Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I petition WCPG to serve as guardian?

    Pursuant to NRS 159.044 anyone may petition the Public Guardian to serve.  If you feel this is necessary, please contact your attorney to file a petition to request that the Public Guardian serve as guardian pursuant to NRS 159.046.

    If you intend to petition this office, please forward a copy of the petition, the Acknowledgement of Public Guardian, and all notices of hearings.  Please see our "Petitioning WCPG As Guardian" page for more information.

  • Can the Washoe County Public Guardian help me to become guardian of a loved one or friend?

    Although the Washoe County Public Guardian (WCPG) serves as guardian, by court appointment, for vulnerable adults who are unable to manage their personal and/or financial affairs, our office does not facilitate guardianships for others.  Please see "Second Judicial District Court Resource Center" under our Helpful Links section if you need assistance with applying for guardianship of a loved one.

    Additionally, the Second Judicial District Court offers Guardian Training for those who may be interested in learning more about the responsibilities of a guardian.  For more information, please see "Second Judicial District Court Guardian Training" also under our Helpful Links section.

  • Does WCPG serve as guardian for minors?

    The Washoe County Public Guardian (WCPG) serves as guardian, by court appointment, for vulnerable adults aged 18 or older who are unable to manage their personal and/or financial affairs.

  • Can I get assistance filing for guardianship?

    If you are looking for assistance in filing a petition for guardianship of a loved one or friend, please see "Second Judicial District Court Resource Center" under our Helpful Links section.

  • How long does the guardianship process take?

    A petition for guardianship goes through a court process to determine the appropriateness of a guardianship.  WCPG has no control over the length of time it takes for a petition to process through the legal system.  Due to these factors, the guardianship process may be lengthy and should not be considered an immediate emergency intervention.

  • Can WCPG be guardian for non-Washoe County residents?

    The Washoe County Public Guardian only serves Washoe County residents.  If the the person in question is not a resident of Washoe County, the Public Guardian cannot serve as Guardian.

  • Can I come in and talk to someone about a guardianship?

    The Washoe County Public Guardian does not accept walk-ins for guardianship discussion.

    If you wish to contact us, please see the "Contact Us" page for more information.

  • What is Guardianship?

    Guardianship is a legal process, utilized when a person can no longer make or communicate safe or sound decisions about their person and/or property, or has become susceptible to fraud or undue influence.  Because establishing a guardianship may remove considerable rights from an individual, it should only be considered after alternatives to guardianship have proven ineffective or are unavailable.

  • Who are you? What do you do?

    The Washoe County Public Guardian (WCPG) serves as guardian, by court appointment, for vulnerable adults who are unable to manage their personal and/or financial affairs.  WCPG coordinates provision of services; provides informed consents; and protects, preserves, and manages the assets of our protected persons.

  • Who does the WCPG serve?

    The Washoe County Public Guardian (WCPG) serves as guardian, by court appointment, for vulnerable adults aged 18 or older who are unable to manage their personal and/or financial affairs.