Washington § 74.20.310 - Guardian ad litem in actions brought to determine parent and child relationship — Notice.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 74.20.310 — Guardian ad litem in actions brought to determine parent and child relationship — Notice., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 74.20.310. Guardian ad litem in actions brought to determine parent and child relationship — Notice.

(1) The provisions of RCW 26.26A.485 requiring appointment of a guardian ad litem to represent the child in an action brought to determine the parent and child relationship do not apply to actions brought under chapter 26.26A or 26.26B RCW if:
(a) The action is brought by the attorney general on behalf of the department of social and health services and the child; or
(b) The action is brought by any prosecuting attorney on behalf of the state and the child when referral has been made to the prosecuting attorney by the department of social and health services requesting such action.
(2) On the issue of parentage, the attorney general or prosecuting attorney functions as the child's guardian ad litem provided the interests of the state and the child are not in conflict.
(3) The court, on its own motion or on motion of a party, may appoint a guardian ad litem when necessary.
(4) The summons shall contain a notice to the parents that pursuant to RCW 26.26A.485 the parents have a right to move the court for a guardian ad litem for the child other than the prosecuting attorney or the attorney general subject to subsection (2) of this section.
[ 2019 c 46 s 5048; 2002 c 302 s 705; 1991 c 367 s 45; 1979 ex.s. c 171 s 15.]

Notes

Severability—Effective date—Captions not law—1991 c 367: See notes following RCW 26.09.015.
Severability—1979 ex.s. c 171: See note following RCW 74.20.300.

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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What does Revised Code of Washington § 74.20.310 cover?

Section 74.20.310 ("Guardian ad litem in actions brought to determine parent and child relationship — Notice.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

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