In Washington family law cases, a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) may be appointed by the court to represent and protect the best interests of the parties' children.
This could be during a divorce, a parenting plan modification, and other family law proceedings, which are often high conflict custody cases, requiring a neutral third-party to assist the judge.
Pursuant to an appointment, GALs investigate the family and provide recommendations to the Court on court-ordered parenting provisions in the children's best interest.
A neutral third-party is needed to assist the judge in working through the problems presented.
GALs play a crucial role in ensuring the best interests of the children are represented in family law cases.
Author's summary: GALs represent children's interests.