Washington Minor Guardianship Forms: The GDN M Series Explained

The GDN M Form Series for Minor Guardianship

Washington state uses a standardized set of court forms for minor guardianship cases, all published by the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC). The forms carry the prefix "GDN M" (Guardianship Minor) and are mandatory statewide — every Superior Court requires them, though individual counties may add their own local cover sheets or checklists on top.

All current forms are free to download from the Washington Courts website. Do not purchase guardianship form packets from third-party sellers or national document platforms — many still sell forms based on the repealed Chapter 26.10 RCW, which courts will reject.

Forms You File to Start the Case

GDN M 102 — Minor Guardianship Petition: This is the primary filing that initiates your case. It identifies you, the child, and the child's parents, states the legal basis for guardianship, and discloses any related court proceedings in any jurisdiction. The current version was revised in June 2026.

GDN M 103 — Declaration Explaining Reasons for Minor Guardianship: A separate sworn statement explaining in detail why no parent is willing or able to care for the child. This is where you lay out the facts — the parent's incarceration, substance use, abandonment, or other circumstances. The declaration must be served on children age 12 or older unless the court orders it withheld for safety reasons.

GDN M 001 — Summons: The formal notice to parents and respondents that a guardianship lawsuit has been filed and they must respond.

GDN M 410 — Confidential Information Sheet: Identifies protected personal information like Social Security numbers and dates of birth that should not appear in the public court file.

Forms for Background Checks

GDN M 407 — Criminal History Cover Sheet: Accompanies the results of the Washington State Patrol WATCH background check. The WATCH check covers Washington state criminal records; because the guardianship statute requires both state and national criminal data, the filing should address how the national requirement is met.

GDN M 404 — Motion for DCYF Order: Your request asking the judge to order DCYF to release child protective services records for everyone being checked.

GDN M 405 — Order to DCYF to Release CPS Information: The judge signs this, and DCYF then searches its databases for any founded or pending child abuse or neglect findings. Results go directly to the court file under sealed cover.

Background checks are required for the proposed guardian and all adults in the household. The DCYF check covers household members age 16 and older.

Forms for Notice and Hearing

GDN M 101 — Notice of Hearing: Formal notice of the scheduled court hearing date, served on all required parties.

GDN M 304 — Parent's Consent to Minor Guardianship: If a parent agrees to the guardianship, they sign this form. It includes separate optional selections for accepting service and waiving future hearing notices — signing consent does not automatically waive those rights.

GDN ALL 007 — Proof of Personal Service: The affidavit filed after you have personally served the petition on parents and the child (if age 12 or older). It must be completed by the person who delivered the documents — someone at least 18 years old who is not a party to the case.

Forms for the Court's Decision

GDN M 105 — Minor Guardianship Findings and Order: The final order the judge signs if the guardianship is granted. It establishes the terms of the guardianship, including the guardian's authority and any parent contact provisions.

GDN ALL 003 — Acceptance of Appointment: After the judge signs the order, you sign this form accepting the guardian's legal duties and responsibilities.

GDN ALL 004 — Letters of Guardianship: The official court-issued credential proving your authority as guardian. You will need certified copies for schools, doctors, banks, and benefits agencies.

Specialized Forms

GDN M 408 / GDN M 409: Motion to appoint and order appointing a court visitor or guardian ad litem. A court visitor is mandatory when the child is 12 or older and unrepresented, or when a parent cannot be served or has waived notice.

GDN M 401 — Indian Child Welfare Act Notice: If you know or have reason to know the child is or may be an Indian child, send this notice and a copy of the petition by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the tribe's designated agent, the parents, any Indian custodian, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

GDN M 502 — Petition to Terminate or Change: Used to modify or end an existing guardianship, or to modify an old nonparental custody order entered under the repealed Chapter 26.10 RCW.

Filing Order That Keeps Your Case on Track

The forms need to be filed in a specific sequence:

1. Prepare GDN M 102, GDN M 103, GDN M 410, and GDN M 407
2. File GDN M 404/405 so background checks can begin
3. File your petition package with the Superior Court clerk
4. Serve parents and the child (if 12+) with GDN M 001 and the petition
5. File GDN ALL 007 proving service was completed
6. Complete the mandatory online lay guardian training
7. Attend the hearing with all documentation ready
8. After approval, sign GDN ALL 003 and receive GDN ALL 004

The Washington Guardianship and Custody Court Process Guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough of this entire filing sequence, including tracking worksheets for service deadlines and background check timelines.

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