Being a guardian is more than just a title. It is a legal duty to protect someone’s well-being. If the court appoints you as a guardian for another person—child or adult—who cannot manage their affairs, the law expects you to care for them with honesty, fairness and transparency. But what happens if you harm or neglect your ward? In Washington, the law has clear answers. Below are the laws in place to hold guardians accountable.
Guardian duties under Washington law
Washington’s Uniform Guardianship Act outlines a guardian’s different duties depending on whether you care for a minor or an adult.
For minor guardianships, you must act like a responsible parent. You must make decisions about the child’s health, school, safety and basic needs. You must also file regular reports to the court about your ward’s care and living arrangements.
In adult guardianships, you must support the adult’s well-being while encouraging independence. You make decisions about housing, healthcare and daily needs—but only where help is truly needed. You must stay in contact with your adult ward, keep detailed records and file yearly updates with the court.
In both cases, you must follow court orders and file updates at required intervals. These reports help the court ensure that you meet your responsibilities and that the person under your guardianship is safe and well cared for.
If you manage your ward’s finances, additional financial duties apply, including keeping accurate records and reporting all expenses.
Consequences of failing to fulfill responsibilities
Failing to fulfill your guardianship duties can take many forms, such as:
- Not filing required reports
- Ignoring medical or personal needs
- Taking money or property for personal use
- Making harmful decisions
- Breaking court orders
If this happens, the court may remove you as the guardian, require repayment or appoint a new guardian. In serious cases, law enforcement may get involved.
Anyone—including family or friends—can report concerns to the court. Once reported, a court-appointed investigator may review the situation.
The importance of accountability in guardianship
You hold serious responsibilities, whether caring for a child or an adult. The court’s goal is to ensure that you can act in the individual’s best interest, protect their rights and provide for their daily needs with honesty and care.
When you, as a guardian, fail in these duties, it can lead to serious harm—emotionally, physically or financially. That’s why Washington law allows the court to remove unfit guardians and take protective action.
