WA-Probate > Washington-Guardianship > Removing & Replacing the Guardian

III.  Removing & Replacing the Guardian

A Guardian may be replaced by the Court for any "good reason."  RCW 11.88.120(1)  Any person, including the Incapacitated Person, may petition the Court to replace the Guardian.  If the petitioner is represented by counsel, the procedure is for such counsel to obtain a Citation and Order to Show Cause, to be served on the Guardian, requiring the Guardian to attend a hearing and "show cause" why the Guardian should not be replaced.  If the petitioner is not represented by counsel, the petitioner may make his/her request simply by writing a letter to the Clerk of the Court (RCW 11.88.120(2)), resulting in:

• The Clerk delivering the letter to the Court within one Court day of its receipt; and
   

• The Court either:
   

  • Denying the request if it appears to be frivolous, or
     

  • Setting a hearing, or
     

  • Appointing a Guardian ad Litem to:
     

    • Investigate the issues raised in the letter, or
       

    • Take whatever emergency action appears appropriate to protect the Incapacitated Person in the interim.  RCW 11.88.120(3)

To remove and replace a Guardian through the Citation procedure, see:

And

And

Upon any replacement of a Guardian, the replaced Guardian is required to undertake the Final Report & Account procedure.

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