What is a guardianship and why should I consider it?

A guardianship is a legal relationship in which a person or entity (the “guardian”) is appointed by the court to make decisions on behalf of another person (the “ward”). In Washington, guardianships are used when an individual is unable to make his or her own decisions due to age, illness, disability, or other incapacity. If you are considering estate planning in Washington, you should give thought to a guardianship if you have an elderly parent, a family member with a disability, or a child who is a minor. A guardianship allows the guardian to make decisions for the ward in areas such as health care, financial matters, education, and personal welfare. The guardian is held to a high legal standard, so the ward’s best interests are always the priority. Another reason to consider a guardianship is that it gives you a degree of control over who will make decisions for your loved one or ward if you are unable to do so. You can also ensure that your ward’s well-being is protected by making sure the guardian is selected carefully. In conclusion, a guardianship is a legal relationship that can be a part of your estate planning in Washington. It allows a guardian to make decisions on behalf of a ward who is unable to do so due to age, illness, disability, or other incapacity. When considering a guardianship, it is important to be mindful of the ward’s best interests and select the guardian carefully.

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What is a guardianship and why should I consider it?

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