At Northwest Family Law, we offer minor guardianship services, helping families handle Washington’s Uniform Guardianship Act.
When parents cannot provide safe or stable care, the court may appoint a guardian for a child. These cases are heard in Superior Court, including King County Superior Court in Seattle, which oversees more than 1,500 guardianship and probate cases each year.
We understand how difficult these cases can be for families. Our attorneys are known for clear communication, compassion, and strong advocacy. One client shared, “They listened to my concerns and never talked down to me. I felt like they really cared about me and my welfare.”
With experience in guardianship law and a steady focus on protecting children, we help families secure stable futures when it matters most.
What Is Minor Guardianship?
Minor guardianship is a legal process where a court appoints a responsible adult to care for a child when parents are unable to do so. In Washington, this process is governed by the Uniform Guardianship Act, RCW 11.130, which sets the rules for who can petition, how guardians are appointed, and what responsibilities a guardian has.
These determine where a child will live, who will make decisions about school and healthcare, and how the child’s needs will be met day to day.
Guardianship matters because it protects children in uncertain circumstances. It provides stability, safety, and legal authority for caretakers who step in when parents cannot. Families often turn to guardianship to keep children within their extended family or to make sure a trusted adult can make critical decisions without delay.
Our Guardianship Services in Washington
- Filing guardianship petitions
- Temporary or emergency guardianship
- Contested guardianship litigation
- Ongoing guardian support
- Modification or termination of guardianship
- Advising relatives and kinship caregivers
- Coordination with child welfare services
- Court representation
Why Washington Families Choose Us
Clients across Washington recommend Northwest Family Law because of the way we handle difficult family matters.
- We are responsive and keep you informed at every step.
- We are compassionate and approachable, always listening and respecting your concerns.
- We bring proven experience in Washington family law and guardianship.
- We deliver results, even in complicated or contested matters.
- We act with integrity, giving honest advice and building trust from the beginning.
Our Guardianship Process in Washington
At Northwest Family Law, we guide families through every stage of the guardianship process. Each case begins in the Superior Court of the child’s county of residence and follows several key steps designed to protect the child’s best interests.
1. Filing the Petition
- A guardianship petition is prepared and filed with the Superior Court.
- The petition must be served on parents and other required relatives.
2. Court Review & Investigation
- The court reviews the petition and circumstances.
- An investigator or guardian ad litem may be appointed to gather information.
- In some cases, background checks or home studies are required.
3. The Hearing
- A hearing is scheduled before a judge.
- The judge considers evidence and testimony to decide whether guardianship is appropriate.
4. Granting Guardianship
- If approved, the guardian receives legal authority to make decisions about the child’s health, education, and welfare.
5. Ongoing Guidance
- We explain the responsibilities of guardianship so families understand how to fulfill them.
- Our attorneys continue to provide support to confirm compliance with court requirements.
Local Guardianship Trends and Court Process in Washington
Washington adopted the Uniform Guardianship Act in 2021, creating a single, streamlined process for minor guardianship cases. Since then, courts across the state have reported steady filings as families seek legal authority to provide safe, stable care for children when parents cannot.
Local trends also show a growing number of kinship caregivers, such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other relatives, stepping in to file petitions. Courts generally prefer to keep children within their extended family when possible, provided it serves the child’s best interests.
By working with a guardianship attorney who knows the Washington court system, families can avoid delays, make sure filings are complete, and present strong evidence at hearings. At Northwest Family Law, we help families handle these local processes with clarity and care.
Get to Know Northwest Family
Northwest Family Law was founded by attorney Monica Chin to help families turn difficult transitions into opportunities for stability and growth. Monica leads our team with a deep understanding of how legal decisions affect children’s futures.
We provide compassionate, strategic representation in guardianship and other family law matters across Washington. Known for clear communication and strong advocacy, our attorneys focus on securing the legal authority you need while helping families build safe, stable futures.
Can Grandparents Get Guardianship of Grandchildren in Washington?
Yes. In Washington State, grandparents can petition the Superior Court in the child’s county of residence for guardianship if the parents cannot provide safe or stable care. Under the Uniform Guardianship Act (RCW 11.130), the court reviews the circumstances and decides whether guardianship is in the child’s best interest.
If guardianship is granted, grandparents gain legal authority to make decisions about the child’s health, education, and welfare. Many families interact with statewide resources such as the Washington State Office of Public Guardianship and the Division of Child Support (DCS) during this process.
Locally, grandparents may also turn to entities like the King County Superior Court in Seattle, the Patricia H. Clark Children & Family Justice Center, or the Spokane County Superior Court for guidance and filings.
At Northwest Family Law, we support grandparents throughout these steps, preparing petitions, representing them in hearings, and making sure they understand the responsibilities of guardianship so they can provide safe, stable homes for their grandchildren.
Local Resources We Work With
Families seeking guardianship in Washington often engage with multiple local institutions. Some of the most common include:
- Washington State Office of Public Guardianship
- Division of Child Support (DCS)
- Northwest Justice Project / CLEAR Hotline
- Local evaluators and guardians ad litem
- King County Superior Court
- Pierce County Superior Court – Volunteer Legal Services
- Snohomish County Superior Court
- Spokane County Superior Court
- Clark County Superior Court
- Thurston County Superior Court
- Yakima County Superior Court
Protect a Child’s Future Today
If you are considering a guardianship for a minor in Washington, Northwest Family Law is here to guide you.
Contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation. We will listen to your story, explain your options, and stand with you every step of the way.