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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
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 – 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, or you think you need a guardian, read this. #4402EN
Minor Guardianship: Fast Facts
Read this for an overview of minor guardianship, including who has the right to a lawyer, how guardianship affects the rights of the child and the parents, and alternatives to guardianship. #4401EN
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
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
Plan for someone else to care for your child if you can't
Parents: You can say what you want to happen if you're not available to care for your child under age 18, or their property. Without going to court, you can give Power of Attorney (POA) for Parental Powers to the person who will care for your child. You might need this if you’ll be temporarily unavailable. For example, you might be worried about deportation, going to jail or prison, deployed by the military, or getting long-term medical treatment. Power of Attorney for Parents is a free, effective alternative to Minor Guardianship that takes much less time when everyone agrees.#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
Plan for someone else to care for your child if you can't
Parents: You can say what you want to happen if you're not available to care for your child under age 18, or their property. Without going to court, you can give Power of Attorney (POA) for Parental Powers to the person who will care for your child. You might need this if you’ll be temporarily unavailable. For example, you might be worried about deportation, going to jail or prison, deployed by the military, or getting long-term medical treatment. Power of Attorney for Parents is a free, effective alternative to Minor Guardianship that takes much less time when everyone agrees.#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, or you think you need a guardian, read this. #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
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
Plan for someone else to care for your child if you can't
Parents: You can say what you want to happen if you're not available to care for your child under age 18, or their property. Without going to court, you can give Power of Attorney (POA) for Parental Powers to the person who will care for your child. You might need this if you’ll be temporarily unavailable. For example, you might be worried about deportation, going to jail or prison, deployed by the military, or getting long-term medical treatment. Power of Attorney for Parents is a free, effective alternative to Minor Guardianship that takes much less time when everyone agrees.#3105EN
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