When A Court Appoints A Guardian
RCW 11.130.265 — no full guardianship where a limited one or a less restrictive alternative would do
Clear and convincing. A guardian for an adult is appointed only on clear and convincing evidence, including that the respondent's identified needs cannot be met by a protective arrangement instead of guardianship or another less restrictive alternative.
Full guardianship last. The court may not establish a full guardianship if a limited guardianship, a protective arrangement, or another less restrictive alternative would meet the respondent's needs.
Guardians for minors, emergency and temporary appointments, the guardian's duties and reports, and how a guardianship is ended or changed are set out in other sections and are not on this page. Whether a particular person needs a guardian is decided by a court on evidence, and is a question for a licensed Washington attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- RCW 11.130.265 — Basis for appointment of guardian for adult
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Washington attorney.