SB5837
01/23/2026
,
Washington
,
Legislation
, Guardianship/Conservatorship of Adults - Protected Person
, Guardianship/Conservatorship of Children - Child (incomplete)
, Guardianship/Conservatorship of Children - Parent or Guardian
SB5837: Currently, in adult conservatorship cases, appointment of counsel at public expense is mandatory if the respondent is indigent or if in the opinion of the court, the respondents’ rights and interests cannot otherwise be adequately protected. The amended law requires the court to appoint counsel in the indigency case only if the respondent objects to the petition. The attorney costs are still paid at public expense if the respondent is indigent. Similar amendments are proposed to the provision governing appointed counsel in protective arrangement proceedings under Sec. 11.130.610.
Bill Status: Active
Last action (on 01/23/2026): Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
We have reached out to the sponsor to raise concerns about weakening of the protected person's RTC in guardianship/conservatorship matters.
