Scope and Definitions

GALR 1 SCOPE AND DEFINITIONS (a) Statement of Purpose and Scope of Rule. The purpose of these rules is to establish a minimum set of standards applicable to all superior court cases where the court appoints a guardian ad litem or any person to represent the best interests of a child; a respondent in a guardianship, conservatorship, or other protective arrangement; or an individual subject to a guardianship, conservatorship or protective arrangement pursuant to Title 11, 13, or 26 RCW or appoints a court visitor in a guardianship, conservatorship, or other protective arrangement proceeding pursuant to Title 11. These rules shall also apply to guardians ad litem appointed pursuant to RCW 4.08.050 and RCW 4.08.060, if the appointment is under the procedures of Titles 11, 13, or 26 RCW. These rules shall not be applicable to guardians ad litem appointed pursuant to Special Proceedings Rule (SPR) 98.16W and chapter 11.96A RCW. (b) Definitions. As used in this rule, the following terms have these meanings: (1) Court. Court shall mean any superior court in the State of Washington and all divisions thereof. (2) Guardian ad Litem. Guardian ad litem shall mean any person or program appointed in a Title 11, 13, or 26 RCW action under the Revised Code of Washington to represent the best interests of a child; a respondent in a guardianship, conservatorship, or other protective arrangement proceeding; or an individual subject to a guardianship, conservatorship, or protective arrangement. The term guardian ad litem shall not include an attorney appointed to represent a party. (3) Court Visitor. Court visitor shall mean any person or program appointed in a Title 11 action under the Revised Code of Washington to perform the functions of a court visitor pursuant to chapter 11.130 RCW. The term court visitor shall not include an attorney appointed to represent a party. (4) Judge. Judge shall mean a judicial officer of the superior court, including commissioners and judges pro tempore. (5) Registry. Registry shall mean the list of people authorized by the court to serve as guardians ad litem, court visitors, child advocates, guardian ad litem programs, or Court Appointed Special Advocate(s) (CASA) programs authorized by RCW 26.12.175. [Adopted effective November 27, 2001; Amended effective December 10, 2024.]