Minor Guardianship (Formerly Non-Parent Custody)

Washington law no longer recognizes “non-parent custody” under former RCW 26.10. That statute was repealed and replaced with minor guardianship proceedings under RCW 11.130.

If you are searching for non-parent or third-party custody, you are now looking for a minor guardianship.

Start here: Child Custody & Guardianship Overview

What is a minor guardianship?

A minor guardianship is a court process that allows a non-parent to obtain legal authority to care for a child when the parents are unable, unavailable, or consent to the guardianship.

These cases are governed by RCW 11.130 and are handled differently than older non-parent custody cases.

Who typically files for minor guardianship

• Grandparents
• Other relatives
• Long-term caregivers
• Family friends with parental consent or qualifying circumstances

Why guardianship cases are document-intensive

Minor guardianship filings often involve multiple parties, detailed declarations, background information, and specific statutory requirements.

These matters generally require more preparation than standard custody cases between parents.

Document preparation assistance

Delta Paralegals provides document preparation assistance for minor guardianship matters in Snohomish County. We help organize and prepare the required court filings based on your situation and the current statutory framework.

Related family law pages

• Child Custody & Guardianship Hub
• Temporary Custody During Divorce
• Custody Modifications After Divorce
• Custody for Unmarried Parents

Talk with us

If you need help preparing documents for a minor guardianship case in Snohomish County, call to discuss timelines and filing requirements.

Call: 206-915-4028