In Benton County the Family Court Investigator (FCI) program relies upon the services of the staff Family Court Investigator, Sandra Alarcon, to conduct investigations in cases where there are allegations of abuse and neglect. However, when conflicts arise, persons on the Title 26 Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Registry are appointed to perform Family Court Investigator services.  GALs appointed from the Registry to perform Family Court Investigator functions are paid by the county at a rate of $65.00 per hour for a maximum of fifteen (15) hours.  Additional time can be authorized by order of the court.  Parties to the action are required to pay the county for the services of the FCI based on a sliding fee scale per Resolution No. 10-645.

In Franklin County the court appoints a Title 26 GAL to perform Family Court Investigator functions.  GALs appointed from the Registry to perform Family Court Investigator functions are paid by the county at a rate of $65.00 per hour for a maximum of fifteen (15) hours of investigation.   Additional time can be authorized by order of the court.

You can find forms for the appointment of Family Court Investigator/GAL and for the collection of information at the bottom of this page. 

The statutory authority for the appointment of a guardian ad litem is RCW 26.12.175.  Information obtained by a GAL cannot be released without a court order, under RCW 26.12.180.