Right to counsel

Key_development Question_mark

Legislation, Termination of Parental Rights (Private) - Children

In both voluntary and involuntary termination of parental rights proceedings, the court must appoint a guardian ad litem for any child who is the subject of a contested adoption proceeding.  Wis. Stat. § 48.235(1)(c).  However, “[i]f the guardian ad litem determines that the best interests of the [child] are substantially inconsistent with the wishes of that [child], the guardian ad litem shall so inform the court and the court may appoint counsel to represent that [child].”  Wis. Stat. § 48.235(3).

Appointment of Counsel: categorical Qualified: yes