Wash. Rev. Code » Title 11 · Chapter 11.96A
Revised Code of Washington

Wash. Rev. Code § 11.96A.160 (2026)

Appointment of guardian ad litem

✓ current as of May 2026
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(1) The court, upon its own motion or upon request of one or more of the parties, at any stage of a judicial proceeding or at any time in a nonjudicial resolution procedure, may appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the interests of a minor, incapacitated, unborn, or unascertained person, person whose identity or address is unknown, or a designated class of persons who are not ascertained or are not in being. If not precluded by a conflict of interest, a guardian ad litem may be appointed to represent several persons or interests.
(2) The court-appointed guardian ad litem supersedes the special representative if so provided in the court order.
(3) The court may appoint the guardian ad litem at an ex parte hearing, or the court may order a hearing as provided in RCW 11.96A.090 with notice as provided in this section and RCW 11.96A.110.
(4) The guardian ad litem is entitled to reasonable compensation for services. Such compensation is to be paid from the principal of the estate or trust whose beneficiaries are represented.
[ 1999 c 42 s 309.]
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 7 cases, 2010–2016 · leading case: Sherwood Assisted Living, Inc. v. Finn, 156 Wash. App. 201 (Wash. Ct. App. 2010).
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Sherwood Assisted Living, Inc. v. Finn, 156 Wash. App. 201 (Wash. Ct. App. 2010). · cites it 4× “88.090 (2000), a GAL’s primary responsibilities include (1) investigating, gathering, and evaluating information on the appointed person and his/ her circumstances and (2) submitting a report of findings and recommendations to the court.”
Anderson v. Dussault, 333 P.3d 395 (Wash. 2014). · cites it 3× “In order to facilitate this objection process, the TAA provides that “[t]he court shall appoint guardians ad litem as provided in RCW 11.96A.160.” RCW 11.106.060. Further, RCW 11.”
In Re Guardianship of Matthews, 232 P.3d 1140 (Wash. Ct. App. 2010). · cites it 5× “090, a GAL's primary responsibilities include (1) investigating, gathering, and evaluating information on the appointed person and his/her circumstances; and (2) submitting a report of findings and recommendations to the court.”
Anderson v. Dussault, 310 P.3d 854 (Wash. Ct. App. 2013). · cites it 2× “We disagree; nothing in the act requires appointment of a guardian ad litem. ¶26 RCW 11.”
In Re The Guardianship Of Christopher Junk (Wash. Ct. App. 2016). · cites it 2× “090(1) and RCW 11.96A.160(1). RCW 11.88.090(1) provides that the court shall have the power to appoint a GAL to defend the interests of any incapacitated person interested in any suit or matter pending therein.”
Anderson v. Dussault (Wash. 2014). · cites it 3× “89788-3 process, the TAA provides that "[t]he court shall appoint guardians ad litem as provided in RCW 11.96A.160." RCW 11.106.060. Further, RCW 11.”
In re Est. of Becker (Wash. 2013). “RCW 11.96A.160(4). However, the record before us is unclear as to the scope of Rydberg's appointment as GAL now that we have vacated the trial court's orders entered after its May 20,2010, ruling that Nancy does not have standing.”
— Wash. Rev. Code § 11.96A.160(1) — 3 cases
Sherwood Assisted Living, Inc. v. Finn, 156 Wash. App. 201 (Wash. Ct. App. 2010). “88.090 (2000), a GAL’s primary responsibilities include (1) investigating, gathering, and evaluating information on the appointed person and his/ her circumstances and (2) submitting a report of findings and recommendations to the court.”
In Re Guardianship of Matthews, 232 P.3d 1140 (Wash. Ct. App. 2010). “090, a GAL's primary responsibilities include (1) investigating, gathering, and evaluating information on the appointed person and his/her circumstances; and (2) submitting a report of findings and recommendations to the court.”
In Re The Guardianship Of Christopher Junk (Wash. Ct. App. 2016). “090(1) and RCW 11.96A.160(1). RCW 11.88.090(1) provides that the court shall have the power to appoint a GAL to defend the interests of any incapacitated person interested in any suit or matter pending therein.”
— Wash. Rev. Code § 11.96A.160(4) — 1 case
In re Est. of Becker (Wash. 2013). “RCW 11.96A.160(4). However, the record before us is unclear as to the scope of Rydberg's appointment as GAL now that we have vacated the trial court's orders entered after its May 20,2010, ruling that Nancy does not have standing.”
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