How to Become a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) in Washington State (Beginner-Friendly Guide)
Parent Resources · By Gale McArthur · 2026-04-03 · 9 min read
Looking for a meaningful way to help children and families in the legal system? This plain-English guide breaks down everything you need to know about becoming a GAL in Washington State — training, requirements, pay, and how to apply.
If you're looking for a meaningful way to help children and families in the legal system, becoming a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) in Washington State is a powerful path.
Visual Overview
Infographic: Key statistics and data visualization
Editorial cartoon illustrating the real-world impact
The human cost behind the numbers
This guide breaks everything down in plain English — no legal jargon.
What Does a Guardian ad Litem Do?
A Guardian ad Litem (GAL) is appointed by the court to represent the best interests of a child in family law cases.
Instead of taking sides, a GAL:
- ✅ Investigates the situation
- ✅ Interviews parents, children, and professionals
- ✅ Reviews court records
- ✅ Submits a report to the judge
The key idea: You don't make decisions — you help the judge make better ones.
Basic Requirements in Washington State
Most counties in Washington follow similar requirements:
You must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Pass a background check
- Complete GAL training
- Apply to a county registry
Helpful backgrounds (but not always required):
- Attorney
- Social worker
- Mental health professional
- CASA / volunteer advocate
Good news: Some counties allow non-attorneys, especially with strong training.
Where to Take GAL Training (Official & Trusted Links)
To become a GAL, you must complete Title 26 GAL Training approved in Washington.
Here are the most relevant places to start:
1. Washington Courts (Official Info)
https://www.courts.wa.gov/guardianadLitem/
This is the main state resource for: - Rules - Requirements - County-specific info
2. Title 26 GAL Training Curriculum (Official Program)
https://rcdvcpc.org/title-26-guardian-ad-litem-training
This is the actual training framework used across Washington. The program is: - ~3.5 days long - Highly interactive - Required for most GAL applicants
Based on the official curriculum, the training includes:
| Module | Topics Covered | |--------|---------------| | Court System | Structure, jurisdiction, and procedure | | Family Law | RCW 26.09, parenting plans, modification | | Ethics & Bias | Neutrality, implicit bias, cultural competency | | Domestic Violence | DV dynamics, safety planning, lethality assessment | | Child Development | Trauma, attachment, developmental stages | | Investigation | Interviewing children, collateral contacts | | Report Writing | Court-ready format, recommendations |
3. CASA Programs (Alternative Entry Path)
- National CASA/GAL Association
- CASA of Washington
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) programs: - Provide training - Offer volunteer GAL opportunities - Can be a stepping stone to paid GAL work
Step-by-Step: How to Become a GAL in Washington
Step 1: Complete Required Training
Start with a Title 26 GAL training program (linked above). The course is approximately 32 hours over 3.5 days and covers everything from court procedures to child development.
Step 2: Apply to a County GAL Registry
Each county runs its own list of approved GALs. You'll typically submit:
- Application form
- Resume / CV
- Training certificate
- Professional references
👉 Search our directory to find registry contacts for all 39 Washington counties.
Step 3: Pass a Background Check
This includes:
- Criminal history — Washington State Patrol (WATCH) report
- Professional conduct review — varies by county
Step 4: Get Court Approval
A judge or registry committee reviews your application. Some counties like Pierce require new GALs to shadow an experienced mentor before taking solo cases.
Step 5: Start Taking Cases
Once approved: - Courts assign you cases - You begin investigations and reports - You submit recommendations to the judge
How Much Do GALs Make?
This varies a LOT depending on your path:
| Type | Compensation | |------|-------------| | Volunteer (CASA) | $0 | | Private GALs (hourly) | $50–$150+ per hour | | Per case | $1,000–$10,000+ |
Payments can come from: - Parents (private pay) - Courts (public funding) - Mixed sources
👉 For detailed cost data, read our analysis: GAL Costs in Washington State
👉 King County's private-pay rate reaches $275/hour — read more about the King County GAL opportunity.
What Most People Don't Tell You
This job is meaningful — but not easy. You'll deal with:
- ⚠️ High-conflict custody battles — emotions run high on all sides
- ⚠️ Emotional situations — you'll hear difficult stories from children and families
- ⚠️ Serious responsibility — your report directly impacts children's lives
- ⚠️ Complex cases — some involve domestic violence, substance abuse, or mental health issues
Tips to Succeed as a GAL
1. Stay neutral — this is everything. You represent the child, not either parent. 2. Build strong interview skills — your ability to gather information is your most important tool. 3. Learn family law basics — understand RCW 26.09, RCW 26.12.175, and parenting plan frameworks. 4. Be organized — cases can get complex fast. Document everything. 5. Seek mentorship — find experienced GALs willing to guide you through your first cases. 6. Understand cultural competency — families come from all backgrounds. (Read our guide for Hispanic families)
Key Legal References
- RCW 26.12.175 — GAL Appointment & Role
- RCW 26.12.177 — Training & Registry Requirements
- RCW 26.09 — Parenting Plans & Custody
- WA Courts GAL Training Portal
Ready to Get Started?
👉 Explore our Training page for the full 32-hour curriculum outline and upcoming course dates.
👉 Search the GAL Directory to see current GAL registries across all 39 Washington counties.
👉 Read the Top 10 Red Flags guide to understand the accountability standards every GAL should meet.
This guide is provided by the GAL eRegistry for informational purposes. Requirements may vary by county. Always verify current requirements with your local Superior Court.