New 2026 Rules: What Parents Need to Know About Rule LMPR 1.7
Legislative Updates · By Gale McArthur · 2026-03-22 · 5 min read
King County is currently reviewing changes to Local Mental Proceedings Rules regarding GALs. Don't let your case be caught off guard.
King County Superior Court has opened a public comment period (March 1 – April 30, 2026) for proposed changes to LMPR 1.7. While the court claims these changes "harmonize" language, parents must stay vigilant.
Any rule change that softens the requirement for a GAL to provide their training certificates to the parties is a step backward for transparency. We are tracking these developments closely to ensure the Family Justice Accountability Act standards remain the baseline for our registry.
What Is LMPR 1.7?
Local Mental Proceedings Rule 1.7 governs the appointment and conduct of Guardians ad Litem in mental health proceedings in King County. It outlines:
- The qualifications required for appointment
- The scope of the GAL's investigation
- Reporting requirements to the court and parties
- Training and certification documentation standards
The Proposed Changes
The court's proposed amendments include language changes that, on the surface, appear administrative. However, several key modifications could impact transparency:
1. Certificate disclosure: The current rule requires GALs to provide training certificates upon request. The proposed language uses softer wording that could be interpreted as optional.
2. Registry verification: The amendment doesn't strengthen the requirement for courts to verify active registry status before appointment.
3. Continuing education: Annual CE requirements remain unchanged, but reporting mechanisms may shift.
What You Should Do
- Submit a public comment before April 30, 2026, expressing support for strong transparency requirements
- Ask your attorney about how these changes could affect your pending case
- Verify your GAL's status on our registry — compliance should be provable, not presumed