What Reports Must a Guardian File in Washington?

Serving as a guardian is not a one-time appointment that ends when the court signs an order. Washington law expects a guardian for an adult to file a written plan and then to report to the court on a regular schedule for as long as the guardianship lasts. These filings are how the court keeps watch over a vulnerable person's care. The Law Office of Chad Foster helps Snohomish County clients with guardianship and conservatorship.

The Framework Behind the Reports

Washington's guardianship system was reorganized in 2022 under the Uniform Guardianship, Conservatorship, and Other Protective Arrangements Act, chapter 11.130 RCW. Under RCW 11.130.010, a guardian is the person appointed to make decisions about someone's personal affairs. With that authority comes accountability, and the statute delivers it through two main filings for a guardian of an adult: an initial plan and a periodic report. A conservator who manages finances has separate accounting obligations, but this article focuses on the reporting duties of a guardian of the person.

The Guardian's Plan

The first major filing is the guardian's plan. Under RCW 11.130.340, a guardian for an adult must file a plan for the care of the adult with the court no later than ninety days after appointment, and must give a copy to the adult under guardianship and any other notice party. The plan is not a formality. It has to be based on the adult's needs and take into account the adult's best interest as well as their preferences, values, and prior directions to the extent the guardian can reasonably learn them. For related guidance, see Can a Guardian Be Removed in Washington.

The statute spells out what the plan must cover. Under RCW 11.130.340, the plan describes the living arrangement, services, and supports the guardian expects to arrange, the social and educational activities the guardian will facilitate, and the people with whom the adult has close relationships along with any plan for visits. It also states how often the guardian expects to visit and communicate with the adult, sets goals for the adult including any goal aimed at restoring the adult's rights, and lists what the guardian proposes to charge for each service. After it is filed, the adult and other notice parties have the right to object, and the court reviews the plan and decides whether to approve it or require a new one. The court cannot approve the plan until thirty days after it is filed, which gives everyone a fair chance to weigh in. For related guidance, see What Is a Guardian ad Litem.

The Guardian's Periodic Report

The second major filing is the ongoing report. Under RCW 11.130.345, a guardian for an adult must file a report with the court by the date the court sets, describing the condition of the adult and accounting for funds and other property in the guardian's possession or control. A copy again goes to the adult and any other notice party.

This report is detailed. RCW 11.130.345 requires it to state the adult's mental, physical, and social condition, the living arrangements during the reporting period, and a summary of the supports and services provided along with the guardian's opinion about whether the adult's care is adequate. It must summarize the guardian's visits with the adult, including the dates, describe the actions the guardian took on the adult's behalf, and report how much the adult participated in decisions. The report also has to disclose potential conflicts, such as anything of more than minimal value the guardian or the guardian's close family received from someone providing goods or services to the adult, and any business relationship the guardian has with a person who was paid from the adult's property. Finally, it must attach the most recently approved plan, explain any deviation from it, lay out plans for future care, and give the guardian's recommendation about whether the guardianship should continue or its scope should change.

The Court's Monitoring Role

These filings exist so the court can actually supervise the guardianship rather than trust that all is well. RCW 11.130.345 directs the court to establish procedures for monitoring reports and to review each one to determine whether the guardian has complied with their duties, whether the guardianship should continue, and whether any requested fees are reasonable. The court may appoint a court visitor to review a report or plan, interview the guardian or the adult, or investigate any matter involving the guardianship.

The statute gives the court real teeth. If the court has reason to believe a guardian has not complied with their duties, or that the guardianship should be modified or terminated, RCW 11.130.345 allows the court to demand more information, appoint a court visitor, and hold a hearing to consider removing the guardian, ending the guardianship, or changing the guardian's powers. A guardian must petition the court to approve each report, and when the court approves it, the order sets the due date for the next report. The court may set that interval at annual, biennial, or triennial, with the report due within ninety days of the anniversary of the appointment.

Why the Reports Are Worth Taking Seriously

For a conscientious guardian, these filings are an opportunity as much as an obligation. A clear, complete, and timely report demonstrates that the guardian is doing the job well, supports any request for fees, and reassures the court and the family that the protected person is thriving. A late, thin, or evasive report does the opposite and can invite exactly the kind of scrutiny that leads to a court visitor or a hearing. Because the plan and the reports must satisfy specific statutory requirements, guardians often benefit from guidance the first time through so nothing important is left out.

Help for Snohomish County Guardians

Guardians in Snohomish County file these plans and reports with the Snohomish County Superior Court, and keeping them accurate and on time is one of the most important parts of the role. If you are a guardian preparing your initial plan or an annual report, or a family member who wants to make sure a guardianship is being handled properly, the Law Office of Chad Foster can help you understand and meet these duties. Reach out to discuss what your situation requires.