Office of Public Guardianship
Guide to Requesting a Public Guardian
A Public Guardian is a guardian of last resort and should only be requested after all alternatives have been exhausted. Before seeking these services, it is preferred that a petition be filed at superior court. Washington law prohibits the Office of Public Guardianship (OPG) from petitioning in guardianship/conservatorship matters. Petitions are usually filed by individuals concerned about an adult who is at risk of personal or financial harm due to their decision making abilities. Once filed, the court appoints a court investigator (Title 11 Court Visitor) who performs an investigation to determine if a guardian/conservator is needed. If a proposed guardian/conservator is not named in the petition, the Court Visitor will try to locate someone willing and able to serve. The Office of Public Guardianship may be an option.
Begin by completing a Guardian/Conservator Search Form. Upon receipt of the form, staff will e-mail a brief case description
to the certified professional guardian and conservator (CPGC) listserv. CPGCs interested in accepting the appointment will be instructed to contact you directly.
If no CPGC accepts the appointment within fourteen (14) days, seeking services from the OPG may be an option. The referrer should review the OPG Program Eligibility requirements below to determine if the adult is eligible for the program.
Program Eligibility
Individuals in need of decision-making assistance services may qualify if they:
- Are 18 years or older; and
- Have an income that does not exceed 200 percent of the federal poverty level (for 2025, $31,300.00 annually or $2,608.33 monthly); OR
- Are admitted to an acute care hospital, psychiatric hospital, or state psychiatric hospital and have an income that does not exceed 400 percent of the federal poverty level (for 2025, $62,600.00 annually or $5,216.67 monthly); OR
- Are receiving or are eligible to receive long-term care services through the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS); and
- There is no one else qualified, willing, and able to serve.
Due to limited resources, the OPG cannot provide public decision-making assistance to everyone who satisfies the eligibility criteria.
Program Priorities
Priority is given to individuals who satisfy the above requirements and who are:
- Indigent/Homeless;
- Hospitalized and medically ready for discharge, or will soon be medically ready for discharge;
- At significant risk of harm from abuse, exploitation, abandonment, neglect, or self-neglect; or
- In imminent danger of loss or significant reduction in public services that are necessary to live successfully in the most integrated and least restrictive environment that is appropriate for a specific individual.
If an adult subject to guardianship/conservatorship is eligible for services through the OPG, complete
an OPG referral form.
Staff conduct periodic reviews of referrals and distribute acceptance announcements to public
guardians and referrers for individuals that qualify for services and meet program priorities.
All appointments are
contingent upon available funding and public guardian capacity. OPG staff maintain
an active waitlist and conduct periodic review to ensure OPG
services continue to fulfill program priorities.
