Your Guardianship Attorney, Vancouver, WA
Some individuals are unable to handle their own affairs. The individual appointed to manage those affairs is referred to as the guardian or conservator. Kathleen McCann can provide legal services to individuals seeking guardianship and/or conservatorship of incapacitated persons.
Ms. McCann also represents petitioners for guardianship of minor children under Washington State’s new minor guardianship law, a petition seeking a custody order.
Guardianship of a minor (under 18) differs significantly from guardianship of a disabled adult. In minor guardianship, judges will want to ensure that parental rights are considered in making decisions in minor guardianship petitions.
Ms. McCann has represented persons in all aspects of guardianship, including:
- Petitioners for Guardianship and/or Conservatorship of an adult
- Petitioners for Guardianship of a minor child where there is no fit parent (a custody order)
- Petitioners for Guardianship of incapacitated adults with dementia or cognitive incapacity such as Alzheimer’s, Developmental Delay, Down syndrome, and Autism.
- Lay Guardians or Professional Guardians
Guardianship of an Incapacitated Adult
Caring for a person who is incapable of caring for themselves and protecting their assets for their benefit is a very important role.
In Washington, anyone can file a petition for guardianship of someone who appears to be incapacitated. Relatives, caregivers, and health care providers are often petitioners.
The petitioner can ask to be appointed guardian or propose that someone else be appointed guardian.
The process can be completed in 60 days, but it can take longer.
It is the responsibility of the Superior Court to oversee all guardianships and ensure that they function in the best interests of an incapacitated person. The court must review the periodic reports and accountings that the guardian is required to file.