Guardian ad Litems (GALs) and Parenting Evaluators in Washington State

When parents cannot agree on what is best for their child, Washington courts often turn to a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) or parenting evaluator to help sort out the facts. These professionals do not represent either parent. Their role is to investigate, gather information, and give the judge a clearer picture of the child’s needs and each parent’s ability to meet them.

A GAL or evaluator’s involvement often brings structure to a difficult case — but the process can feel intrusive, confusing, and time-consuming. Many parents unintentionally hurt their own cases simply by failing to communicate well, missing deadlines, or treating the GAL as an adversary. With the right guidance, however, a GAL investigation can highlight your strengths as a parent and clarify the facts the court needs to see.

This page answers the most common questions about GALs and parenting evaluators in Washington and explains how to navigate the process in a calm, organized, and child-focused way.

➡ Read more about child custody on our page Child Custody and Father’s Rights in Washington

Myths & Misconceptions About GALs and Parenting Evaluators in Washington

Myth: “The GAL decides my case.”

No. A GAL is an investigator, not a judge. Their recommendations are influential, but the court makes its own decision after considering all the evidence. A well-prepared case can correct mistakes or provide context the GAL did not have.

Myth: “If the GAL likes my ex more, I’m doomed.”

A GAL’s impressions matter, but they are not final. Judges look for documentation, patterns of behavior, and credibility. Many parents recover from an initially negative GAL impression by staying cooperative, organized, and child-focused.

Myth: “I should tell the GAL everything bad about the other parent.”

This often backfires. GALs look for parents who support the child’s relationship with both parents. Focusing only on criticizing the other parent can make you seem reactive or high-conflict. Evidence and clarity matter far more than emotion.

Myth: “GALs always favor mothers.”

Not true. GALs are trained to assess caregiving history, safety, stability, and communication—not gender. Fathers who stay involved, responsive, and organized often receive strong GAL recommendations.

Myth: “I don’t need help talking to the GAL. I’ll just explain my side.”

GAL interviews are high-stakes. Many parents unintentionally undermine themselves by oversharing, getting defensive, or appearing hostile. Working with an attorney beforehand helps you stay focused on the child, not on the conflict.

Myth: “If the GAL doesn’t call someone, their testimony doesn’t matter.”

GALs sometimes miss important witnesses due to time constraints or incomplete information. You can request that they speak with key people. Your attorney can present those witnesses directly to the court even if the GAL didn’t interview them.

Myth: “The GAL’s report is the final word.”

It is influential, but it is not binding. GALs can be cross-examined, and their conclusions can be challenged with evidence, additional witnesses, or expert testimony. Judges routinely adjust or reject parts of a GAL report when shown stronger facts.

Myth: “Parenting evaluators and GALs are basically the same thing.”

They are not. GALs are investigators appointed by the court to evaluate best interests. Parenting evaluators are private experts hired to perform in-depth clinical assessments. Evaluators may conduct psychological testing or extensive observations that GALs do not.

Myth: “The GAL will figure out the truth on their own. I don’t need to stay involved.”

GALs rely heavily on cooperation. If you do not respond to emails, provide documents, or make time for interviews, the GAL cannot get your full story. That lack of information often hurts good parents who simply underestimated the importance of responsiveness.

Myth: “If the GAL asks for something unreasonable, I can refuse without consequence.”

Refusing a GAL request without explanation can damage your credibility. Often, what seems unreasonable is simply missing context. Discussing concerns with your attorney usually resolves misunderstandings without conflict.

Understanding What GALs and Evaluators Do

What is a Guardian ad Litem in Washington?

A Guardian ad Litem (GAL) is a trained, court-appointed investigator who represents the best interests of the child. The GAL interviews parents, contacts teachers and doctors, reviews records, and prepares a report with recommendations for the court (RCW 26.12.175).

What is the difference between a GAL and a parenting evaluator?

A Guardian ad Litem (GAL) is a court-appointed investigator who gathers facts and makes recommendations about the child’s best interests. A GAL does not have judicial authority and does not decide the case, but judges often give significant weight to their findings because they function as neutral investigators. Parenting evaluators, by contrast, are private professionals hired by the parties. Evaluators typically conduct deeper clinical assessments, including psychological testing, family-systems analysis, and multiple observations. Courts may rely on either, but GALs are more common in standard parenting disputes.

Why would the court appoint a GAL?

Judges appoint GALs when they need more information than the parties can provide. Common reasons include allegations of abuse, neglect, mental health concerns, special needs, high conflict, or concerns about one parent’s credibility.

GAL Investigations and How They Work

What does a GAL look for during an investigation?

A GAL evaluates each parent’s ability to meet the child’s needs, support the other parent’s relationship, provide stability, and communicate effectively. They review school and medical records and observe parent-child interactions. 

How long does a GAL investigation take?

Most investigations take two to four months. Delays often occur when parents do not return calls, fail to provide documents, or do not make time for interviews. Some investigations stall when parents do not respond, so Pacific Northwest Family Law helps clients stay organized and communicate promptly so the GAL has what they need.

What documents will the GAL want?

GALs commonly request school records, medical records, counseling notes, police reports, text messages, parenting calendars, and any evidence that shows how each parent meets the child’s needs. Providing clear, organized materials helps the GAL complete their report more quickly.

Does the GAL talk to my child?

Usually yes. The GAL decides how and when to speak with the child based on age and developmental appropriateness. Interviews may happen at home, school, or a neutral setting. They will also want to see how the child acts in your home and the home of the other parent.

Does the GAL talk to teachers or doctors?

Yes. GALs routinely contact teachers, therapists, daycare providers, and medical professionals. Parents should sign releases promptly so the GAL is not forced to wait.

Parent Interviews and Observations

Do I need to prepare for my interview with the GAL?

Yes. Your interview is an important part of the investigation. Preparation helps you focus on the child and avoid defensive or reactive answers. Many parents struggle with what to say, so our attorneys help clients understand what information the GAL is actually looking for.

Will the GAL observe me with my child?

Often. The GAL may observe in your home or another agreed location. They look for calm, safe, age-appropriate interactions and whether the child seems comfortable and bonded.

How should I act during a GAL home visit?

Be calm, child-focused, and organized. The GAL is not judging your décor; they want to see a safe, appropriate living space. It is important not to coach the child, stage interactions, or speak negatively about the other parent.

GAL Reports and Recommendations

What will be included in the GAL’s report?

The report includes a summary of interviews, records reviewed, observations, concerns, and recommendations for residential time and decision-making. Judges rely heavily on these reports because GALs function as neutral investigators.

How much influence does a GAL’s recommendation have?

A lot. Courts often adopt GAL recommendations unless there is a clear error or missing information. Strong advocacy can help clarify misunderstandings or highlight evidence the GAL may not have weighed fully.

Can I see the GAL report before the hearing?

Yes. The report is filed with the court and provided to both parties. You are entitled to review it with your attorney.

Concerns, Bias, and Managing the Process

What if I think the GAL is biased?

You can raise concerns through your attorney. Courts take claims of bias seriously but require specific examples, not general feelings. Many parents loudly complain about the bias of a GAL because they don’t like what the GAL says. Documented issues carry much more weight than subjective impressions.

What if the other parent lies to the GAL?

This happens more often than people expect. Both parties will be able to supply information to the GAL. It is part of the GAL’s job to determine who is telling the truth. Our attorneys work closely with clients and GALs to make sure we provided documented and corroborated evidence to GALs to counter lies and misunderstandings.

What if the GAL does not contact important witnesses?

You or your attorney can politely request that the GAL speak with specific people. GALs appreciate concise lists of relevant witnesses, not long lists of character references.

What if the GAL asks for something unreasonable?

You can discuss it with your attorney. GALs sometimes request extra information because they are missing context. Many issues can be resolved through professional communication rather than conflict.

GALs, Parenting Evaluators, and High-Conflict Cases

When do courts use parenting evaluators instead of GALs?

The parties themselves will often hire and use parenting evaluators when there is a complex issue or problem they want to better explain to the Court. These evaluators serve as expert witnesses and perform an investigation. They are also highly qualified in order to perform these evaluations.

Are parenting evaluators more thorough than GALs?

Generally yes. Evaluations often include psychological testing, extended interviews, and multiple observations. GALs conduct investigations but do not typically perform psychological assessments.

Can a GAL order drug testing or psychological evaluations?

A GAL cannot order testing themselves, but they can recommend it. Judges frequently follow these recommendations. And if the Court doesn’t do it the party that see an advantage to it will request it and the other party will need to comply.

Working Effectively With the GAL

How important is responsiveness during a GAL investigation?

Very important. GALs regularly report to judges that parents are not returning calls or providing documents. This harms credibility. Our firm helps clients avoid these pitfalls by managing communication and ensuring deadlines are met.

What are the biggest mistakes parents make with GALs?

Not responding, over-talking, attacking the other parent, involving the child in adult conflict, and failing to provide requested records. GALs notice patterns, so consistent cooperation matters.

Should I communicate directly with the GAL or through my attorney?

Both can work depending on the situation. Your attorney can guide you on when direct communication is appropriate and when it is better to let counsel coordinate. It is possible to annoy or frustrate an investigation with repeated demands and accusations against the other party.

Timing, Costs, and Legal Rights

How much does a GAL investigation cost?

Each GAL sets their own hourly rate and posts that with the county before they are appointed. They also require payment upon appointment before starting work. Actual costs costs vary by depending on the demands of the case. Most families spend between $3,000 and $10,000. Complex cases can cost more.

How long does the GAL process take?

Two to four months in most counties, although busy GALs or uncooperative parties can extend the timeline.

Do both parents have to pay for the GAL?

Usually yes. Courts often split the cost based on ability to pay, but judges can shift fees if one parent caused delays or violated the parenting plan.

GAL Findings and Outcomes

Do judges always follow GAL recommendations?

Not always, but often. A well-prepared case can persuade a judge to deviate from parts of the report if the evidence supports a different outcome.

Can I challenge the GAL’s conclusions?

Yes. You can present evidence, cross-examine the GAL at trial, and submit declarations that clarify misunderstandings. Judges will consider the total picture.

Can a GAL’s report lead to supervised visits or restrictions?

Possibly. If the GAL documents safety concerns, courts can order supervision, evaluations, or limits under RCW 26.09.191.

Improving Outcomes With Professional Guidance

Can working with an attorney improve the GAL process?

Yes. An experienced attorney helps you prepare, organize documents, communicate appropriately, and avoid the common mistakes that frustrate GALs. When the investigation goes smoothly, the GAL has better information and your strengths come through more clearly.

Strong Guidance Helps You Navigate the GAL Process

A GAL investigation can feel overwhelming, but it does not have to derail your case. Parents who stay responsive, keep records organized, and avoid unnecessary conflict give the GAL the clearest picture of their parenting strengths. Experienced counsel can help you prepare for interviews, communicate effectively, and avoid the missteps that often frustrate GALs or delay their reports.

A well-managed investigation helps the court see your parenting clearly and helps the GAL do their job. If you need support navigating this process or want to understand your next steps, Pacific Northwest Family Law is ready to guide you.

Reviewed by Attorney Zachary C Ashby, Pacific Northwest Family Law, December 2025