Guardianship
& Alternatives
What is Guardianship and it’s alternatives?
Guardianship is a legal arrangement where a court gives someone (the guardian) the authority to make decisions for another person (the ward) who cannot manage their own affairs. This arrangement is typically used when someone is deemed incapable of managing their personal, financial, or medical affairs due to reasons like disability, mental illness, aging, or incapacitation.
However, guardianship isn’t right for everyone, and there are alternatives such as supported decision-making, which allows people to make their own choices with support, or power of attorney, where someone is chosen to help with specific decisions while maintaining independence.
When to decide on Guardianship or an alternative.
Deciding between guardianship, supported decision-making, or power of attorney depends on the individual’s needs and ability to make decisions.
Guardianship is typically necessary when someone is unable to make safe or informed decisions about their personal, medical, or financial affairs due to significant disabilities, dementia, or incapacitation. It involves court intervention and grants the guardian full authority to act on the person’s behalf to ensure their safety and well-being.
Supported decision-making is a less restrictive option for individuals who can make their own choices with guidance. This approach allows them to retain autonomy while receiving help from trusted supporters to understand information, explore options, and communicate decisions. It’s ideal for people with developmental disabilities or mild cognitive challenges.
A power of attorney is another alternative for individuals who can understand and voluntarily authorize someone to act on their behalf in specific areas, such as managing finances or making medical decisions. This option allows them to retain control while ensuring they have support when needed.
Guardianship:
Informing Families:
Washington Adult Guardianship Law
Educational Videos:
Your Child with Disabilities is Turning 18
Washington Law Help:
Adult guardianship, conservatorship and other protective arrangements
Where to go for more information
Alternatives to Guardianship:
Informing Families:
Informing families Alternatives to Guardianship breakdown
Educational Videos:
The Arc of Washington State: New Guardianship and Alternatives to Guardianship Info Webinar
Supported Decision Making:
Informing Families:
Supported Decision-Making in WA State
Forms:
Supported Decision Making Agreements (SDM)
Alternative to guardianship helps people with disabilities without limiting their rights. #3306EN
Power of Attorney:
Forms:
A power of attorney document lets you choose a trusted friend or relative to help you with your finances and/or health care decisions. #9608EN
A power of attorney document lets you choose a trusted friend or relative to help you with your finances and/or health care decisions. After you sign it, the person you choose will take the power of attorney document to your medical providers, bank, school, and other places to make decisions and sign contracts just as if they were you.
The trusted friend or relative you choose to help you with your finances and/or health care decisions is called your "agent."