Welcome to the Court Visitors and Guardians ad Litem page.  The "Uniform Guardianship, Conservatorship, and Protective Arrangement Act" RCW 11.130 also known as the "UGA" became effective January 1, 2022.  Prior to January 1, 2022, persons appointed to investigate for the court in an adult guardianship proceeding were referred to as "Guardians ad Litem".  With the passage of the "UGA", they are now referred to as "Court Visitors".  Although their role remains similar, the law has brought some changes. 

Court Visitors are sometimes appointed in a minor guardianship proceeding.  Since a minor guardianship proceeding is similar to a third-party custody action (formerly RCW 26.10) in Benton-Franklin Counties, a separate Court Visitor Registry for Minor Guardianships was created using registry members from our Title 26 Guardian ad Litem Registry.

The term "ad litem" is Latin and means "for the purposes of the legal action only."  Guardians ad Litem can be appointed in various case types and for various reasons.  The Registry Manager provides registries for both Title 11 and Title 26  Guardians ad Litem (and Court Visitors).  **  Please see note below regarding Minor Settlements.

A Guardian ad Litem is an adult who is appointed by the court to represent the best interests of an individual for a specific purpose and for a specific period of time.  Under the direction of the court, a GAL investigates and prepares a report for the court, and provides its findings.  A GAL may be appointed in a minor guardianship proceeding.

Title 26 Guardians ad Litem are appointed in  Domestic Cases, such as dissolutions under RCW Chapter 26.09, and  parentage actions under RCW Chapter 26.26. (Title 26 Guardians ad Litem are also appointed in certain juvenile proceedings under  RCW Chapter 13.34, but the reader is directed to the Juvenile Justice page for further information on Guardians ad Litem in juvenile court.)

In domestic cases, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the interests of a minor dependent child when the court believes it is necessary to protect the best interests of the child.  Guardians ad litem may be appointed from a court-appointed special advocate program if such a program exists in the judicial district.  Benton and Franklin Counties Superior Court does not have such a program.  It is performed by the Family Court Investigator (FCI).

To become a Court Visitor or GAL, an individual must complete an approved training program, provide satisfactory background information and meet all eligibility requirements set by local rule or policy.

RCW 11.130.090  requires all nonprofessional (family & volunteer) guardians complete mandatory guardian training. Certified Professional Guardians, conservators of financial institutions are not required to attend this training.  Benton-Franklin Counties require lay guardians to complete the applicable training video provided by the Administrative Office of the Courts.  Training Videos are available for Minor Guardianship, Adult Guardianship, and Conservatorship proceedings.  Once a guardian/conservator has completed the appropriate training modules, he/she must print a "Declaration of Completion", complete, sign, and file in the Superior Court case.  Please click on the link below that applies to complete your training and obtain the "Declaration of Completion" form:

TRAINING INFORMATION

If you are seeking Conservatorship of a Minor, you are required to complete the Adult Guardianship/Conservatorship Training.