Family Law and UGA
San Juan County Superior Court maintains GAL registries under Title 26 (investigating the best interest of children in dissolutions, modifications, and paternity), Title 11.88 (making recommendations related to alleged incapacitated persons), and Title 11.130 Uniform Minor Guardianship (formerly non-parental or third-party custody cases; investigating allegations and making recommendations related to whether guardians other than parents should be appointed for children). For representation of children dependent on the State as a result of alleged abuse or neglect, please visit the Superior Court Services website and review the Guardian ad Litem link for the Volunteer Guardian ad Litem program.
In each type of case addressed above, the GAL performs an investigation and prepares a report based on the specific order and request of the Court, tailoring the investigation as appropriate to the individual case. GALs generally seek to make recommendations as to the best interest of the child or alleged incapacitated person involved in the particular case. GALs do not act as lawyers, therapists, or parties on the case, and therefore so not provide legal advice, counseling or diagnosis.
Links to GAL Legislation, Registries, Applications, and Training
| Title | Link |
|---|---|
| 26 RCW: FAMILY LAW | Registry |
| Application | |
| 11.130 RCW: UGA Adult & Minor GUARDIAN/CONSERVATOR | Registry |
| Application |
Resources
- Title 26 Family Law Guardian Ad Litem Guidebook
- GAL Rules (GALR)
- SJC Local Court Rules (LCR) see also Court Rules page
- GAL Code of Conduct
- Washington Courts resource page
- Guardian ad Litem (GAL) and Court Visitor Trainings
- DSHS Publications Library
- Webinar for guardians and conservators who need to complete their periodic reporting to the court: Reporting to the Courts for Guardians and Conservators
- Zoom Information Sessions for people new to guardianship and conservatorship, other less restrictive alternatives, and the petitioning process. A second session covers the reporting process, including going through the report form. The link to the schedule and Zoom information is: Information for Lay Guardians
- Guardianship and Conservatorship Reporting forms can be found at the Washington State Court website: Washington State Courts - Court Forms - Guardianship and/or Conservatorship Reporting