To be a guardian you must be 18 years or older, of sound mind, not convicted of a felony or gross misdemeanor involving dishonesty or immorality, and found suitable to perform a guardian’s duties by the court. The Court may consider other factors as well. If you are not a Washington resident, you must designate an in-state agent for service of process. A corporation can be a guardian if it is authorized to act as a fiduciary. If you are being paid to be guardian for three or more persons who are not your family members, you cannot be a guardian unless you are certified. Current DSHS employees should not be paid guardians without complying with Administrative Policy 18.18 on outside employment. If an employee wants to be an unpaid guardian for a person who is a DSHS client, consult with your supervisor in order to ensure no conflicts of interest will arise between your duties as a guardian and your responsibilities as a DSHS employee.