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FL All Family 146Mandatory

Order Appointing Guardian ad Litem for a Child

Washington · Washington State Courts · Effective July 1, 2023

This form is used to create a court order that officially appoints a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) for a child. The GAL's job is to investigate and report to the court about what is best for the child regarding issues like parenting plans or parentage.

Open the official PDFfrom Washington State Courts

Where this fits in a case

Judgment

Stage: Judgment

This form is used when a party in a family law case needs the court to appoint a GAL to investigate and report on a child's best interests for decisions about parenting plans, living schedules, or parentage.

Either party may file.

Common questions

Who fills out this form?
The form is used when a motion to appoint a GAL is made by the Petitioner, the Respondent, or the Court itself.
What does the GAL do after being appointed?
The GAL must investigate and file a report on specific issues, such as parenting abilities or mental health, unless the court approves investigating other topics.
Does the GAL's report have a deadline?
Yes, the report must be filed and served on all parties by a specific date, which must be at least 60 days before the trial, unless the court changes that date.

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 9, 2026. The current version took effect July 1, 2023.

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