Original Link | Trucelaw.com | Posted on March 19, 2019.
This past week I prepared pro se divorce forms for the mother of an adult with special needs. After completing the divorce she plans to file for guardianship of her 22-year-old son. She doesn’t have a lot of extra money for legal services, so she asked if she can file for guardianship in Washington State without an attorney?
Yes, it is possible to become a guardian without an attorney. Keep in mind the process is complicated, so advice from an expert can only help you. Although, if you can’t afford legal fees or you’re just a do it yourselfer with the time to learn, you can file for guardianship on your own. This post is designed to make the process as easy to understand as possible.
Table of Contents
A. First Steps
- Who can use this guide?
- Deciding if guardianship is the best option
- Are there risks with self-representation?
- How to use this guide?
- How long will it take to complete?
- Who is eligible to act as a guardian?
- How much does it cost?
B. The Paperwork – Preparing the Documents & Filing
- Which documents are required?
- What are general rules for filling out the forms?
- Do I file everything at once?
- Where do I go to start the case?
- How do I file?
C. The Court Date
- What do I do if the court schedules a hearing?
- What to expect at the hearing?
- Final steps to finalize the process