What is a guardian ad litem?

A guardian ad litem (GAL) is a court-appointed official in Washington state charged with representing the best interests of children involved in legal proceedings. The GAL is required by law to remain neutral when it comes to making decisions for the child and must remain impartial in the case such that their judgement is not influenced by any parent or other parties. The GAL will look at the case from an unbiased perspective to decide what is best for the child by examining the child’s wishes, family dynamics, and other relevant factors. The GAL has the responsibility of gathering any evidence or documents relevant to the case, speaking with the parties involved, and presenting their findings to the court. In addition, the GAL may also make recommendations to the court such as placement in a foster home, returning the child to their parent or guardian, or any other courses of action that will help ensure the child’s safety and well-being. The court takes the GAL’s recommendations into consideration, as they are typically seen as a neutral and unbiased third party. The GAL must remain devoted to the child’s best interests throughout the process, regardless of the outcome.

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What is a guardian ad litem?

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