GUARDIANSHIP

Washington Guardianship Lawyer.

When a child with disabilities turns 18, they legally become an adult—regardless of their ability to make financial, medical, or personal decisions. If your child is unable to manage their own affairs, establishing legal guardianship can help ensure they receive the care and support they need. At Moran Kelley PLLC, we help parents and caregivers navigate the guardianship process in Washington, providing the legal guidance needed to protect your loved one’s future.

We can help.
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When a child with disabilities turns 18, parents no longer have automatic legal authority over their medical, financial, or personal decisions. Guardianship allows you to continue making important choices on their behalf.

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Washington guardianship laws require court approval to establish guardianship, ensuring the adult in question truly needs assistance managing their affairs.

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Without legal guardianship, medical providers, financial institutions, and government agencies may not recognize a parent’s authority to make decisions for an adult child.

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We guide families through the legal steps of securing guardianship, making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

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Do I Need to Establish Guardianship for My Adult Child?

If your child has a developmental disability, cognitive impairment, or mental health condition that affects their ability to make decisions, guardianship may be necessary to ensure their well-being.


  • Medical Decision-Making – Guardianship allows parents to continue making healthcare decisions, including approving treatments and managing medical records.
  • Financial Protection – Without guardianship, banks and financial institutions may not allow you to access your child's accounts or manage their benefits.
  • Education & Housing – A guardian can make decisions regarding where an adult child lives and their educational or vocational training.
  • Public Benefits & Social Security – Guardianship ensures that a loved one’s SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits are properly managed.


If your child is unable to make important life decisions without assistance, establishing legal guardianship in Washington may be the best way to protect their future.

How to Obtain Guardianship in Washington

The guardianship process in Washington involves several legal steps to ensure that the individual truly needs assistance:

  • Filing a Petition

    A petition must be filed in court explaining why guardianship is necessary.

  • Court Investigation

    The court may appoint an investigator to assess the individual’s mental, physical, and financial capabilities.

  • Hearing & Decision

    A judge will determine whether guardianship is needed and what level of authority should be granted.

  • Ongoing Responsibilities

    Once appointed, a guardian must act in the individual’s best interests and may need to report to the court annually.

Our firm helps families through each stage of the guardianship process, ensuring that all legal requirements are met efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions about Guardianship.

  • What is the difference between guardianship and power of attorney?

    Power of attorney (POA) is granted voluntarily by an individual who can make decisions, while guardianship is court-appointed for someone who cannot make decisions independently.

  • Can I still be involved in my child’s life without guardianship?

    Without guardianship, parents lose legal authority to make medical, financial, and personal decisions for their adult child. This can create challenges when seeking medical care, handling finances, or accessing benefits.

  • Are there alternatives to full guardianship?

    Yes, some families use supported decision-making agreements, limited guardianships, or powers of attorney as less restrictive options. We can help determine what’s best for your situation.

  • How long does the guardianship process take?

    The process can take several months, depending on court schedules and the complexity of the case.

  • How much does it cost to obtain guardianship?

    Costs vary, but expenses may include court fees, legal representation, and required evaluations. We offer consultations to discuss fees and payment options.


Protect Your Loved One’s Future.

If your child is turning 18 and will need continued care and decision-making support, establishing legal guardianship in Washington can provide long-term security.