Washington Order Appointing Guardian Ad Item And Notice of Hearing is a court order issued by a Washington state court that appoints a Guardian Ad Item (GAL) to represent the interests of a minor child or incapacitated adult in a family law, probate, or guardianship case. The order also includes a Notice of Hearing that provides notice of the appointed GAL's duties and the hearing date to all interested parties. The Order Appointing Guardian Ad Item And Notice of Hearing is typically issued when the court determines that the child or incapacitated adult needs a representative to protect his/her best interests in a legal matter. There are two main types of Washington Order Appointing Guardian Ad Item And Notice of Hearing: a temporary GAL order and a permanent GAL order. A temporary GAL order is often issued in anticipation of a hearing to be held in the near future and is usually valid until the hearing date. A permanent GAL order is issued after the hearing and remains in effect until the legal matter is resolved or until the court orders otherwise.