Guardianship

Guardianship Cases

It is the intent of the legislature to protect the liberty and autonomy of all people of this state, and to enable them to exercise their rights under the law to the maximum extent, consistent with the capacity of each person. The legislature recognizes that people with incapacities have unique abilities and needs, and that some people with incapacities cannot exercise their rights or provide for their basic needs without the help of a guardian. However, their liberty and autonomy should be restricted through the guardianship process only to the minimum extent necessary to adequately provide for their own health or safety, or to adequately manage their financial affairs.

Guardianship Revised Code Of Washington (RCW) Statues

Please view RCW 11.88/ 11.92 (Guardianship) and RCW Title 26 (Domestic Relations) Guardian Ad Litem for more information.

Court Appointed Guardian

A guardian is one who is legally responsible for the care and management of the person or property of an incapacitated or a minor.

Court Appointed Guardian Ad Litem

A Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) is an adult who is appointed by the court to represent the best interests of an individual for a specific purpose for a specific period of time. Under the direction of the court, a GAL performs an investigation and prepares a report for the court of the GAL's findings and recommendations.

Guardianship Monitoring Program

GMP Mission Statement, Objectives and Goals

The Spokane County Superior Court appoints guardians for people who lack the capacity to make or communicate decisions because of mental or physical disability. While the goal of guardianship is to protect, people under guardianship can lose many important rights, including the right to vote, the right to drive, the right to decide where they will live, and the right to decide how their money will be used. Spokane County's Superior Court Judges are committed to keeping Spokane County's incapacitated people safe from abuse and exploitation.

The Spokane County Superior Court Guardianship Monitoring Program was implemented to improve the Superior Court’s ability to monitor guardians’ handling of the ongoing care and financial affairs of Spokane County’s incapacitated citizens under court-supervised guardianships. The court utilizes trained volunteers as Records Researchers, Financial Auditors, and Court Visitors.

Mandatory Guardian Training

Pursuant to LSPR 98.24, effective January 1, 2007, Spokane County Superior Court has developed mandatory guardian training for nonprofessional (family & volunteer) guardians. This rule applies to all guardianship cases including those originating under RCW 11.88 and SPR 98.16W.

Volunteer Opportunity

The Spokane County Superior Court Guardianship Monitoring Program recruits and trains volunteers to assist in monitoring guardianship cases. Volunteers are needed as Records Researchers, Financial Auditors, and Court Visitors to serve as the eyes and ears of the court to help detect or prevent abuse, neglect, and exploitation of incapacitated persons. Volunteers must be 21 years of age or older. Training and supervision are provided.

Records Researchers

The Records Researchers research court files to verify that court-ordered documents and reports have been filed and update addresses and phone numbers of the incapacitated person and their guardian.

Financial Auditors

The Financial Auditors review court-ordered accountings of the incapacitated person’s finances, submitted to the court by the guardian, to ensure that the incapacitated person’s finances are being handled properly and in their best interest.

Court Visitors

The Court Visitors visit the incapacitated persons, guardians, and any other caregivers to ensure that the incapacitated person’s needs are being met and adequate care is being provided. This monitoring function enables the court to have first-hand information about persons under guardianship.