All Guardian ad Litem processes described on this website are mandatory and must be followed in conjunction with all other applicable authorities, including Local Court Rules, State Rules, and relevant provisions of the RCWs. To ensure efficient and accurate communication, parties/attorneys/staff are strongly encouraged to review the Benton and Franklin Counties Superior Court Local Court Rules and established procedures prior to contacting the Court with questions or inquiries. Familiarity with these rules supports timely responses. 

Registries

This policy covers the maintenance and administration of the Guardian ad Litem and Court Visitor Registries (Titles 11 & 26) maintained by Superior Court Administration.

Please note that GALs must be listed on this registry in order to be appointed to cases in Benton and Franklin Counties.

Title 11 GAL/Court Visitor Registry

GAL/Court Visitor Adult Guardianship Court Visitor Minor Guardianship Court Visitor Minor Guardianship Guardian ad Litem Minor Conservatorship Retainer Hourly Rate Accepts Reduced Fee Cases?
BRIAN GIESZLER Yes Yes No Yes $2,000/$200 hr Yes
JANET CAREY No Yes Yes No $3,000/$90 hr Yes
KAREN KOEHMSTEDT Yes No No No $5,000/$300 hr No
MARINA PRATHER Yes No No No $1,750/$175 hr Yes
MONICA HOLLENBERG Yes Yes Yes Yes $240 hr Yes
TALESHA SAMS Yes No No No $2,000/$175 hr No
TARA SYMONS   Yes Yes No $8,000/$200 hr No
TAWNEY CARRIER Yes No No Yes $6,000/$300 hr No
TRACY HOLLENBECK Yes Yes No No No Retainer/$150 hr Yes

TITLE 26 GAL REGISTRY

Any Title 26 GAL from this list can be appointed to a case if all parties agree on the GAL.  If parties cannot agree on a GAL, please submit the form Title 26 GAL Strike List Request to: Family Law Judicial Assistants 
Please see below for the form.
 
Attorney? GAL Title 26 GAL Title 11 Court Visitor Title 11 (Minor) Court Visitor Title 11 (Minor) GAL Minor Conservatorship Retainer Hourly Rate Accepts Reduced
Fee Cases?
No JANET CAREY Yes No Yes Yes No $3,000/$90 hr Yes
Yes KAREN KOEHMSTEDT Yes Yes No No No $5,000/$300 hr No
No SHERRI RICE Yes No No No No $4000/$150 hr Yes
No TARA SYMONS Yes No Yes Yes No $8,000/$200 hr No
Yes TAWNEY CARRIER Yes Yes No No Yes $6,000/$300 hr No
No TRENA MCDOWELL Yes No No No No $2,800/$100 hr Yes

Procedures:

Minor Conservatorships

  • Minor conservatorships do not require a Court Visitor (CV).

GALs / Court Visitors

  • GALs and Court Visitors are self‑employed individuals who perform GAL/CV work part‑ or full‑time.
  • They are officers of the court but not court employees.
  • For general guidance, click “FAQ – How Do I Get a Title 11 Court Visitor Appointed.”
  • Court Visitors can find payment instructions and county payment forms at the bottom of the page.

Adult Guardianship (Title 11) – Court Visitor Appointments

  • The Title 11.130 Court Visitor Registry is for reference only.
  • Do not place a CV on an appointment order until you have contacted Court Administration.
  • Only individuals listed on the registry may accept cases in Benton and Franklin Counties.
  • Per RCW 11.130 and Local GAL Rule 5, appointments are made in rotational, alphabetical order.
  • To obtain a CV, contact the GAL/CV Registry Manager for the next name on the rotation list.
  • You must contact CVs in the order given, secure one, and notify Court Administration once accepted.

Minor Guardianship – CV/GAL Appointments

  • If the Court determines a GAL is needed, the Registry Manager will provide the next three names from the registry.
  • A Court Visitor is appointed by the Court by selecting the next name on the list.

County‑Paid Title 11 GAL Information

  • How to get paid by the County on a Title 11 GAL case.
  • Motion for Order Approving Payment at Public Expense.
  • Submit all supporting documents, the Order Appointing, and any orders approving additional fees (if applicable).
  • Order Approving Payment at Public Expense.


County Paid Rates: 
Title 11 Court Visitor - Minor Guardianship: $100/hr with 10-hour cap or $1,000
Title 11 GAL - Minor Guardianship: $125/hr with 10-hour cap or $1,250
Title 26 GAL - Domestic Relations: $125/hr with 10-hour cap $1,250
Title 11 Court Visitor - Adult Guardianship: $175/hr with 10-hour cap $1,750
Title 11 Attorneys - Adult & Minor Guardianship: $175/hr with 10-hour cap $1,750

Court authorization must be obtained for approval of additional hours if needed and this must be done prior to an individual working the additional hours on a case. 

Settlement GALs

  • Settlement GALs do not need to be on the registry or appointed in rotation.
  • Any attorney with the required knowledge and experience may be appointed as a Settlement GAL.