WA SB5837

Requires courts to appoint attorneys for adult respondents in conservatorship proceedings when they object to the petition or request an attorney, expanding mandatory appointment beyond the previous discretionary standard

Establishes 90-day hearing deadlines for minor guardianship petitions and requires courts to appoint court visitors or guardians ad litem for unrepresented minors age 12 and older to explain their rights and ascertain their views

Extends emergency guardianship notice and hearing timelines from 48 hours to 4 days for post-appointment notice and from 5 days to 14 days for follow-up hearings, with provisions for extensions

Eliminates filing fees for non-professional guardian petitions (previously limited to relative petitioners) and waives fees when respondents have assets under $3,000

Expands service of process options to include alternative methods such as email, text message, and social media when traditional personal service cannot be completed, with such service having the same jurisdictional effect as service by publication