Seattle Guardianship Attorney

Providing for the protection and needs of a disabled or incapacitated family member can cause intense emotional stress. Concern over financial and legal considerations can create additional anxiety. At Satterberg, Healy & Eeckhoudt, we help people provide for their loved ones through the establishment of guardianships.

Under Washington law, a party can petition the court to declare another person incapacitated. The petition asserts that the "alleged incapacitated person" lacks the ability to care for him or herself and requires a guardian to provide for the person's basic care and to supervise the financial affairs of the person. Washington courts take such petitions very seriously. The court must be satisfied that the "alleged incapacitated person" is indeed incapable of caring for himself, and that the proposed guardian can prove to be a capable caregiver and conservator. The court will then appoint a neutral third party or guardian ad litem to investigate and report back to the court as to the validity of the claims made in the petition, before granting the guardianship.

Guardianships Require Careful Planning

The guardianship lawyers at Satterberg, Healy & Eeckhoudt believe that careful planning is the key to establishing a successful guardianship. When you speak with us regarding the situation of your family member, we will take the time to fully understand the physical, mental, and financial situation of your loved one. We will consider all of the alternatives, and determine the form of guardianship which will best protect the ward. We can then represent you in court through all of the proceedings, and ensure that all legal requirements for the guardianship are met. If needed, we can establish trusts such as a special needs trust or sheltered trust, to provide for the needs of the ward.

At Satterberg, Healy & Eeckhoudt, we have advised numerous clients in guardianship matters, representing petitioners and alleged incapacitated persons, as well as serving the court as guardian ad litem. Our lawyers take great professional and personal satisfaction in establishing guardianships and related trust provisions on behalf of our clients. In turn, our clients rest easy knowing that their loved ones will be provided for and their well-being will be assured.

For a free initial consultation with a Seattle guardianship attorney at Satterberg, Healy & Eeckhoudt, call us at (206) 763-1510 or contact us online.