Guardian ad Litem Services — Forensic, Evidence-Driven Investigations

I serve as a Title 26 Guardian ad Litem (GAL) in contested custody matters in King and Kitsap Counties. I am a recognized expert in substance use disorders and am also well versed in domestic violence (including coercive control), mental-health concerns, and child abuse, based on rigorous and extensive early training followed by decades of forensic and clinical work with high-conflict families and justice-involved populations.

In my GAL role, I apply this background to careful, evidence-based investigations of complex family dynamics, whether or not substance use is alleged. Findings and recommendations reflect the weight of the available evidence and the children’s best interests, even when those conclusions are not evenly distributed between the parties. I am typically appointed by agreed order in cases where the parties seek a thorough, methodical review of records, collateral information, and behavioral patterns rather than a rapid or superficial opinion.

Scope

As Guardian ad Litem, my role is investigative and analytical rather than therapeutic. My work focuses on understanding what is occurring within the family system and evaluating the available evidence with care and rigor. My responsibilities include:

  • Conducting a thorough, independent investigation

  • Evaluating the reliability of allegations and counter-allegations

  • Assessing the quality, methodology, and limitations of collateral information and prior evaluations

  • Substantiating or not substantiating claims based on evidence

  • Providing the Court with clear, well-supported findings relevant to the children’s best interests

Where prior evaluations exist (e.g., substance use, domestic violence, psychological), I consider them as data points, assess their strengths and limitations, and weigh them within the context of the full evidentiary record.

Methodology

Each investigation is tailored to the legal and factual issues of the case and may include:

  • Comprehensive review of legal, medical, treatment, school, and collateral records

  • Interviews with parents, children, and relevant collateral sources

  • Evaluation of behavioral patterns over time rather than isolated incidents

  • Careful analysis of allegations involving substance use, impairment, relapse, or recovery

  • Examination of domestic-violence dynamics, including coercive control, as reflected in behavior, records, and collateral information

  • Evaluation of mental-health issues as they present behaviorally and functionally, including emotional regulation, insight, judgment, consistency, and impact on parenting

  • Consideration of how symptomatology is managed functionally, rather than reliance on diagnostic labels alone

  • Integration of multiple data sources into a coherent evidentiary narrative

My reports explicitly link evidence to conclusions so that the Court can clearly understand how findings were reached.

Integration of substance use disorder expertise

I am frequently consulted by attorneys, therapists, and other professionals regarding substance use issues in family-law cases. That same expertise informs my GAL investigations.

In cases where substance use allegations are central, I may be appointed as GAL rather than relying on separate substance-use evaluations. This allows substance use issues to be examined within the broader investigation, supporting consistency and grounding conclusions in observed behavior rather than siloed opinions.

This approach can reduce duplication, avoid reliance on weak or incomplete assessments, and produce clearer, more defensible findings for the Court.

What to Expect

My work is thorough and detail-oriented. As a result:

  • Timelines may be longer than those of GALs who rely on limited records or abbreviated investigation

  • Reports prioritize accuracy, context, and defensibility over speed

  • Findings are designed to withstand scrutiny rather than to satisfy any party’s litigation strategy

There is an inherent tradeoff between speed, cost, and depth. I prioritize depth and evidentiary integrity.

While my hourly rate is comparatively modest, the thoroughness of my investigations generally requires a significant investment of time. Accordingly, I may not be the best fit for matters seeking rapid or low-cost investigation.

Appointments and Referrals

I am typically appointed by agreed order when parties and counsel are seeking:

  • A careful, non-reactive investigation

  • Accurate interpretation of substance use and other issues

  • Clear explanation of how evidence supports conclusions

  • Reduced risk of flawed or misleading evaluations

I am not a volume GAL and do not accept every case.

When I Am Most Useful

I am particularly well suited for cases involving:

  • Allegations of substance abuse or relapse

  • Disputes regarding the significance of positive tests or treatment history

  • Mental-health issues that affect parenting capacity, judgment, or stability

  • Domestic-violence dynamics that are not well captured by standard assessments

  • High-conflict litigation where evidentiary rigor matters

  • Situations in which both parties are concerned about the quality and reliability of GAL analysis

Fees

Payment: GAL fees are $150 per hour with a $5000 deposit to get started. I can accept cash, check, or Zelle.