Grays Harbor County Superior CourtLGALR RULE 2. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE GUARDIAN AD LITEM The general responsibilities of guardians ad litem operating in this county shall be consistent with the state rules with the following clarifications and additions: (a) Represent best interests. A guardian ad litem who is also an attorney may, however, answer simple procedural questions of another party who is unrepresented by counsel to facilitate clarity in the proceedings. (m) Ex parte communications. During the pendency of a case, a guardian ad litem shall communicate privately with the Judge only for purposes of obtaining special instructions from the Judge as to the scope of the guardian ad litem's investigation, to communicate an agreement of the parties, to present agreed orders, to obtain an ex parte restraining order or ex parte contempt show cause order for the protection of the guardian ad litem's client, to obtain access to sealed or confidential court files, or in an emergency situation to protect the life of the guardian ad litem's client. In all such cases, the guardian ad litem should notify the parties or their counsel of such communications and the content of same within a reasonable period of time. (q) Records of time and expenses. (1) For Title 11 RCW cases where the county guarantees payment of the guardian ad litem fees and costs, the guardian ad litem shall file with the Court a notice and motion in the form prescribed by the Court with an itemized statement for payment of the guardian ad litem fees and costs and provide a copy of same to each party. Billings should be submitted quarterly with final billings on cases due within 45 days of completion of services. (2) For Title 13 RCW and Title 26 RCW cases where the county guarantees payment of the guardian ad litem fees and costs, the guardian ad litem, if not serving under an annual contract for services with the county, shall file with the Court a petition and proposed order with an itemized statement for payment of said fees and costs. Billings should be submitted quarterly with final billings on cases due within 45 days of completion of services. (3) For paternity cases where the state guarantees payment of the guardian ad litem fees and costs, the guardian ad litem shall complete the form provided by the state and attach an itemized statement and submit same to the Grays Harbor County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for the Office of Support Enforcement within sixty days of entry of final orders. (4) For private pay cases, the guardian ad litem shall either submit an invoice and itemized statement to the parties for payment or submit a notice, motion and itemized statement to the Court for entry of a judgment and order for payment of fees. At any time during the course of an active case, any party may request an itemized statement from the guardian ad litem of the fees and costs incurred to date which the guardian ad litem shall provide within ten working days. Click here to view in a PDF. |
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