Right to counsel

Key_development Question_mark

Legislation, Termination of Parental Rights (State) - Children

For termination proceedings, Colo. Rev. Stat. § 19-3-602(3) states, "A guardian ad litem, who shall be an attorney and who shall be the child's previously appointed guardian ad litem whenever possible, shall be appointed to represent the child's best interests in any hearing determining the involuntary termination of the parent-child legal relationship. Additionally, said attorney shall be experienced, whenever possible, in juvenile law. Such representation shall continue until an appropriate permanent placement of the child is effected or until the court's jurisdiction is terminated. If a respondent parent is a minor, a guardian ad litem shall be appointed and shall serve in addition to any counsel requested by the parent."

Appointment of Counsel: categorical Qualified: yes