Seattle Guardianship Attorneys
Sometimes our loved ones require assistance and oversight in their financial or personal matters. When no suitably protective alternatives exist, the appointment of a Guardian may be necessary through a guardianship proceeding. A court-appointed Guardian has responsibility for the financial, legal and/or personal needs of the individual who has been deemed incapacitated by the court. Once appointed, a Guardian must report regularly to the court as to the incapacitated person’s personal and financial status.
Our guardianship attorneys can help you through this process. We will educate you about guardianship law so that you have information to take appropriate action. In some cases, a full or even a limited guardianship may not be the best solution. Our experienced guardianship attorneys are skilled at identifying and negotiating suitable less restrictive alternative proceedings such as a protection order under Washington State’s Vulnerable Adult Protection Act, or an action under Washington’s Uniform Power of Attorney Act.
Guardian ad Litem (GAL)
In a guardianship proceeding, a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) is the individual appointed by the court to investigate the need for a guardianship and to make a report to the court with recommendations concerning guardianship based on the best interests of the alleged incapacitated person. GALs are appointed off of a court registry, must complete annual certification training programs, provide backgrounds and qualification information to the court, and meet all eligibility requirements set by Washington State statute and individual local court rules.
Knowledgeable Guardianship Attorneys
Michael Longyear and Carla Calogero are experienced guardianship attorneys at Reed Longyear Malnati & Ahrens, PLLC.
Michael Longyear regularly represents individuals in guardianship proceedings. Mr. Longyear has been recognized for his guardianship experience and he served on the Washington Supreme Court Certified Professional Guardian Board from 2001 to 2008. Both Michael Longyear and his Legal Assistant Christopher J. Fast are Certified Professional Guardians. Michael Longyear has been appointed by various Washington State courts to act as guardian ad litem (GAL) in guardianship matters in over 100 cases
Ms. Calogero is a past Chair of the Executive Committee of Elder Law Section of the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA), and past Chair of the Guardianship and Elder Law Section of the King County Bar Association (KCBA). She continues to serve on the Executive Committee for each of the WSBA Elder Law Section and the KCBA Guardianship and Elder Law Section. Ms. Calogero is regularly invited to speak to attorneys, and other professionals, and community groups on topics including guardianship and less restrictive alternatives to guardianship. She was named a “Rising Star” in Elder Law by her peers in years 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018.
Proactive Planning, Sensible Solutions
We pride ourselves on educating you about guardianship under current Washington State law. The legal issues and ramifications you may be facing are best assessed on an individual, case-by-case basis. Call us today to speak with our knowledgeable and professional guardianship attorneys at (206) 624-6241.