PRESS RELEASE: GAL eRegistry Launches National Family Court Accountability Initiative

Legislative Updates · By Gale McArthur · 2026-04-01 · 5 min read

GAL eRegistry founder Gale McArthur calls for systemic reform of the multi-billion dollar family court industry, citing negative social ROI and lack of oversight impacting millions of families.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GAL eRegistry Launches National Family Court Accountability Initiative, Citing Systemic Harm to Millions of Children and Families

Seattle, WA — April 1, 2026

GAL eRegistry (www.galeregistry.com), the Washington State-based transparency platform for Guardian ad Litem professionals, today announced the expansion of its mission to address the systemic failures of the U.S. family court system — a multi-billion dollar industry impacting an estimated 10 to 30 million parents and children.

The Problem

Research and lived experience across millions of families reveals a system that:

  • Incentivizes prolonged conflict over resolution
  • Diverts financial resources from children into legal fees, evaluations, and court-appointed professionals
  • Operates with minimal oversight compared to other professions impacting human lives
  • Produces one of the most negative social ROIs of any public institution in the country

By the Numbers

  • 10–30 million parents and children impacted by family court proceedings in the U.S.
  • ~100,000 professionals (attorneys, GALs, evaluators, therapists) comprising the family court ecosystem
  • $3,000–$20,000+ typical cost of a single GAL appointment in Washington State
  • 26 — the total number of Title 26 GALs on the 2025 King County registry serving a county of 2.3 million

A Call for Redesign

"This is not about individual bad actors," said Gale McArthur, founder of GAL eRegistry. "This is about a system that structurally benefits from family conflict. Every motion filed, every evaluation ordered, every allegation escalated — each one generates revenue. The longer the conflict continues, the more the system profits."

McArthur emphasized that reform is not a partisan or gendered issue: "This unites mothers and fathers, protective and alienated parents, grandparents, and adult children of divorce. The common goal is protecting children and ending systemic exploitation."

The GAL eRegistry Solution

GAL eRegistry addresses the transparency gap by providing:

  • Centralized, searchable directory of GAL professionals
  • Public records documentation of registry applications, training data, and fee structures
  • Educational resources for parents navigating custody proceedings
  • Data-driven accountability tools for evaluating court-appointed professionals

The Vision

GAL eRegistry advocates for a family court system that:

  • Prioritizes child welfare over professional profit
  • Is transparent and publicly accountable
  • Applies consistent standards across counties and states
  • Uses data — not subjective bias — to inform decisions
  • Delivers a positive social return on investment

Media Contact

Gale McArthur Founder, GAL eRegistry Cell: 253-355-0501 Website: www.galeregistry.com

About GAL eRegistry

GAL eRegistry is a Washington-based platform focused on increasing transparency, accountability, and accessibility within the Guardian ad Litem system. The platform provides families, attorneys, and policymakers with tools and data to better understand and evaluate GAL professionals across jurisdictions. Learn more at galeregistry.com.