Welcome

If you have been directed to this page, I have been appointed by the Court as the Guardian ad Litem (GAL) in your case. As Guardian ad Litem, I conduct an independent investigation pursuant to the Court's appointment order and provide recommendations to the Court regarding the best interests of the child(ren). My appointment continues until I am discharged by the Court or until a final parenting plan is ordered and may extend beyond the filing of my report if additional investigation, testimony, or court appearances are required.

The specific scope of my appointment is governed by the Court's Order Appointing Guardian ad Litem. If any information on this page differs from the Court's order, the Court's order controls.

Qualifications

I completed Washington State Title 26 Guardian ad Litem training and certification in May 2024.

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Social and Behavioral Science, a Master of Health Leadership, and a Master of Social Work.

I am a Washington State Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker Associate (LICSWA).

I have more than 15 years of professional experience in social services, primarily serving vulnerable children and families. My background includes child welfare, family court, mental health, substance use disorders, adoption, and reunification services. I currently serve as a Title 26 Guardian ad Litem in multiple Washington counties and maintain a private Guardian ad Litem practice through Three Cedars Advocates & Consulting, LLC.

About the Investigation

The Guardian ad Litem investigation can be quite thorough and may require you to disclose highly personal information. While I cannot promise confidentiality, I will not unnecessarily disclose information that is immaterial to the Court's consideration of your case. My role is to gather relevant information from a variety of sources and provide an independent assessment to the Court.

Depending on the Court's order, the investigation may include:

• Parent interviews

• Child interviews

• Home observations

• Review of records

• Interviews with teachers, medical providers, therapists, and other collateral contacts

• Reference interviews

• Court hearings

• Preparation of a written report and recommendations

Parent Rights

As a parent, you have the right to:

• Provide information you believe is relevant to the investigation.

• Be treated with respect.

• Maintain your privacy except as necessary for the investigation and reporting process.

• Receive a copy of any report I file with the Court.

• Request copies of my file, subject to applicable rules and costs.

• Have the investigation completed in a timely manner.

Guardian ad Litem Rules

The Washington Superior Court Guardian ad Litem Rules (GALR) govern my appointment and responsibilities.

Contact

If you have questions about my role or the investigation process, please contact me directly. It is best to reach me via email at info@threecedarswa.com