Module 4 : Estimated time: 60 minutes
Preparing for a Guardian ad Litem interview can feel uncertain. We can make the process easier by staying organized, truthful, and focused on the child.
Understand the GAL’s Role
Depending on the appointment and local procedure, a GAL may interview parents and the child, visit the home, review court, school, medical, or counseling records, contact other witnesses, review communications and calendars, assess parenting concerns, and prepare a report or recommendations for the court.
In general, RCW 26.12.175 addresses GAL appointments and investigations concerning a child’s best interests. RCW 26.09.220 allows the court to order an investigation and report about parenting arrangements.
A GAL is not your attorney. A GAL is not your advocate. The GAL’s role is to investigate and report information within the scope of the appointment.
Prepare a Concise Packet
Gather only relevant, organized materials:
- Current court orders or parenting plans
- Parenting journal
- School, medical, and dental records
- Activity schedules and calendars
- Communication logs
- Relevant police or protection-order documents
- Witness information
- Proposed parenting plan
- Short list of questions or concerns
Use labels and a simple index. Avoid repetitive accusations or unnecessary documents. Clear organization helps the GAL navigate the facts.
Prepare Your Home and Yourself
For a home visit, make the home safe and reasonably orderly. Ensure the child has an appropriate sleeping arrangement, food, clothing, medication, and necessary supplies. Secure weapons, dangerous substances, and hazardous materials. Do not stage an unrealistic environment. Follow the GAL’s instructions.
During the interview, be on time. Answer the question asked. Be honest. Say when you do not know or remember. Correct mistakes promptly. Do not interrupt or attack the other parent. Acknowledge the other parent’s strengths when accurate. Explain concerns with specific facts.
Handle Difficult Questions Carefully
You may be asked about missed visits, conflict, mental-health treatment, substance use, domestic-violence allegations, discipline, safety, finances, new partners, or your own conduct.
Respond directly. Acknowledge responsibility when appropriate. Explain what has changed and what safeguards are now in place. Do not hide facts, exaggerate, create misleading documents, ask others to lie, or use the GAL process to send messages to the other parent.
Protect the Child from the Conflict
Tell your child to be honest and that they are not responsible for the court’s decision. Do not coach, script, reward, or punish the child for interview responses. Do not interrogate the child afterward. Maintain ordinary routines.
After the interview, provide requested documents promptly. Correct factual errors respectfully. Continue following court orders. Avoid repeated, unnecessary contact with the GAL. Discuss process concerns with an attorney rather than confronting the GAL.
Preparation Worksheet
Prepare brief, factual answers to these questions:
- What are your child’s strengths and needs?
- What does the other parent do well?
- What is your greatest concern?
- What happens during transitions?
- How do you communicate with the other parent?
- What parenting responsibilities do you perform?
- What would you change about your own conduct?
- How do you support your child’s relationship with the other parent?
- What schedule do you propose, and why?
- What safeguards, if any, does your child need?
Complete a home-visit checklist before the appointment. Apex Paralegal and Tech LLC can assist with educational document preparation, organization, and paralegal services. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice or representation. For case-specific, safety, evidence, or GAL-process questions, consult a Washington-licensed attorney.
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