Washington Courts - Guardianship/
Conservatorship Process & Alternatives
About Guardianship, Conservatorship and Other Protective Arrangements for Washington Adults
trustee
Assets can be place in a trust to avoid taxes, for estate planning, or to provide financial support for a disabled person without jeopardizing other benefits they may be able to receive (such as government benefits). When a trust is created, a trustee is identified to carry out the terms of the trust, such as paying bills and providing periodic accountings. Sometimes an individual under guardianship or conservatorship is also the beneficiary of a trust and it makes sense to have the same fiduciary serve as trustee. Or, a professional trustee may be the right option for reasons similar to those described for guardians and conservators.
resources
personal representative
When a person dies with assets or property, that estate will be used for paying debts and distributing to heirs. A Personal Representative, or Administrator, is typically named either in a will to carry out that distribution. Sometimes the person named in a will is unable or unwilling to perform and another person will be named by the court to step in. When the estate is complicated or when it is best to have an independent person administer it, a professional may be warranted.
Our Services
We serve clients in Clark County, Washington with the following services. Typically, we serve in cases of immediate need as opposed to being named to serve in the future when circumstances change.
swanson fiduciary services
National Guardianship Association
Information and resources for guardians and for clients.
guardian
A professional guardian may be needed when there is no available or qualified family member to serve, or when it is best for the family to separate personal relationships from the responsibilities of guardianship. A guardianship is established by the court if the court finds that a person lacks the ability to meet essential requirements for physical health, safety, or self-care, they are at significant risk of harm in those areas, and their needs cannot be met with a less restrictive alternative. In a guardianship, the individual will have certain rights revoked and instead will exercise those rights through the guardian.
CONSEVATOR
As in a guardianship, a professional conservator may be needed as an alternative to a family member for a number of reasons. A conservatorship is established by the court if the court finds that a person is unable to manage property or financial affairs, they are at risk of financial harm or significant wasting of their property, or if they are unable to obtain or provide funds or other property needed for their support, care, education, health, or welfare (or for someone who has a right to their support). In a conservatorship, the individual will have certain rights revoked and instead will exercise those rights through the conservator.
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