When a loved one becomes unable to manage their own personal or financial affairs due to illness, disability, or age-related decline, families are often left wondering how to help. Guardianships and conservatorships provide a structured, court-approved way to protect vulnerable individuals — but these legal processes can be complex and emotional.

At the Law Offices of Joseph W. Creed, our Bellevue attorneys guide families through the guardianship and conservatorship process with compassion and precision. We work to ensure that your loved one’s needs are met while preserving their dignity and autonomy whenever possible.

What Is a Conservatorship?

A conservatorship grants a trusted person (the conservator) the authority to manage the financial affairs of someone who cannot do so themselves. This may include paying bills, managing investments, or overseeing property and income.

Conservatorships are often established for individuals with cognitive impairments, intellectual disabilities, or conditions like dementia. Because financial management is at the heart of this role, courts require strong evidence of incapacity and careful selection of a responsible conservator.

Our firm collaborates with medical professionals, accountants, and family members to build a thorough case that ensures your loved one’s finances are protected and responsibly managed.

What Is a Guardianship?

While conservators handle financial matters, a guardianship gives someone the authority to make personal and medical decisions on behalf of an incapacitated adult or minor. Guardians can determine living arrangements, authorize medical treatment, and ensure their ward’s overall safety and well-being.

Guardianship is a serious legal step — one that courts in Washington grant only after careful consideration. The court will review your loved one’s mental and physical health, their ability to care for themselves, and their decision-making capacity before assigning a guardian.

At the Law Offices of Joseph W. Creed, we help families prepare comprehensive guardianship petitions and present compelling evidence to the court, always balancing compassion with strong legal advocacy.

Contesting a Guardianship or Conservatorship

There are times when a guardianship or conservatorship may no longer serve the best interests of the person under care. In such cases, families or individuals have the right to request a court review or modification. Whether new evidence has surfaced, or a loved one has regained independence, you may be able to challenge or terminate the existing arrangement.

Our experienced attorneys represent clients on both sides of these sensitive cases — helping families contest unfair or outdated guardianships and ensuring that individuals are not unjustly stripped of their rights.

How the Law Offices of Joseph W. Creed Can Help

Navigating a guardianship or conservatorship in Washington can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. The Law Offices of Joseph W. Creed in Bellevue provides comprehensive guidance at every stage — from petitioning the court to managing ongoing responsibilities or contesting an existing order.

With our knowledge of Washington’s guardianship laws and deep commitment to protecting families, we make sure your loved one receives the care, oversight, and advocacy they deserve.

Take the First Step Toward Protecting Your Loved One

Guardianships and conservatorships are powerful tools for protecting those who can no longer care for themselves — but they must be handled carefully, respectfully, and in full compliance with Washington law.

If you’re considering establishing or contesting a guardianship or conservatorship, contact the Law Offices of Joseph W. Creed today. Our experienced Bellevue attorneys are ready to help you safeguard your loved one’s future with clarity and compassion.