The Washington Guardian ad Item Interim Report is an official document prepared by a court-appointed volunteer, known as a Guardian ad Item (GAL). The GAL is responsible for providing advocacy and support to a child in a contested custody or guardianship case, and the Interim Report is designed to inform the court of the GAL's progress in the case. The report includes a summary of the GAL's activities, including interviews with the child, the child's parents, and other relevant parties; an analysis of the child's current situation; and recommendations for the court. There are two primary types of Washington Guardian ad Item Interim Reports — Preliminary and Final. The Preliminary report is typically filed shortly after the GAL is appointed, and provides an overview of the child's current situation and the GAL's initial recommendations. The Final report is typically filed after the GAL has completed their investigation, and includes an updated assessment of the child's situation and the GAL's final recommendations.