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Minor Guardianship Lawyer in Washington State

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Capitol building with tulips and person (monica chin, guardianship lawyer) smiling.

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.

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Client Testimonials

Lindsay Steinbach

9 months ago

I originally reached out to Northwest Family Law because they had a mostly female team. When I scheduled my consult, their first available was with a male attorney. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a little nervous to meet with him after having met with other male attorneys in the community. I waited 3 weeks to have our consultation and I was immediately blown away. He showed genuine concern for myself and my son, he was well versed in the information I had left with the receptionist when I scheduled the consult and very much put me at ease with moving forward in pursuing dissolution of marriage.

My team consisted of Mitchell and Cydney primarily with some help from Nikki as well. Mitchell and Cydney are amazing, so thorough, responsive, helpful, informative and kind. I’m so glad they were on my team, they are so very competent and really care about their clients. My husband’s attorney left a lot to be desired and was the complete opposite of this team so I’m very thankful I found Northwest Family Law. Huge thank you to Mitchell, Cydney and Nikki for taking care of me throughout the dissolution process! Me, my son and our dog are all living our best lives thanks to you all 💜

Devon Bentley

4 months ago

Northwest Family Law is a great firm. They are very professional and knowledgeable. Working with Cydney Fermstad in the past, she was helpful, thorough, and went above and beyond for me. I will choose to work with Northwest Family Law in the future if I need their specific services.

Daniel Borodyansky

12 months ago

Mitch is an exceptional family law attorney, blending compassion with legal acumen to achieve the best outcomes for his clients. His dedication to ethical practice and deep understanding of family law set him apart. He is known for going the extra mile to support clients through challenging times. I highly recommend working with Mitch at Northwest Family Law.

Alison Carr

3 months ago

Northwest Family Law is a top notch law firm. Cydney and her team are extremely knowledgeable, professional, and compassionate. They always go above and beyond for their clients. I could not recommend this firm more!

Aubrey Chavez

4 months ago

Cydney and her team at Northwest Family Law is outstanding. They are professional, attentive, compassionate, and genuinely cares about their clients. The entire firm is committed to providing top-notch service. I highly recommend them for anyone seeking reliable and compassionate legal support!

Julia

4 months ago

I haven’t personally used Northwest Family Law’s services, but I’ve heard nothing but great things about their professionalism and dedication to clients. Their team is known for being compassionate, especially when it comes to handling complex family matters. Cydney, who works there, is incredibly knowledgeable and always speaks highly of the firm’s commitment to supporting families through challenging transitions. Based on what I’ve seen and heard, I would absolutely recommend Northwest Family Law to anyone seeking a law firm that truly cares about its clients and their futures.

Shaaden Shadman

3 months ago

If you’re looking for a family law firm, there’s no better choice than Northwest Family. Their entire team is there to put you first. They’re incredibly knowledgeable, professional, compassionate, and our truly invested in your goals. I would, hands down, recommend them to anyone looking for family law services.

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