Legal Guardianship

Legal Guardianship Attorneys in Spokane, WA

Spokane legal guardianship attorney
Spokane Guardianship

There are many misconceptions about legal guardianships. At The Whipple Law Group, we actively strive to help our clients grasp the intricacies of guardianship law and determine its suitability for their specific circumstances.

Guardians should strive always to protect the rights and liberties of the person they are working with. We promote independence, growth, and self-reliance while ensuring the protection and safety of the individual.

Certified Professional Guardianship

  • Guardianship is a way to protect people who need help making decisions
  • There are different varieties of  guardianship, and a third party determines which one is most appropriate for a given situation
  • Michael D. Whipple is a certified, professional legal guardian, and is well-versed in guardianship duties
  • We will take the time to fully discuss whether guardianship is necessary or possible in your situation
  • We can also provide legal representation for persons acting as lay guardian

Frequently Asked Questions in Legal Guardianships

What follows are a series of common questions relative to legal guardianships, according to the law. For specifics regarding your situation, please contact our law office and find out more about guardianships and how they apply to your family.

Guardianship: What is it?

Guardianship is the legal process used to protect people in need of substantial assistance in terms of decision-making. Obtaining guardianship over a person is a significant legal step and should never be considered lightly.

Is Power of Attorney the same as Legal Guardianship?

Guardianship is much different from having power of attorney for someone. When you hold power of attorney for someone, you share decision-making power with that individual. Guardianship occurs when someone has significant diminished capacity to make decisions for themselves and requires legal intervention for their protection.

Our firm understands the profound effect that guardianship activities have on the individual and their loved ones.

Who Needs a Guardian?

Guardianships help protect individuals who have lost or no longer possess the ability to make appropriate personal or financial decisions for themselves. These may encompass individuals who have developed chronic mental or emotional disabilities either from birth or as a result of an accident or disease.

Are all Legal Guardianships the same?

All guardianships are not the same. In determining legal guardianship, the court relies on third-party investigations to determine the needs of the individual. The goal under guardianship is to provide for the needs of the individual based on the capabilities of the person requiring guardianship. Guardians can limit or have full authority, applying it to the estate (asset decision-making), personal care, or a combination of both.

Lay Guardians

Are all Guardians the same?

Guardians are designated as either “Lay Guardians” or ”Professional Guardians”.

Lay Guardians 

Lay guardians, as the name implies, are generally non-professionals (e.g. family member, friend, etc.) who have accepted the legal responsibility to acts as a guardian for a person legally deemed unable to take care of themselves (incapacitated person).

Professional Guardians 

Certified Professional Guardians (CPG) are individuals who have received college level guardianship instruction and training and are certified by the State of Washington to provide guardianship services. To maintain certification, CPGs must undergo ongoing, accredited training and education.

All guardians in Washington are subject to strict legal requirement to perform their duties in compliance with the legal rules and statutes governing guardianship.

Attorney for the Lay Guardian

In fulfilling their duties and responsibilities, guardians must fully comply with a myriad of laws. Guardians are directly accountable to the Court for their actions. The Whipple Law Group is fully prepared to provide legal representation and advice to family members acting as lay guardians.

We will advise you with regard to obtaining required training, assist you in writing and filing legal documents, and avoiding common mistakes. We recognize your commitment to doing the best job possible, which is why you assumed the position in the first place. Let us support you in making this possible.

We Offer a Comprehensive Line of Legal Guardianship Services

At The Whipple Law Group we provide a range of services related to legal guardianships.

Certified Professional Guardian (CPG) 

The Whipple Law Group's founding attorney, Michael D. Whipple, has received certification as a professional guardian from the State of Washington. As a certified professional guardian, he possesses a strong understanding of guardianship duties, responsibilities, and requirements under Washington state law. As a person, Mr. Whipple brings a singular commitment and empathy to the provision of Guardianship services. With experience in developing least restrictive personal care plans tailored to the needs of individual incapacitated persons, he carries out his fiduciary obligations with care and discernment.

Counseling 

Guardianship Counseling
Guardianship Counseling

At The Whipple Law Group, we understand that concepts and rules related to Guardianship can be difficult to interpret. Further, we know that the consideration of requesting  Guardianship over a loved one can be emotionally challenging.

We find that is often extremely helpful to just be able to sit down and discuss these issues with a knowledgeable person. The Whipple Law Group is available to discuss the legal ramifications and responsibilities of legal guardianship. We present a matter-of-fact, informational approach to the process then work with you to apply it to your individual situation.

Listed below are some of the types of questions we may be able to help you and your family work through and resolve:

  • Is guardianship necessary?
  • Is it the best approach?
  • How can we determine whether it should be full or limited?
  • If I choose to be the guardian, what do I have to do? How much does it cost?
  • What if our family member is sick?
  • What if they do not want assistance?
  • What can we do?
  • Is guardianship reversible?

Our managing attorney, Michael Whipple, is a proud, participating member of the National Association of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA).

  • National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys

Searching for a 'guardianship attorney near me' or 'conservator attorney near me'? Look no further—you've found the estate planning team you can trust. Whether you're establishing protections for your loved one with special needs, or caring for an aging parent, our dedicated Washington attorneys are ready to guide you every step of the way. Reach out today at 509-869-3223 or fill out the form below and discover how we can protect what matters most to you.

We are excited to hear more about your case. Please be advised that submission of information to us, by way of this website inquiry, in no way obligates you to the Whipple Law Group, PLLC. Equally, please be aware, you are not represented by the Whipple Law Group, PLLC until we discuss your case and, together, agree to terms of representation. No attorney/client relationship is established until this occurs and is explicitly indicated in writing.
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The Whipple Law Group Is Here for You

At The Whipple Law Group, we are here to listen to you and help you navigate the legal system.

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