About Best Interest
At Best Interest Advocacy, we believe every child deserves to feel safe, heard, and supported — especially during some of the most difficult moments a family can face.
Our work as Guardians ad Litem is grounded not only in professional training and advocacy experience, but also in lived experience. We understand firsthand how overwhelming and emotionally complex family court proceedings can be for both children and parents. That perspective shapes how we approach every case: with compassion, careful listening, objectivity, and deep respect for the people involved.
Our Approach
We believe effective advocacy begins with trust.
Children need adults who will listen without judgment. Families deserve professionalism paired with humanity. Courts need thoughtful, balanced reports grounded in the best interests of the child.
Our role is to provide independent, child-focused advocacy that helps courts make informed decisions while ensuring children feel seen, supported, and protected throughout the process.
We approach each case with:
Compassion and empathy
Trauma-informed practices
Clear communication
Professional integrity
A commitment to stability, safety, and long-term wellbeing for children
Our Commitment
We know that family court proceedings can feel overwhelming for everyone involved — especially children.
Our commitment is to approach every case with professionalism, compassion, and integrity while keeping the child’s wellbeing at the center of the process. We strive to create a space where children feel heard, families feel respected, and courts receive thoughtful, objective recommendations designed to support the healthiest possible outcomes.
Meet
Matthew.
Matthew Melendez
Title 26 Guardian ad Litem.
Matthew Melendez brings a lifelong background in education, communication, and community advocacy to his work as a Guardian ad Litem.
In addition to extensive leadership experience in nonprofit organizations, education, and public engagement, Matthew has spent years working directly with children, families, schools, and vulnerable populations throughout Washington State. His professional work has centered on creating environments where young people feel connected, supported, and empowered to thrive.
Matthew’s background includes graduate work focused on community wellbeing, social connection, and human development, as well as decades of experience navigating complex interpersonal systems with empathy and professionalism. His personal experience navigating family court has further deepened his commitment to ensuring children’s voices and needs remain at the center of every decision.
He believes children do best when they are surrounded by stability, emotional safety, and adults willing to truly listen.
Transparent pricing. Clear expectations. Professional service.
We believe families and attorneys deserve a clear understanding of our fees and billing practices before services begin. Our Fee Schedule & Billing Policies outline our hourly rates, billing procedures, retainers, reimbursable expenses, and other important information regarding Guardian ad Litem services. We are committed to transparency, professionalism, and open communication so that families can focus on what matters most—the wellbeing of the children involved.
Please review the complete document below before engaging our services.
Reach Out to Us
Just complete this outreach form and we’ll get in touch with you ASAP.