Professional Guardian

PROFESSIONAL GUARDIAN/CONSERVATOR
Guardianship is a legal action in which a court determines that someone is unable to manage his or her personal and/or financial affairs. This option is considered when a person has a mental or physical condition which affects their ability to understand their circumstances, make decisions about their life or advocate for themselves.

Upon making this determination, the court delegates a guardian to attend to the needs of the ward, and the court supervises the activities of the guardian. The guardian is missioned to serve as a representative of the court to protect the incapacitated person, and is required by law to report to and seek direction from the court to fulfill that mission.

The law distinguishes between guardianship of the person and the conservator of the estate. Guardianship of the Person pertains to decisions about medical matters, living arrangements, daily logistics of providing care and access to resources and activities. Conservator of the Estate pertains to the protection of a person’s money and personal property. A person with significant amounts of money or property and poor judgement, and who thus risks mismanaging funds or being defrauded of their funds may need a conservator of the estate.

The court can specifically limit the authority of the guardian/conservator, to allow the most independence and self-direction possible while still providing safety. And the goal is to offer less restrictive oversight as the protected adult regains capacity to act on their own behalf. A limited guardianship or conservatorship is best for people who have some ability to manage their affairs, but need management of specific activities, as determined and directed by the court. For more information about the laws pertaining to Guardianship and Conservatorship in the State of Washington, click on the links below:

Revised Code of Washington 11.130

SARI SPIELER, P.O. Box 161 Freeland, WA 98249
(206) 947-7274 (360) 331-1615 fax slspieler@whidbey.com