Guardian ad Litem (GAL) and Court Visitor

Duties and Responsibilities

The primary duty of a guardian ad litem (GAL) is to represent the best interests of the person for whom the GAL is appointed. A Court Visitor is appointed by the court to inform the court about the needs and best interests of an individual in a case in superior court and other court ordered duties.   

The duties and responsibilities of GALs and Court Visitors are provided by court order, court rules, and statutes.

 Forms for Appointing a Guardian Ad Litem in a Family Law Case

  Washington State Court Rules:  Superior Court Guardian ad Litem and Court Visitor Rules

  Governing statutes are found in RCW 2.56,  RCW 13.34, RCW 26.12  and RCW 11.130

Local court rules may be obtained from each superior court. Some local rules are available online.