Guardianship Petitioning In Washington

Summary

You can petition the court for guardianship in Washington even with past CPS involvement. Unfounded CPS cases usually dont affect future decisions. CPS retains records for 6 years, but unfounded allegations are expunged immediately. You can petition without notifying CPS, but the court may inform them. Consulting a family lawyer is advisable.

Full Conversation

Washington, trying to get guardianship of two dependents but CPS refuses because of a cps case that was unfounded 8 years ago.
Hello ****,
Based on your situation in Washington, here are few points to note:
- You can petition the court for guardianship despite past CPS involvement.
- Unfounded CPS cases usually don't affect future guardianship decisions.
- The court will consider the child's best interest.
Consider consulting with a family lawyer for personalized advice.
Do I need a lawyer
While it's not required to have a lawyer for guardianship proceedings in Washington, it can be beneficial. Lawyers can help navigate the legal system, especially when there are potential complications like past CPS involvement.
Are cps records suppose to be destroyed after 6 years
In Washington State:
- CPS retains findings of child abuse/neglect for 6 years.
- Unfounded allegations are expunged immediately.
- However, records may be kept longer due to certain circumstances.
Consulting a lawyer could provide further clarity.
Can I go petition the court without cps knowing
In Washington State, you can petition the court for guardianship without notifying CPS. However, the court may notify CPS as part of its investigation into the child's best interests. It's recommended to consult with a lawyer to understand the full process and possible outcomes.