- SEATTLE: 206-621-1110
- TACOMA: 253-572-1000
Seattle and Tacoma Legal Guardianship Attorneys
Dedicated attorneys helping in delicate guardianship cases
No one wants to think of a loved one becoming incapacitated. However, the truth is that dementia, chronic illness, or a serious accident may prevent an individual from adequately overseeing their own financial or personal matters. If your parent, spouse, or other close loved one is incapable of making decisions in their own best interests, you may want to consider seeking a guardianship.
The experienced lawyers at the Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess are committed to exploring all of your legal options to take proper care of an incapacitated loved one and advising whether a guardianship is right in your case.
IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE WITH A POTENTIAL GUARDIANSHIP CASE, DO NOT HESITATE TO CALL OUR SEATTLE OR TACOMA OFFICES AT (206) 621-1110 OR (253) 572-1000 FOR HELP TODAY.
What is a guardianship?
There are two types of guardianship that may be necessary if an individual becomes incapacitated:
- Guardianship of the estate to oversee their financial affairs
- Guardianship of the person to oversee their physical care
Washington guardianship law protects the rights of seniors or other individuals to remain independent and in control of their own affairs whenever possible and courts will not simply approve an intrusive guardianship unless it is deemed necessary. In order to determine whether a guardianship is necessary, the court will first evaluate the level of an individual’s incapacitation. Courts will then only approve the minimal amount of control over the individual’s affairs necessary to protect their well-being.
Is guardianship right in my case?
In many cases, there are less restrictive alternatives to explore before pursuing a guardianship over your loved one. Such options may include:
- Power of attorney
- Trust formation
- Vulnerable adult protection order2
You should always consult with an attorney who has experience in this type of case and can identify the best option to both protect your loved one’s well-being and their right to be independent.
Contact the Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess for assistance with guardianship matters
Guardianship cases may be complicated as individuals often understandably want to fight against having a legal guardian in order to keep their independence. However, sometimes guardianships are necessary to protect a loved one, and the lawyers at the Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess understand both sides of a guardianship case.
IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS REGARDING LEGAL GUARDIANSHIP IN SEATTLE OR TACOMA, CALL NOW AT (206) 621-1110 OR (253) 572-1000 FOR A FREE 15-MINUTE CONSULTATION.
2http://www.courts.wa.gov/forms/?fa=forms.contribute&formID=70
Attorney Robert Dickson
The core of Rob’s legal practice is civil litigation, with an emphasis on construction, real estate, and business law. He represents a wide range of clients, from large construction companies to individual homeowners. His is a practical approach to law, which strives to balance the need for a successful legal outcome with a client’s financial goals (or constraints). Outside of his private practice, Rob serves as an adjunct professor at the Seattle University School of Law where he teaches real estate litigation. [ Attorney Bio ]
Thomas L. Dickson
Tom is an experienced litigator and the founding partner of the firm. For over 30 years, he’s helped clients prevail in their real estate, construction, and business law matters.
Heather Burgess
Heather represents property owners and developers in all phases of real estate development, from pre-acquisition due diligence through local permitting and appeals.
Robert P. Dickson
The core of Rob’s legal practice is civil litigation, with an emphasis on construction, real estate, and business law. He represents a wide range of clients, from large construction companies to individual homeowners.
Daniel J. Frohlich
Dan’s legal practice focuses on civil litigation, real estate law, business law and probate law. He has more than 10 years of experience as an attorney serving clients throughout Western Washington.
Mark S. Johnson
Mark’s legal practice focuses on civil litigation, real estate law, business law and family law. He works tirelessly to help his clients achieve the outcome they are looking for.
Trevor A. Zandell
Since graduating with honors from law school in 2005, Trevor has been serving the legal needs of businesses, individuals, and families across Southwest Washington.
Daniel E. Pizarro
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, Daniel is active in the firm’s civil litigation department. His practice is mainly centered around real estate law, landlord-tenant law, construction law, and probate law.
Alexander J. Wisbey
Alexander Wisbey comes to the firm with 5 years of experience as a litigator and trial attorney. He has first chaired several jury trials and has extensive experience handling arbitrations, mediations, depositions, and settlements.
Andrew Hata
Andrew is the head of our Transactional Department and focuses his practice on corporate governance, real estate transactions, commercial contracts, and corporate finance.
Kelley Duggan
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, Kelley practices in a wide range of areas, including estate planning, probate, civil litigation, and intellectual property law.
Cambria A. Queen
Cambria is an Associate with Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess in the civil litigation department, where she practices primarily real estate and probate law.
George Knight
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, George is active in the firm’s civil litigation and transactional departments. His practice is mainly centered around business law, real estate law, construction law, employment law, and probate law.
Chris Pierce-Wright
Chris comes to Phillips Burgess Tacoma from Seattle, where he served as an associate attorney focused on insurance litigation with Wilson Smith Cochran Dickerson.
Jennifer Yoo
Jennifer is an associate attorney at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess where her current practice focuses on real estate law, contract and commercial disputes, and business law.
Katherine E. Baals
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, Katherine practices in a range of areas, including real estate, construction, business, and civil litigation.
Kenneth Chan
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, PLLC, Kenny is active in the firm’s civil litigation and transactional departments. Prior to working at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, Kenny was an in-house attorney for a Fortune 100 company.
Brian Buske
Following his graduation from Lewis & Clark Law School, Brian garnered valuable client experience working on international compliance and intellectual property issues.
Kyla S. Bennett
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, Kyla practices in a range of areas, including real estate, land use, and civil litigation.
