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May
30

Minor Guardianship

How to apply to become the guardian of a minor temporarily or until they become adults.
Minor Guardianship - King County

Minor Guardianship in King County

What is Minor Guardianship?

Minor Guardianship is when the court gives someone legal permission to care for a child under 18. The guardian can make decisions like a parent. (RCW 11.130)

When Can a Guardian Be Appointed?

  • Both parents agree to the guardianship.
  • The parents’ rights have been terminated.
  • There is clear proof that no parent is willing or able to care for the child. (RCW 26.09.004)

Types of Minor Guardianship Cases

1. Minor Guardianship (Long-Term)

  • File this if you need to care for a child long-term.
  • Anyone, including the child, can file.
  • Filing doesn't mean you must be the guardian.
  • Takes at least 60 days to complete.
  • You can file a Motion for Immediate Guardianship if needed.

2. Emergency Minor Guardianship (Short-Term)

  • Use when the child is in danger and needs care right away.
  • Hearing happens 14 days after filing.
  • Lasts 60 days and can be extended once (to 120 days).
  • Can be granted without notice, but notice must be given within 48 hours and a hearing held within 5 business days.
Note: File for Minor Guardianship if you need long-term care.

3. Immediate Minor Guardianship

  • File this if you need urgent help before the first hearing.
  • Must also file a Petition for Minor or Emergency Guardianship.

How to File a Minor Guardianship Case

Step 1: Fill Out Forms

  • Petition (GDN M 102)
  • Notice of Hearing & Summons (GDN M 001)
  • Declaration of Reasons (GDN M 103)
  • Criminal History Cover Sheet (GDN M 407)
  • DCYF Motion & Order (GDN M 404 and 405)

Step 2: Background Checks

  • Get reports from WA State Patrol and DCYF for anyone 16+ in the guardian’s home.
  • Use GDN M 407, GDN M 404 and GDN M 405.
  • Contact the judge's bailiff with questions.

Step 3: Notify Others

  • Serve the Petition and Hearing Notice.
  • File proof of service before the hearing.

Step 4: Get Ready for the 60-Day Hearing

  • Use the checklist.
  • Decide if a GAL, visitor, or attorney is needed. File a motion if so.

Step 5: Attend the Hearing

  • Judge will check service, background checks, and whether more review is needed.
  • The judge may finalize the case or schedule a trial.

Filing an Emergency Minor Guardianship

  • Use Emergency Guardianship Petition
  • Use GDN 204 and 205 for Immediate Orders

Need a Hearing Before 14 Days?

Email: MinorGDN_Immediate_Hearing@kingcounty.gov

Include your filed motion and proposed order. Use this subject line:

IMMEDIATE HEARING requested – [date] – [case number]

Email the other side unless it is dangerous or impossible.

Need Help?

  • Visit a Family Law Facilitator Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
  • Seattle: Room W280, King County Courthouse
  • Kent: Room 1D, Maleng Regional Justice Center

Or visit the King County Family Law website.

© 2025 King County Family Law Information

How to file for a Minor Guardianship case

Minor guardianships may take 60 days or longer to finish. 

Minor Guardianship flowchart (225KB) **As of February 2025, this flowchart is outdated and is being revised. 


If the child's health or safety is in imminent danger and you need an immediate order entered without notice to other parties before the time that the 60-day hearing is set, you may schedule a hearing for an Immediate Emergency Minor Guardianship Order by contacting MinorGDN_Immediate_Hearing@kingcounty.gov. Use forms GDN 204 and GDN 205 on the Washington Courts forms website to file your motion into the Court file started by your Petition. 

  • Download and fill out forms

    To start a Minor Guardianship case, you will need to file forms with the clerk’s office. A child or an interested party may file the petition.

    Overview of the Minor Guardianship process (206KB)  

    The forms you will need to start the case from the Washington Courts website are

    • Minor Guardianship Petition (GDN M 102)
    • Notice of Hearing (GDN M 001)
    • Summons (form GDN M 001)
    • Declaration Explaining Reasons for Minor Guardianship (form GDN M 103)
    • Criminal History Cover Sheet (form GDN M 407)
    • Motion for DCYF Order and Order to DCYF to Release CPS Information GDN M 404 and GDN M 405

  • Get copies of criminal backgrounds

    You must request criminal history and CPS background information for the proposed guardian(s) and any residents of the guardian(s)’ household.

    Get a copy of your criminal history report online, by mail, or in person from the Washington State Patrol. Put the Criminal History Cover Sheet (form GDN M 407) on top of the criminal history report. 

  • Submit the Motion and Order to Release CPS Information

    The Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families has the CPS information. Download and fill out Motion for DCYF Order (GND M 404) and Order to DCYF to Release CPS Information (GDN M 405) from the Washington Courts website.

    The order must be signed by a judicial officer. Submit the motion to the judge who was assigned in your case schedule. Contact the judge's bailiff for additional information. You must provide Name, alias, and birthdate for each person over the age of 16 who live in your household when you make the request.

  • Serve the other people in the case

    You must take steps to serve the petition and related documents on all of the parties who must be served, and you must send the notice of the 60-day hearing you have prepared to everyone who is entitled to notice. Proof of service and proof of sending the notice of hearing (134KB) must be filed with the Court before the 60-day hearing.

    Check who needs notice

  • Prepare for the 60-day hearing

    Before the 60-day Hearing you must complete and file the Court’s 60-day Hearing Checklist (292KB). If you have not completed items on the checklist by your hearing date, the Court likely will set another hearing where you will be required to show that the missing items have been completed.

    Before a 60-day hearing, you must determine

    These steps must be taken before the 60-day Hearing. Motions regarding these steps may be presented to the judge assigned in your case schedule. Contact the judge's bailiff for more information.

  • Attend the 60-Day Hearing

    All final minor guardianship orders (even if agreed) must be presented via a scheduled hearing.

    At the 60-day hearing the assigned judge will determine whether the case is ready to move forward, including whether:

    • All of the necessary parties have been served/whether all necessary parties have notice of the hearing
    • The criminal history and CPS background checks have occurred and are acceptable
    • A visitor, GAL, or attorney for any party needs to be appointed and if those steps have been taken

    The judge may also decide whether the guardianship can be completed by default, by agreement, or if the case needs to be set for a contested trial. The judge will either set a trial or finish your case at this time. 

How to file for an Emergency Minor Guardianship case

Emergency Minor Guardianships will only last for 60 days to 120 days. If you need a long-term order, you will need to file for Minor Guardianship.

Emergency Minor Guardianship flowchart guide (383KB)   **As of February 2025, this flowchart is outdated and is being revised. 

  • Fill out the forms

    Use an Emergency Minor Guardianship Petition from the Washington Courts forms website if you need a short-term guardianship (lasting no more than 120 days).  The hearing on an Emergency Minor Guardianship is set before a judge on the first Friday at least 14 days after filing.

    If you need an immediate order entered without notice to other parties before the time that the 14-day hearing is set, you may schedule a hearing for an Immediate Emergency Minor Guardianship Order by contacting MinorGDN_Immediate_Hearing@kingcounty.gov to request a hearing. Use forms GDN 204 and GDN 205 on the Washington Courts forms website to file your motion into the Court file started by your Petition. 

  • Get copies of criminal backgrounds

    You must request criminal history and CPS background information for the proposed guardian(s) and any residents of the guardian(s)’ household.

    Get a copy of your criminal history report online, by mail, or in person from the Washington State Patrol. Put the Criminal History Cover Sheet (form GDN M 407) on top of the criminal history report. 

  • Submit the Motion and Order to Release CPS Information

    The Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families has the CPS information. Download and fill out Motion for DCYF Order (GND M 404) and Order to DCYF to Release CPS Information (GDN M 405) from the Washington Courts website.

    The order must be signed by a judicial officer. Submit the motion to the judge who was assigned in your case schedule. Contact the judge's bailiff for additional information. You must provide Name, alias, and birthdate for each person over the age of 16 who live in your household when you make the request.

  • Setting the hearing

    The Emergency Minor Guardianship Case Schedule will set your hearing date for you. If you need to schedule a Motion before your assigned judge before this date (except for a Motion for Immediate Minor Guardianship), please contact the bailiff for your assigned judge (also found on the Case Schedule).

    , the process is led by the moving party. They pick the hearing date, file a notice of hearing (and any other required forms) and give the other party at least 2 days notice of their intent. This notice is required in all cases unless they can clearly show by sworn declaration that immediate injury, loss, or damage will result if notice is given.

    If you need a same day emergency motion

    Parties with emergencies may reserve a hearing the same day if space is available. You must file the required forms and email MinorGDN_Immediate_Hearing@kingcounty.gov as well as opposing party/counsel unless there is threat of imminent harm, or it is impracticable to do so. Attach your filed motion materials, and any proposed orders to the email. The subject line of the email must include, in this order, "IMMEDIATE HEARING requested", the date, and the case number.  

    If the Judge grants the immediate order, they will also set the matter for a review hearing.

    Petitioners seeking appointment of an emergency guardian with notice to other parties will have their hearing on the assigned judge at least 14 days after filing.

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