RCW 13.64.040

139 words·~1 min read·/wa/title-13/chapter-13-64/13-64-040

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

(1)The hearing on the petition shall be before a judicial officer, sitting without a jury. Prior to the presentation of proof the judicial officer shall determine whether:

(a)The petitioning minor understands the consequences of the petition regarding his or her legal rights and responsibilities;

(b)a guardian ad litem should be appointed to investigate the allegations of the petition and file a report with the court.

(2)For the purposes of this section, the term "judicial officer" means:

(a)A judge;

(b)a superior court commissioner of a unified family court if the county operates a unified family court; or

(c)any superior court commissioner if the county does not operate a unified family court. The term does not include a judge pro tempore.

[ 2001 c 161 s 1 ; 1993 c 294 s 4 .]