Your Guardianship Attorney, Vancouver, WA

Adult Guardianship

Ms. McCann has represented persons in all aspects of adult and minor guardianship, including:

Guardianship and/or Conservatorship of an Incapacitated Adult:

A guardian and/or conservator makes decisions for a person who is incapable of making good decisions for themselves and is at risk of harm.

When an individual cannot make safe decisions or manage their own affairs, the person appointed to manage those affairs under court order is called the guardian and/or conservator. Kathleen McCann can provide legal services to individuals seeking guardianship and/or conservatorship of adult incapacitated persons.

  • The guardian and/or conservator can make residential, medical, and financial decisions.
  • Relatives, caregivers, adult home operators, and health care providers are often petitioners for guardianship/conservatorship.
  • The petitioner can ask to be appointed guardian or propose that someone else be appointed guardian.

Petitioners for Guardianship of incapacitated adults sometimes concern adults with cognitive incapacity such as Dementia, Alzheimer’s, Developmental Delay, Down syndrome, and Autism.

Ms. McCann represents both Lay Guardians and Professional Guardians.

Guardianship and Conservatorship Reporting: The Superior Court oversees all guardianships and ensures they function in the best interests of an incapacitated person. After a guardian and/or conservator is appointed, they must report to the court. They must file periodic reports and accountings, and the court must review them. Ms. McCann can help guardians and conservators with their reporting.

Minor Guardianship

Ms. McCann represents petitioners for guardianship of minor children under Washington State’s minor guardianship law.  These types of actions ask the court for an award of custody and parental decision-making to non-parents. Petitioners for Guardianship of a minor child where the parents’ consent is deceased or where there is no fit parent.

Guardianship of a minor (under 18) differs significantly from guardianship of a disabled adult.  In minor guardianship cases, judges will want to ensure that parental rights are considered in making their decision.

Talk With a Vancouver Guardianship Attorney

Every situation is different. Kathy offers a free 15-minute phone consultation. She can provide an overview of the process and guidance about what may come next. If the matter does not fit her practice, she can provide referrals to other attorneys. Contact the Law Office of Kathleen McCann to discuss adult guardianship, conservatorship, minor guardianship, or court reporting. You can also learn about adoption and probate.