Guardianship and conservatorship in Washington: who, where, cost
How a court can name a guardian or conservator in Washington, what it costs and what to try first.
Checked against official sources: October 31, 2026.
Short answer
Guardian for an adult (full or limited), conservator (full or limited), protective arrangement instead of guardianship or conservatorship.
- Filing fee
- The superior court filing fee is set by RCW 36.18.020 and collected by the county clerk. No filing fee is charged if the petition says the adult's total assets are under $3,000.
- Court
- Superior court in the county.
What guardianship or conservatorship is
- What it is called
Guardian for an adult (full or limited), conservator (full or limited), protective arrangement instead of guardianship or conservatorship
- When a court may appoint one
The court may appoint a guardian only if it finds by clear and convincing evidence that the adult cannot meet essential requirements for physical health, safety or self-care, even with supportive services, technology or supported decision making; that appointment is needed to prevent significant risk of harm; and that a protective arrangement or other less restrictive alternative cannot meet the need. Age, eccentricity, poverty or a medical diagnosis alone is not enough. The court may not order a full guardianship if a limited one or a less restrictive alternative would work. A conservator for money and property follows a similar standard.
Law: RCW 11.130.265; RCW 11.130.360
- Kinds
- Full guardianship
- Limited guardianship
- Full or limited conservatorship
- Emergency guardian or conservator
- Protective arrangement instead of guardianship or conservatorship
Law: RCW 11.130.265, 11.130.270, 11.130.305, 11.130.360
Who can ask, which court and your own choice
- Who may ask
Any person interested in the adult's welfare, including the adult. The attorney general may petition when no private party is able and willing.
Law: RCW 11.130.270, 11.130.170
- Court
Superior court in the county.
- Choosing your own
You can nominate a guardian or conservator in a power of attorney. The court gives priority to your most recent nomination, after a guardian already acting in another state, and appoints according to your most recent nomination in a power of attorney except for good cause or disqualification.
Law: RCW 11.125.080(1), 11.130.095, 11.130.305
- Effect on a power of attorney
A guardian cannot revoke or amend your power of attorney. Unless the court orders otherwise, your agent's decisions take precedence over the guardian's, and the agent must also account to a conservator. Only the court can limit, suspend or revoke the power of attorney.
Law: RCW 11.130.335(1), 11.125.080
Cost, fee waiver and forms
- Filing fee
The superior court filing fee is set by RCW 36.18.020 and collected by the county clerk. No filing fee is charged if the petition says the adult's total assets are under $3,000.
Law: RCW 11.130.170(2)
- Fee waiver
The petition form (GDN C 102, section 11) lets you ask the court to waive the filing fee: the adult has total assets under $3,000, payment would be a hardship for the adult, or the petitioner is the attorney general.
- Forms
- GDN C 102 Petition for Guardianship, Conservatorship, and/or a Protective Arrangement (06/2024)
- GDN C 101 Notice of Petition (06/2026)
- GDN C 105 Notice of Rights (06/2024)
- GDN C 104 Order Appointing Full or Limited Guardian/Conservator (07/2025)
- GDN E 301 Emergency Guardianship/Conservatorship Petition (01/2022)
- Steps
Other options and where to report abuse
- Supported decision-making
Supported decision-making agreements
Effective January 1, 2022
An adult with a disability can choose a supporter to help them get information, understand options and communicate their own decisions. The supporter cannot make decisions for the adult. Signing an agreement cannot be used as evidence for a guardianship. The statute sets out a form the agreement must substantially follow.
Written and dated, signed by the adult with a disability and the supporter in front of two adult witnesses or a notary public. Witnesses cannot be a supporter, a supporter's employee or agent, a paid service provider, or someone who does not understand how the adult communicates (unless an interpreter for that communication is present).
Source: Official text
- Less restrictive options
- Supported decision-making agreement: A supporter helps the adult make their own decisions; no court is involved.
- Protective arrangement instead of guardianship or conservatorship: The court orders a specific, limited protection (for example, for one transaction or to restrict contact with a person) without appointing a guardian or conservator.
- Durable power of attorney for finances and/or health care: The adult names an agent while able to do so.
- Health care decision by a family member under RCW 7.70.065: Family members in priority order can give informed consent for health care without a court order.
- Report abuse or exploitation
Adult Protective Services (DSHS Aging and Long-Term Support Administration)
Call or text the Eldercare Locator to find your local adult protective services: 1-800-677-1116 · eldercare.acl.gov
Law: RCW 11.130.710, 11.130.715, 11.130.740, 11.130.745, 11.130.915
Free help in Washington
- CLEAR legal aid hotline (Northwest Justice Project), listed on the Washington Courts forms pages · 1-888-201-1014
- Washington Law Help (Northwest Justice Project)
- Washington Courts: Guardianship, conservatorship and protective arrangement forms
- Washington Law Help: Powers of attorney and advance directives (forms and instructions)
- Washington Law Help: Durable power of attorney (finances and health care forms)
- Washington Law Help: Cancel (revoke) a power of attorney
Report abuse or exploitation
Adult Protective Services (DSHS Aging and Long-Term Support Administration)
Questions about powers of attorney in Washington
How does guardianship or conservatorship work in Washington?
The court may appoint a guardian only if it finds by clear and convincing evidence that the adult cannot meet essential requirements for physical health, safety or self-care, even with supportive services, technology or supported decision making; that appointment is needed to prevent significant risk of harm; and that a protective arrangement or other less restrictive alternative cannot meet the need.
What does a guardianship or conservatorship cost in Washington?
The superior court filing fee is set by RCW 36.18.020 and collected by the county clerk. No filing fee is charged if the petition says the adult's total assets are under $3,000.
What are the alternatives to guardianship in Washington?
Supported decision-making agreement; Protective arrangement instead of guardianship or conservatorship; Durable power of attorney for finances and/or health care; Health care decision by a family member under RCW 7.70.065.