when it is safe to notify the parents that you are asking for an emergency guardianship. If it is not safe to do so, use our Ask for an Immediate Order in Ex Parte - Emergency Minor Guardianship and Restraining Order packet instead. #4414EN

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 – 17. 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. #4418EN

New Minor Guardianship Law Effective January 1, 2021

Read this for an overview of the new minor guardianship (guardianship of a child) law - RCW 11.130.

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. #3126EN

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

Ask for an Emergency Minor Guardianship Order

Use this packet when it is safe to notify the parents that you are asking for an emergency guardianship. If it is not safe to do so, use our Ask for an Immediate Order in Ex Parte - Emergency Minor Guardianship and Restraining Order packet instead. #4414EN

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 – 17. 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. #4418EN

New Minor Guardianship Law Effective January 1, 2021

Read this for an overview of the new minor guardianship (guardianship of a child) law - RCW 11.130.

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

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