HF 3564 Summary

• Limits guardian ad litem appointments in custody and dissolution proceedings to 180 days unless court makes written findings that extension is necessary, with extensions only in 60-day increments supported by new specific findings.

• Narrows guardian ad litem role to collect and report only on specific issues or areas of concern identified by the court in the appointment order, rather than investigating all best interests of child factors.

• Establishes detailed list of 12 prohibited roles including custody evaluator, mediator, arbitrator, case manager, attorney for child, and home study evaluator that guardians ad litem cannot perform.

• Establishes detailed list of 19 prohibited duties including providing counseling, mental health diagnosis, giving legal advice, supervising visits, transporting children, and making financial recommendations.

• Requires courts to use standardized appointment order forms that include parties, children's names and birth dates, reporting deadlines, appointment expiration date, and specific areas of concern.