Washington Form PRO 13 is the Order Appointing Guardian ad Litem that a Superior Court judge or commissioner signs to put a neutral investigator in place when a probate or trust matter affects a minor, an unborn, an incapacitated, an unknown, or an unascertained person. The form is a court order, not a petition, so it is the document that finishes the appointment process started by a separate motion or petition under RCW 11.96A.160.
The stakes are high. A defective PRO 13 can void every later step in the case, force a re-do of notice, and expose the personal representative to personal liability. Washington courts process tens of thousands of probate filings each year, and the Washington Courts Caseload Reports show that probate and guardianship cases together account for roughly 15% of Superior Court civil filings, with guardian ad litem appointments touching a meaningful share of them.
- 📌 What PRO 13 actually does and which statutes give it teeth
- 🧾 The exact documents, names, and numbers you must gather first
- ✍️ A line-by-line walkthrough of every box, finding, and signature line on the order
- 👥 Three real-world scenarios showing what a completed PRO 13 looks like
- ⚠️ The mistakes that get orders rejected at the ex parte department and how to avoid them
What the Form Is and Who Must File It
PRO 13 is the official Order Appointing Guardian ad Litem (Probate/Trust) published on the Washington Courts forms page. The form sits inside the Probate (PRO) family of mandatory pattern forms maintained by the Administrative Office of the Courts under the rule-making authority of the Washington Supreme Court. Always confirm you have the current revision date printed in the lower left corner, because clerks reject older versions when the pattern form has been updated.
The order is filed by the moving party, which is usually the personal representative, the petitioner in a Trust and Estate Dispute Resolution Act (TEDRA) action, or the petitioner in a will contest or heirship proceeding. The court signs it after a motion or petition for appointment is granted, and the moving party then files the signed order with the Superior Court Clerk in the county where the estate is open. Self-represented filers, paralegals, and attorneys all use the same form because Washington’s pattern forms are mandatory under GR 9.
A guardian ad litem (GAL) appointed through PRO 13 protects the interests of a person who cannot protect themselves in the case, including a minor heir, a person under a disability, an unborn beneficiary, or an heir whose identity or location is unknown. The authority comes from RCW 11.96A.160 for trust and estate matters and from the Guardian ad Litem Rules (GALR 1–9) for the GAL’s conduct, training, and reporting duties.
Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need
Gather every document below before you open PRO 13. A missing piece almost always sends you back to the clerk’s counter, and ex parte calendars in busy counties like King County Superior Court can be days out.
- The case caption from your probate file. You need the exact case number, county, and full estate name as they appear on the Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration. A wrong digit voids the order.
- The order or minute entry granting the motion. PRO 13 reduces the court’s ruling to writing, so the underlying ruling must already exist or be made at the same hearing.
- The proposed GAL’s full legal name, business address, phone, and email. The clerk indexes the GAL by name, and the GAL needs service-ready contact information.
- The GAL’s GAL Registry number, if the county uses a registry. Most counties require a registered GAL for Title 11 matters.
- The protected person’s full legal name, date of birth, and relationship to the estate. This identifies who the GAL represents.
- The scope of appointment language. Write down what the GAL must investigate, in plain words, before drafting the order.
- The proposed compensation terms. You need the hourly rate, retainer (if any), and the source of payment (estate, petitioner, or split).
- A bond decision. Decide whether the court will waive bond or require one, and have a dollar amount ready if a bond is required.
- A working calendar. You must know the proposed term of appointment and the report due date.
- Filing fee or fee waiver. Most counties charge no separate fee to present an order, but a new TEDRA action carries the standard civil filing fee, which is $240 in most counties under RCW 36.18.020.
Where to Get the Form and How to Access It
Download PRO 13 only from the official Washington Courts pattern forms page. Third-party sites sometimes host outdated revisions, and an old revision can be rejected by the clerk under GR 9. The form is offered in fillable PDF and Word formats, and either is acceptable for filing.
Some counties also publish a local cover sheet or working copies cover that must accompany the order. King County, for example, requires working copies for ex parte through the King County Clerk’s eWorking Copies portal. Check the local rules for your county before you submit.
If you are filing electronically, use the county’s e-filing portal. Most counties run on Odyssey File & Serve through the Washington Courts eFiling page. Self-represented filers can register for free, and the system accepts proposed orders as separate lead documents.
If you cannot use a computer, the Superior Court Clerk’s Office in your county will give you a paper copy at the counter for free. Keep the file number written on a sticky note attached to the form so the clerk can match it to your case.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out Washington Form PRO 13 Line by Line
Fill out PRO 13 in the order the boxes appear on the form. Each section below maps to a specific block on the order, and every block matters.
Caption Box: Court, County, and Case Number
What it asks in plain English. The top of the form asks which Superior Court the case is in, the case number, and the estate’s name.
How to answer. Type the county name in all caps in the first line, type the case number on the right exactly as printed on your Letters, and type the estate name in the title block as In re the Estate of [Decedent’s Full Legal Name], Deceased.
Example entry. Maria Lopez, the personal representative for her late father, types SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON FOR KING COUNTY, the case number 24-4-01234-5 SEA, and the title In re the Estate of Hector Lopez, Deceased.
Nuance. Some counties append a location code to the case number (SEA for Seattle, KNT for Kent). Always copy the full string, including the code.
Common mistake and consequence. Filers often drop the dash or the location code, and the clerk’s docketing system will not match the order to the file, which delays entry by days.
Misconception. Many filers think the caption is informal. It is not. The caption is the legal address of the case, and an error here can support a later challenge to the order’s validity.
Title of the Order
What it asks in plain English. The form’s pre-printed title says Order Appointing Guardian ad Litem. You usually do not edit it.
How to answer. Leave the title alone unless your county has a local addendum that requires you to add (Probate) or (TEDRA). If you add a parenthetical, keep it short and capitalized.
Example entry. Janet, a TEDRA petitioner in Spokane, leaves the title as Order Appointing Guardian ad Litem because Spokane County does not require a parenthetical.
Nuance. If your motion was filed under RCW 11.88 for an alleged incapacitated person, use the separate guardianship pattern forms instead, because PRO 13 is built for the probate/trust track.
Common mistake and consequence. Renaming the order to something the rules do not recognize causes the clerk to flag it for judicial review, which adds a layer of delay.
Misconception. Some filers believe the title controls the order’s effect. It does not. The findings and the operative paragraphs control, but a wrong title still confuses the docket.
Findings: Basis for Appointment
What it asks in plain English. This block asks the judge to write down why a GAL is needed.
How to answer. Check the boxes that apply: minor beneficiary, unborn or unascertained beneficiary, incapacitated person, unknown heir, or other interested person who needs representation. Add a one-sentence factual basis under the checked box.
Example entry. Carlos, a personal representative, checks Minor beneficiary and writes The decedent’s daughter, A.L., born 03/14/2014, is a residual beneficiary and is under 18.
Nuance. If more than one category applies (a minor who is also unascertained because paternity is contested), check both and explain in the factual basis.
Common mistake and consequence. Filers leave the factual basis blank, which violates RCW 11.96A.160(1) and gives any later objector a clean ground to vacate the order.
Misconception. People assume the check boxes are enough. They are not. The court needs the facts on the page so the record shows the basis for appointment.
Name of the Person the GAL Represents
What it asks in plain English. Who is the GAL protecting?
How to answer. Write the protected person’s full legal name, date of birth, and relationship to the estate. For minors, use only initials in any version filed publicly to comply with GR 22.
Example entry. Aisha enters A.L., DOB 03/14/2014, daughter of decedent on the public version and the full name on the sealed personal information sheet.
Nuance. If the protected person is unborn or unascertained, write Unborn or unascertained issue of [Decedent] and skip the date of birth.
Common mistake and consequence. Putting a minor’s full name and full birthdate on the public order violates GR 22(g)(2) and can trigger sealing motions, sanctions, and embarrassment for the family.
Misconception. Many filers think the clerk will redact for them. The clerk does not. Redaction is the filer’s job.
Name and Contact Information of the Guardian ad Litem
What it asks in plain English. Who is the GAL, and how does the world reach them?
How to answer. Type the GAL’s full legal name, business address, telephone number, email address, and Washington State Bar number if the GAL is an attorney. Include the GAL Registry number when the county requires one.
Example entry. Patricia Nguyen, WSBA #45678, GAL Registry #KC-1123, 600 Stewart St., Suite 400, Seattle, WA 98101, (206) 555-0144, pnguyen@example.com.
Nuance. If the GAL is not an attorney, leave the WSBA line blank and rely on the registry number to establish qualification.
Common mistake and consequence. Listing only a personal cell or a home address can violate the GAL’s safety plan and cause the GAL to refuse the appointment after entry, forcing a re-do.
Misconception. Filers think any qualified lawyer can serve. In counties with a registry, the GAL must usually be on the registry under GALR 2.
Scope of Appointment
What it asks in plain English. What exactly is the GAL supposed to do?
How to answer. Write the GAL’s tasks in numbered, plain-English bullets. Common tasks include reviewing the will, evaluating the proposed distribution, investigating heirship, interviewing the protected person, and filing a written report.
Example entry. Carlos writes (1) review the Will dated 06/02/2019; (2) evaluate the proposed nonintervention distribution; (3) interview the minor and her custodial parent; (4) file a written report by 09/30/2026.
Nuance. Tailor the scope to the dispute. A boilerplate scope invites a later motion to expand or contract the appointment.
Common mistake and consequence. Vague scope language like do everything necessary gives the GAL no enforceable boundary, which inflates fees and can support a later objection to compensation.
Misconception. People believe the GAL will figure it out. The GAL relies on the order, and an unclear order produces an unfocused investigation.
Powers and Authority
What it asks in plain English. What authority does the GAL have to investigate?
How to answer. Check the boxes giving the GAL authority to access medical records, financial records, school records, and to interview professionals and family. Add any limits in writing.
Example entry. Janet checks medical, financial, and school records and writes limited to records dated 01/01/2020 to present.
Nuance. HIPAA requires specific language to release medical records, so a generic checkbox may not be enough for some providers. Add and may execute HIPAA-compliant releases on behalf of the protected person.
Common mistake and consequence. Skipping the HIPAA-compliant language forces the GAL to come back for a supplemental order, which costs the estate time and money.
Misconception. Filers think the order automatically overrides HIPAA. It does not. Providers want the magic language on the face of the order.
Compensation Terms
What it asks in plain English. Who pays the GAL, how much, and from what source?
How to answer. Write the hourly rate, any retainer, the cap (if any), and the source of funds. State whether the estate pays directly, the petitioner pays subject to reimbursement, or the parties split costs.
Example entry. GAL shall be paid $250 per hour, with a $2,500 retainer paid from the estate, capped at $10,000 absent further order.
Nuance. Counties such as Pierce County publish presumptive rate ranges. Document any deviation in the order.
Common mistake and consequence. Failing to set a cap turns the GAL appointment into an open-ended bill, and the personal representative can be surcharged later for not protecting the estate from runaway fees.
Misconception. Many filers assume the court will set the rate. The court reviews what the parties propose and rarely rewrites it without a hearing.
Bond
What it asks in plain English. Does the GAL need to post a bond?
How to answer. Check bond waived or bond required and, if required, write the dollar amount. In most probate GAL appointments, bond is waived because the GAL does not handle estate funds.
Example entry. Bond waived because the GAL will not receive or hold estate assets.
Nuance. If the GAL will hold settlement funds for a minor under SPR 98.16W, bond is almost always required.
Common mistake and consequence. Waiving bond when the GAL will hold money creates personal liability exposure for the petitioner and the GAL.
Misconception. Filers think bond is always required. It is not. The default in probate GAL work is waived.
Term and Report Due Date
What it asks in plain English. How long does the appointment last, and when is the report due?
How to answer. Write a specific end date or event (entry of decree of distribution) and a date by which the GAL must file a written report.
Example entry. Appointment ends upon entry of the Decree of Distribution, and GAL shall file a written report no later than 09/30/2026.
Nuance. Tying the term to an event rather than a date avoids the need for an extension order if the case slips.
Common mistake and consequence. Leaving the term open-ended invites the GAL to bill indefinitely and can violate the case-management expectations under GALR 4.
Misconception. People think until further order is enough. It is, but it gives no deadline pressure and tends to slow the case.
Notice and Service
What it asks in plain English. Who must be served with the order, and how?
How to answer. Check the boxes for the parties entitled to notice, including the GAL, all heirs and beneficiaries, and any interested person who has appeared. Specify service by mail, personal service, or e-service through the e-filing portal.
Example entry. Service on all parties via the e-filing portal, and on the GAL by email and first-class mail within 3 business days of entry.
Nuance. Pro se parties not on the e-filing portal must be served by mail, and the proof of service must be filed under CR 5.
Common mistake and consequence. Missing a beneficiary on the service list is one of the most common grounds for vacating a GAL order under RCW 11.96A.110.
Misconception. Filers think e-filing handles notice automatically. It does not. Service is the filer’s responsibility.
Signature Lines
What it asks in plain English. Who signs the order?
How to answer. The judge or commissioner signs and dates the order. The presenting attorney or pro se party signs under Presented by. Approval-as-to-form signatures from other parties go under Approved for entry, notice of presentation waived.
Example entry. Carlos signs Carlos M. Rivera, Pro Se, Personal Representative and prints his address and phone number below.
Nuance. In counties using e-signatures through Odyssey, the s/ convention is acceptable for parties; the judge’s signature is captured electronically by the court.
Common mistake and consequence. Forgetting to sign as Presented by leaves the order unattributed and invites the clerk to reject it.
Misconception. Filers believe an unsigned order is harmless. It is not. The clerk will not enter an order without a presenter signature.
Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios
Scenario 1: Carlos Appoints a GAL for His Minor Niece in a Probate
Carlos is the personal representative of his sister’s estate in King County. His niece A.L., age 11, is a residual beneficiary, and Carlos wants a GAL to review the proposed distribution.
| Form Section | What Carlos Enters |
|---|---|
| Caption | SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON FOR KING COUNTY, Case No. 26-4-00567-1 SEA |
| Title | Order Appointing Guardian ad Litem |
| Findings | Checks Minor beneficiary; writes A.L., DOB 04/02/2014, residual beneficiary |
| Person Represented | A.L., DOB 04/02/2014, niece of decedent |
| GAL Information | Patricia Nguyen, WSBA #45678, GAL Registry #KC-1123 |
| Scope | Review will, evaluate distribution, interview minor, file report |
| Compensation | $250/hour, $2,500 retainer from estate, capped at $7,500 |
| Bond | Waived |
| Term | Until entry of Decree of Distribution; report due 11/15/2026 |
| Signatures | Carlos signs Pro Se, Personal Representative |
Scenario 2: Janet Petitions Under TEDRA for an Unascertained Beneficiary
Janet, a trustee in Spokane County, files a TEDRA petition seeking instructions on a trust that names issue of Robert Smith, living and unborn as remainder beneficiaries. She needs a GAL for unborn issue.
| Form Section | What Janet Enters |
|---|---|
| Caption | SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON FOR SPOKANE COUNTY, Case No. 26-4-01122-32 |
| Title | Order Appointing Guardian ad Litem |
| Findings | Checks Unborn or unascertained beneficiary; cites RCW 11.96A.160 |
| Person Represented | Unborn and unascertained issue of Robert Smith |
| GAL Information | David Park, WSBA #51234, Spokane GAL Registry #SP-455 |
| Scope | Review trust, analyze proposed instruction, file report |
| Compensation | $225/hour, paid from trust, capped at $6,000 |
| Bond | Waived |
| Term | Until entry of order on TEDRA petition; report due 10/30/2026 |
| Signatures | Janet’s attorney signs Presented by |
Scenario 3: Aisha Needs a GAL for an Unknown Heir
Aisha is the personal representative for her grandfather’s estate in Pierce County. The decedent had a child given up for adoption decades ago whose identity is unclear. Aisha needs a GAL to investigate heirship.
| Form Section | What Aisha Enters |
|---|---|
| Caption | SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON FOR PIERCE COUNTY, Case No. 26-4-00890-5 |
| Title | Order Appointing Guardian ad Litem |
| Findings | Checks Unknown heir; writes possible biological child placed for adoption circa 1968 |
| Person Represented | Unknown heir(s) of decedent |
| GAL Information | Linda Foster, WSBA #39901, Pierce GAL Registry #PC-220 |
| Scope | Search adoption records, contact agencies, file written report |
| Compensation | $240/hour, $3,000 retainer from estate, capped at $9,000 |
| Bond | Waived |
| Term | 6 months from entry; report due 12/01/2026 |
| Signatures | Aisha signs Pro Se, Personal Representative |
How to File the Completed Form
You can file PRO 13 through three channels in nearly every Washington county. Pick the channel that fits your county’s local rules and your timeline.
E-filing through Odyssey. Most counties accept proposed orders through Odyssey File & Serve. Upload the order as a Proposed Order lead document, attach working copies if your county requires them through King County eWorking Copies, and pay no separate fee for presenting an order. Processing typically takes 1–5 business days, and your proof of filing is the Odyssey confirmation email.
In person at the Superior Court Clerk. Visit the Superior Court Clerk’s Office for your county, hand the order to the ex parte clerk, and ask for a conformed copy. There is no fee for presenting an order in an open case. Same-day entry is common in smaller counties; King County typically takes 2–3 business days through ex parte via the clerk.
By mail. Mail the original order, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a cover letter to the Clerk’s Office. Use certified mail with return receipt, because the receipt is your proof of filing. Allow 1–2 weeks for entry and return.
Fax filing exists in a handful of counties but is being phased out. Check your county’s local rules before relying on fax. Keep the conformed, file-stamped copy as the operative proof of entry, and send a copy to the GAL within 3 business days so the appointment is on the GAL’s calendar.
What Happens After You File
The clerk dockets the order, the case management system assigns the GAL to the case, and the GAL receives notice of appointment. The GAL must then file a Notice of Appearance and begin the investigation under GALR 2. The clock on the report deadline starts the day the order is entered, not the day you mailed it.
The GAL will usually contact the personal representative, the protected person, and any custodial adult within the first two weeks. The GAL collects records, interviews witnesses, and, in a complex matter, may request additional authority by motion. Personal representatives should expect monthly invoices that match the rate on the order and should object in writing within 10 days if a charge looks wrong.
The GAL’s written report is filed with the court and served on all parties. The report shapes the next ruling in the case, including approval of distribution, confirmation of heirship, or settlement of a TEDRA petition. Parties have a chance to object to the report under RCW 11.96A.150.
When the appointment ends, the GAL files a final declaration of fees, and the court enters a fee order. The personal representative pays from the estate, the trust, or the source named in the original PRO 13. Closing the GAL appointment cleanly is essential to closing the estate.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form
- Wrong case number. A typo in the case number sends the order into the docketing void; the clerk cannot match it to your file.
- Outdated form revision. Using an old PRO 13 violates GR 9, and the clerk will reject it.
- Minor’s full name on a public order. This violates GR 22 and may trigger sanctions and sealing motions.
- Vague scope. Boilerplate scope language inflates fees and invites later objections to bills.
- No HIPAA language. Medical providers will not release records, and the GAL will need a supplemental order.
- No bond decision. Leaving the bond box blank creates ambiguity and exposes the personal representative to surcharge.
- Open-ended term. No end date means no deadline pressure and a stale appointment.
- Missing GAL contact information. The GAL will not receive notice and the case stalls.
- No fee cap. Fees grow unchecked and the personal representative may be personally surcharged.
- Skipping the service list. Missed beneficiaries can vacate the order under RCW 11.96A.110.
- Forgetting the Presented by signature. The clerk rejects unsigned proposed orders on sight.
- Not sending the conformed copy to the GAL. The GAL cannot start work without proof of entry.
Do’s and Don’ts
- Do confirm the form’s revision date matches the current version posted on the Washington Courts pattern forms page so the clerk accepts the order.
- Do use a registry GAL when your county maintains one, because GALR 2 typically requires it.
- Do state the scope of appointment in numbered, plain-English bullets so the GAL knows exactly what to investigate.
- Do set a fee cap and a written-report deadline to protect the estate from runaway fees.
- Do include HIPAA-compliant authorization language so the GAL can collect medical records without a supplemental order.
- Do send the conformed copy to the GAL within 3 business days so the deadline clock starts cleanly.
- Don’t put a minor’s full name and full birthdate on the public order; redaction protects privacy under GR 22.
- Don’t copy compensation language from another case without checking your county’s presumptive rates.
- Don’t waive bond if the GAL will hold settlement funds for a minor; bond is the protective net.
- Don’t leave the term until further order unless you intend to manage the case actively, because deadline pressure helps everyone.
- Don’t skip parties on the service list; missed notice is the most common ground for vacating GAL orders.
- Don’t sign as the GAL on behalf of the GAL; the GAL signs a separate notice of appearance.
Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help
| Filing Pro Se | Filing With an Attorney |
|---|---|
| Lower out-of-pocket cost | Higher cost, often $2,500–$7,500 for the petition and order package |
| Full control over scope and tone | Strategic drafting that anticipates objections |
| Forces you to learn the statute, which helps later steps | Faster turnaround in busy ex parte calendars |
| Direct access to the clerk for questions | Familiarity with local rules in counties like King and Pierce |
| Personal investment in the outcome | Insurance against malpractice through the lawyer’s coverage |
Pro se filing works best when the estate is small, the parties agree, and the protected person’s interests are simple. Hiring an attorney pays off when there is a contest, a complex trust, or a vulnerable beneficiary whose interests deserve professional advocacy. Either way, the form itself is the same; the difference is the quality of the drafting and the discipline around scope, compensation, and term.
FAQs
Is PRO 13 a mandatory pattern form in Washington?
Yes. PRO 13 is a mandatory probate pattern form maintained by the Administrative Office of the Courts under GR 9, and clerks reject substitutes.
Do I need a separate motion before submitting PRO 13?
Yes. PRO 13 reduces a ruling to writing, so a motion or petition for appointment must be granted first under RCW 11.96A.160.
Can a non-attorney serve as GAL?
Yes. Non-attorneys can serve when they meet county registry standards under GALR 2, though many probate appointments use attorneys.
Is a filing fee required to present PRO 13?
No. Presenting a proposed order in an open case carries no separate fee, though a new TEDRA action carries the standard civil filing fee under RCW 36.18.020.
Do I write the minor’s full name in the Person Represented box?
No. Use only initials and the year of birth on the public version under GR 22, and put full data on the sealed personal information sheet.
Can I leave the Bond box blank?
No. A blank bond box creates ambiguity; check waived or required and, if required, write the dollar amount.
Should I write a specific end date in the Term box?
Yes. A specific end date or event keeps the appointment focused and avoids open-ended billing under the case-management expectations of GALR 4.
Do I include a fee cap in the Compensation box?
Yes. A cap protects the estate from runaway fees, and the personal representative may be surcharged later if no cap is set.
Can I e-file PRO 13?
Yes. Most counties accept proposed orders through Odyssey File & Serve, and the confirmation email is the proof of filing.
Do I need HIPAA-specific language in the Powers section?
Yes. Add language allowing the GAL to execute HIPAA-compliant releases, or providers may refuse to share medical records.
Can the same GAL represent two protected persons in one case?
No. Conflicting interests usually require separate GALs, and a court will not approve dual representation when interests diverge under GALR 2.
Does PRO 13 work for a guardianship of an incapacitated adult?
No. Use the guardianship pattern forms under RCW 11.130 for incapacitated adults; PRO 13 is built for the probate and trust track.
Do I need to serve the GAL with the conformed order?
Yes. Serve the GAL within 3 business days under CR 5 so the report deadline runs from a known date.
Can I change the GAL after entry of PRO 13?
Yes. A motion to substitute a GAL is allowed for cause, and the court will enter an amended PRO 13 if good cause is shown.
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