What are the responsibilities of a guardian ad litem?

A guardian ad litem (GAL) is an individual appointed by the court in Washington to represent a minor or protected person in a legal proceeding. A GAL’s primary responsibility is to look out for the best interests of the child or protected person. The GAL can interview the child and other involved parties, investigate the child’s living and schooling arrangements, obtain medical and psychological evaluations, and even obtain special education evaluations if deemed necessary. The GAL must also inform the court of their findings and represent the child’s best interests in all relevant court proceedings. This means a GAL is frequently called upon to make recommendations in legal matters, such as adoption, guardianship, or other court matters involving the minor or protected person’s welfare. In addition to the court-related responsibilities, a GAL may also be responsible for providing counseling services, advocating for the child’s educational, social, and recreational needs, and promoting appropriate parenting practices. A GAL’s primary objective is always to promote the well-being of the child or protected person, and to ensure their interests are represented fairly and appropriately.

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What are the responsibilities of a guardian ad litem?

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