Application Instructions - 26.09 GAL

Guardian Ad Litem Application 26.09



The GAL application period is currently CLOSED and we will begin accepting applications in January. The approved registry is for July though June.


Certified Registry


The RCW 26.09 Guardian ad Litem / Parenting Investigator certified registry is available online.


Application Submission Dates & Instructions


Acceptable Applications


Only applications with a revision date of the current year, will be accepted during the open application period. All new applicants and former registry members not currently serving on the RCW 26.09 Certified Registry must complete the new applicant application packet  and supply all written documentation including a resume. All current members on the Certified Registry must complete the Updated Contact Information Form, a current signed Code of Conduct and WSP Criminal History.  Three years from the date of the last submitted renewal application, GALs with continued service on the registry will be required to submit the full version of the renewal application and supporting documents. 


 Once the application period is open, all applications must be submitted to the Superior Court Administrator by the close of business on the third Friday in March as published by the Court.



Applications Closed


The Court will begin accepting applications in January for the registry effective July 1 of that same year through June 30 of the following year. No late applications shall be considered. As in previous application periods, if you have not attended the required training by the application closing date, you may timely submit your application and indicate when and where you will be attending the training. Once the training is completed, you must immediately forward a copy of your Certificate of Attendance to the Superior Court Administrator. If you have questions regarding the application process, please email Heather Christopher.


Completing an Application


Please include the RCW number (RCW 11.88 or 26.09) of the applicable registry on all correspondence you send to the court. All required information must be received by the Superior Court Administrator by the application deadline. To properly complete your application, please return a signed original hard-copy application to the Superior Court Administrator, including the following materials:

  1. Submit a signed Title 26 GAL Certified Registry application. Guardians ad Litem currently serving may submit the Updated Contact Information Form. All interested parties and GALs who have served in the past will need to submit the new applicant application along with required attachments. Please note, the application is updated annually; therefore, the previous year's application will not be accepted.
  2. Submit a signed Policy 2, Code of Conduct (this will be included in your application download), also set forth in Pierce County local rules and GALR 2 of the Washington State court rules.
  3. Submit a Washington State Patrol (WSP) background check (WATCH REPORT) dated within 3 months of application submission. You may obtain your WATCH Report from the WSP website.
  4. Curriculum vitae or resume for new applicants only.

Additional Notes


Please be mindful to complete the correct application based on your new or returning applicant status.
If you are selected for the registry, you will receive further mentoring instructions. Upon provisional approval to serve on the registry, new applicants will be assigned to a mentor and experienced GAL for job shadowing. Once the mentoring and job shadowing is completed, provisional applicants will be required to complete a Declaration of Job Shadowing completion form. This form must be completed, and on file, in Superior Court Administration by December 31 of the application year.