What is a guardianship?

A guardianship is a legal arrangement in which a person or entity is appointed by the court to care for an individual who cannot manage their own affairs. This may include making decisions about healthcare, finances, housing, or any other matters related to the individual’s wellbeing. In Washington, guardianship cases are governed by state probate code. In order to establish a guardianship, the court must find that the individual is unable to manage their own affairs, due to a physical or mental impairment, and is in need of assistance. When a guardianship is established, the court will appoint a guardian, who will then take on the responsibility of caring for the individual. The guardian will be responsible for making decisions regarding the individual’s health, safety, and well-being. The guardian will also be responsible for managing the individual’s financial affairs. Guardianships are an important part of trusts and estates law in Washington. They provide a way to ensure that an individual is taken care of, even if they are unable to care for themselves. Guardianships are also a way to ensure that an individual’s assets and property are preserved. Depending on the case, the guardian may be appointed to serve for a short period of time or may be appointed to serve until the individual’s death.

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