RCW 11.92.060 Guardian to represent incapacitated person—Compromise of claims—Service of process. (Effective until January 1, 2021.)

(1) GUARDIAN MAY SUE AND BE SUED. When there is a guardian of the estate, all actions between the incapacitated person or the guardian and third persons in which it is sought to charge or benefit the estate of the incapacitated person shall be prosecuted by or against the guardian of the estate as such. The guardian shall represent the interests of the incapacitated person in the action and all process shall be served on him or her. A guardian or limited guardian of the estate shall report to the court any action commenced against the incapacitated person and shall secure court approval prior to initiating any legal action in the name of the incapacitated person.

(2) JOINDER, AMENDMENT AND SUBSTITUTION. When the guardian of the estate is under personal liability for his or her own contracts and acts made and performed on behalf of the estate the guardian may be sued both as guardian and in his or her personal capacity in the same action. Misnomer or the bringing of the action by or against the incapacitated person shall not be grounds for dismissal of the action and leave to amend or substitute shall be freely granted. If an action was commenced by or against the incapacitated person before the appointment of a guardian of his or her estate, such guardian when appointed may be substituted as a party for the incapacitated person. If the appointment of the guardian of the estate is terminated, his or her successor may be substituted; if the incapacitated person dies, his or her personal representative may be substituted; if the incapacitated person is no longer incapacitated the person may be substituted.

(3) GARNISHMENT, ATTACHMENT AND EXECUTION. When there is a guardian of the estate, the property and rights of action of the incapacitated person shall not be subject to garnishment or attachment, except for the foreclosure of a mortgage or other lien, and execution shall not issue to obtain satisfaction of any judgment against the incapacitated person or the guardian of the person's estate as such.

(4) COMPROMISE BY GUARDIAN. Whenever it is proposed to compromise or settle any claim by or against the incapacitated person or the guardian as such, whether arising as a result of personal injury or otherwise, and whether arising before or after appointment of a guardian, the court on petition of the guardian of the estate, if satisfied that such compromise or settlement will be for the best interests of the incapacitated person, may enter an order authorizing the settlement or compromise be made.

(5) LIMITED GUARDIAN. Limited guardians may serve and be served with process or actions on behalf of the incapacitated person, but only to the extent provided for in the court order appointing a limited guardian.

[ 1990 c 122 § 26; 1975 1st ex.s. c 95 § 23; 1965 c 145 § 11.92.060. Prior: 1917 c 156 § 206; RRS § 1576; prior: 1903 c 100 § 1; Code 1881 § 1611; 1860 p 226 § 328.]

NOTES:

Rules of court: SPR 98.08W, 98.10W, 98.16W.

Effective date—1990 c 122: See note following RCW 11.88.005.

Action against guardian deemed claim: RCW 11.92.035.