Massachusetts
This page provides a breakdown of all major developments and right to counsel law that the NCCRC knows for this state, sorted by subject area. Click on either tab below to see the aspect it describes.
| Color Key | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Categorical Right To Counsel | There is a right to counsel without qualification for all indigent individuals in this type of case (except that the individual may be required to request counsel). |
| Discretionary Appointment Of Counsel | Courts are permitted but not required to appoint counsel for any indigent individual in this type of case. A request may be required. |
| Right Or Appointment Is Qualified | The established right to counsel or discretionary appointment of counsel is limited in some way, including: the only authority comes from a lower/intermediate court decision or a city government, not a high court or state legislature; a case has cast doubt on prior authority; a statute is ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment is not for all individuals or proceedings within that type of case. |
| No Such Proceeding | This state has no law creating a judicial proceeding of this type. |
| No Authorization, But Relevant Materials | While this state does not provide for or require appointment of counsel with respect to the given subject area, it does have something (such as a report or bar policy) that supports the right to or appointment of counsel for this subject area. |
| Other | Because the "Other subject areas” category can include developments from different subject areas that do not work the same way as each other, a blanket categorization of this category is not possible. |
Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Accused Parents
Legislation
While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is discretionary).
Right to counsel
Indigent parents have a right to counsel "Whenever the department or a licensed child placement agency is a party to child custody proceedings."
If "yes", the established right to counsel or discretionary appointment of counsel is limited in some way, including any of: the only authority is a lower/intermediate court decision or a city council, not a high court or state legislature; there has been a subsequent case that has cast doubt; a statute is ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment is not for all types of individuals or proceedings within that category.
Appointment of Counsel:
categorical
Qualified:
no
Litigation
While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is discretionary).
MA Supreme Court: parents have a right to counsel in abuse/neglect cases
02/10/2015
The MA high court has said that the constitutional right to counsel applies to abuse/neglect cases.
If "yes", the established right to counsel or discretionary appointment of counsel is limited in some way, including any of: the only authority is a lower/intermediate court decision or a city council, not a high court or state legislature; there has been a subsequent case that has cast doubt; a statute is ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment is not for all types of individuals or proceedings within that category.
Appointment of Counsel:
categorical
Qualified:
no
|
NCCRC assisted with the briefing in the case. |
Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Children
Legislation
While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is discretionary).
Right to counsel
Dependent children have a right to counsel in a variety of scenarios.
If "yes", the established right to counsel or discretionary appointment of counsel is limited in some way, including any of: the only authority is a lower/intermediate court decision or a city council, not a high court or state legislature; there has been a subsequent case that has cast doubt; a statute is ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment is not for all types of individuals or proceedings within that category.
Appointment of Counsel:
categorical
Qualified:
no
Adult Protective Proceedings - Protected Person (incomplete)
Legislation
While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is discretionary).
Right to counsel
There is a right to counsel indigent subjects of adult protective proceedings.
If "yes", the established right to counsel or discretionary appointment of counsel is limited in some way, including any of: the only authority is a lower/intermediate court decision or a city council, not a high court or state legislature; there has been a subsequent case that has cast doubt; a statute is ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment is not for all types of individuals or proceedings within that category.
Appointment of Counsel:
categorical
Qualified:
no
All Basic Human Needs
Report
MA Report discusses those turned away for legal aid, and benefits of counsel
10/01/2014
The BBA Task Force to Expand Civil Legal Aid's report discusses how many eligible clients are turned away and the economic benefits of counsel.
Bypass of Parental Input into Abortion - Minor (Pre-Dobbs)
Legislation
While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is discretionary).
Right to counsel
A minor has a right to counsel upon request in proceedings to dispense with parental consent for an abortion.
If "yes", the established right to counsel or discretionary appointment of counsel is limited in some way, including any of: the only authority is a lower/intermediate court decision or a city council, not a high court or state legislature; there has been a subsequent case that has cast doubt; a statute is ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment is not for all types of individuals or proceedings within that category.
Appointment of Counsel:
categorical
Qualified:
no
Court Rule or Initiative
Discretionary appointment of counsel
A court may appoint counsel pursuant to a court rule for a minor who seeks to bypass the parental consent requirement for an abortion.
If "yes", the established right to counsel or discretionary appointment of counsel is limited in some way, including any of: the only authority is a lower/intermediate court decision or a city council, not a high court or state legislature; there has been a subsequent case that has cast doubt; a statute is ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment is not for all types of individuals or proceedings within that category.
Appointment of Counsel:
discretionary
Qualified:
no
Civil Contempt in Family Court
Litigation
MA high court avoids RTC question for civil contempt, but issues strong ruling/concurrence
06/26/2020
The Massachusetts high court avoided answering whether there is a right to counsel for civil contempt cases, but issued a strong opinion.
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The NCCRC assisted with the merits and amicus briefing in the case. |
Civil Commitment
Legislation
While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is discretionary).
Right to counsel
There is a right to counsel for respondents in civil commitment proceedings.
If "yes", the established right to counsel or discretionary appointment of counsel is limited in some way, including any of: the only authority is a lower/intermediate court decision or a city council, not a high court or state legislature; there has been a subsequent case that has cast doubt; a statute is ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment is not for all types of individuals or proceedings within that category.
Appointment of Counsel:
categorical
Qualified:
no
Forfeiture (incomplete)
Legislation
Legislation: civil forfeiture
01/23/2017
This bill would eliminate civil forfeiture and requires appointment of counsel for indigent persons opposing forfeiture.
Custody Disputes - Children
Legislation
While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is discretionary).
Right to counsel
A court held that when state involvement is imminent in a custody case, the court must appoint counsel for the child.
If "yes", the established right to counsel or discretionary appointment of counsel is limited in some way, including any of: the only authority is a lower/intermediate court decision or a city council, not a high court or state legislature; there has been a subsequent case that has cast doubt; a statute is ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment is not for all types of individuals or proceedings within that category.
Appointment of Counsel:
categorical
Qualified:
yes
Litigation
MA Supreme Court: indigent guardians may be appointed counsel
04/13/2017
The MA Supreme Court held a trial court may use its equitable powers to appoint counsel for an indigent guardian in a child guardianship case.
If "yes", the established right to counsel or discretionary appointment of counsel is limited in some way, including any of: the only authority is a lower/intermediate court decision or a city council, not a high court or state legislature; there has been a subsequent case that has cast doubt; a statute is ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment is not for all types of individuals or proceedings within that category.
Appointment of Counsel:
discretionary
Qualified:
yes
Divorce
Litigation
While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is discretionary).
Discretionary appointment of counsel - divorce
The Supreme Judicial Court of MA has suggested it can appoint counsel in divorce cases as a matter of due process.
If "yes", the established right to counsel or discretionary appointment of counsel is limited in some way, including any of: the only authority is a lower/intermediate court decision or a city council, not a high court or state legislature; there has been a subsequent case that has cast doubt; a statute is ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment is not for all types of individuals or proceedings within that category.
Appointment of Counsel:
discretionary
Qualified:
no
Domestic Violence - Accused Person
Legislation
Legislation: minor defendants in DV proceedings
01/23/2017
These bills would require appointment of counsel for minor defendants in protection from abuse proceedings.
Litigation
MA high court avoids question of right to counsel in DV cases
02/18/2022
The Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts declined to answer whether indigent defendants are entitled to counsel in protection order cases.
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The NCCRC submitted an amicus brief and also collaborated with amici Boston Bar Association, Women’s Bar Association, and the Massachusetts Legal Reform Institute. |
Domestic Violence - Alleged Victim
Legislation
Legislation: minor plaintiffs in DV proceedings
01/23/2017
These bills would require appointment of counsel for minor plaintiffs in protection from abuse proceedings.
Guardianship/Conservatorship of Children - Parent or Guardian (incomplete)
Litigation
While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is discretionary).
MA high court: parents have right to counsel in private child guardianship establishment and modification proceedings
05/04/2016
The Supreme Judicial Court of MA held there is a constitutional right to counsel in proceedings to establish or modify a child guardianship.
If "yes", the established right to counsel or discretionary appointment of counsel is limited in some way, including any of: the only authority is a lower/intermediate court decision or a city council, not a high court or state legislature; there has been a subsequent case that has cast doubt; a statute is ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment is not for all types of individuals or proceedings within that category.
Appointment of Counsel:
categorical
Qualified:
no
|
|
NCCRC authored the first draft of the multi-organization amicus brief, and helped with the 2nd case. |
Guardianship/Conservatorship of Adults - Protected Person
Legislation
While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is discretionary).
Right to counsel
There is a right to appointed counsel in guardianship proceedings, and the State pays if the person is indigent, but it requires a request.
If "yes", the established right to counsel or discretionary appointment of counsel is limited in some way, including any of: the only authority is a lower/intermediate court decision or a city council, not a high court or state legislature; there has been a subsequent case that has cast doubt; a statute is ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment is not for all types of individuals or proceedings within that category.
Appointment of Counsel:
categorical
Qualified:
yes
Litigation
While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is discretionary).
Right to counsel
A Massachusetts appellate court held that there is a right to counsel for guardianship removal proceedings.
If "yes", the established right to counsel or discretionary appointment of counsel is limited in some way, including any of: the only authority is a lower/intermediate court decision or a city council, not a high court or state legislature; there has been a subsequent case that has cast doubt; a statute is ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment is not for all types of individuals or proceedings within that category.
Appointment of Counsel:
categorical
Qualified:
yes
Housing - Evictions
Legislation
Massachusetts considers tenant right to counsel
02/12/2023
Bills have been filed to create a statewide right to counsel in eviction cases, and a statewide coalition has been launched to support them.
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The NCCRC has supported the efforts of the statewide coalition. |
MA to provide counsel to tenants statewide
10/12/2020
Massachusetts will provide $12.3 million to provide counsel to tenants across the state.
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The NCCRC has worked with the Massachusetts RTC Coalition on advancing this issue. |
Litigation
MA appellate court: counsel might be needed for evicted children
12/20/2019
The MA Court of Appeals remanded a case to determine whether children in an eviction case needed representation separate from their mother.
While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is discretionary).
MA trial court issues historic right to counsel decision
12/17/2017
A Massachusetts trial court ordered the appointment of an attorney ad litem in a housing eviction case.
If "yes", the established right to counsel or discretionary appointment of counsel is limited in some way, including any of: the only authority is a lower/intermediate court decision or a city council, not a high court or state legislature; there has been a subsequent case that has cast doubt; a statute is ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment is not for all types of individuals or proceedings within that category.
Appointment of Counsel:
discretionary
Qualified:
yes
Pilot
MA completes comprehensive housing pilots
01/01/2012
A set of housing right to counsel pilots were completed in Massachusetts in 2012 and 2013.
Report
Report finds racial disparity in evictions, calls for right to counsel
06/02/2020
A report finds the majority of MA evictions suspended during COVID-19 are in communities of color, and calls for a right to counsel.
Incarceration for Fees/Fines (incomplete)
Legislation
While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is discretionary).
MA moves to guarantee counsel for all fees/fines incarceration
04/13/2018
A bill passed in 2018 guarantees counsel for all those subject to incarceration for failure to pay any money owed.
If "yes", the established right to counsel or discretionary appointment of counsel is limited in some way, including any of: the only authority is a lower/intermediate court decision or a city council, not a high court or state legislature; there has been a subsequent case that has cast doubt; a statute is ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment is not for all types of individuals or proceedings within that category.
Appointment of Counsel:
categorical
Qualified:
no
Litigation
Right to counsel
There is a right to counsel when an indigent defendant is incarcerated for failure to pay a fine.
If "yes", the established right to counsel or discretionary appointment of counsel is limited in some way, including any of: the only authority is a lower/intermediate court decision or a city council, not a high court or state legislature; there has been a subsequent case that has cast doubt; a statute is ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment is not for all types of individuals or proceedings within that category.
Appointment of Counsel:
categorical
Qualified:
yes
Report
MA Senate Committee, Trial Court reports flag right to counsel issues in fees/fines cases
11/17/2016
Reports from a MA Senate Committee and MA Trial Court Working Group call for a right to counsel in fees/fines cases.
Involuntary Medical Treatment (incomplete)
Legislation
While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is discretionary).
Right to counsel - consent to treatment plan
For minors and incapacitated persons, there is a right to counsel regarding consent to a treatment plan.
If "yes", the established right to counsel or discretionary appointment of counsel is limited in some way, including any of: the only authority is a lower/intermediate court decision or a city council, not a high court or state legislature; there has been a subsequent case that has cast doubt; a statute is ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment is not for all types of individuals or proceedings within that category.
Appointment of Counsel:
categorical
Qualified:
no
Paternity - Defendant/Respondent
Legislation
While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is discretionary).
Discretionary appointment of counsel
A court may appoint counsel for a paternity respondent.
If "yes", the established right to counsel or discretionary appointment of counsel is limited in some way, including any of: the only authority is a lower/intermediate court decision or a city council, not a high court or state legislature; there has been a subsequent case that has cast doubt; a statute is ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment is not for all types of individuals or proceedings within that category.
Appointment of Counsel:
discretionary
Qualified:
no
Paternity - Petitioner or Child
Legislation
While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is discretionary).
Discretionary appointment of counsel
Counsel may be provided for a petitioner in a paternity action.
If "yes", the established right to counsel or discretionary appointment of counsel is limited in some way, including any of: the only authority is a lower/intermediate court decision or a city council, not a high court or state legislature; there has been a subsequent case that has cast doubt; a statute is ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment is not for all types of individuals or proceedings within that category.
Appointment of Counsel:
discretionary
Qualified:
no
Quarantine/Isolation
Legislation
While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is discretionary).
Right to counsel
There is a right to counsel for a person subject to a petition for commitment due to tuberculosis, but not other quarantine or isolation orders.
If "yes", the established right to counsel or discretionary appointment of counsel is limited in some way, including any of: the only authority is a lower/intermediate court decision or a city council, not a high court or state legislature; there has been a subsequent case that has cast doubt; a statute is ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment is not for all types of individuals or proceedings within that category.
Appointment of Counsel:
categorical
Qualified:
yes
Sexually Dangerous Persons - Commitment
Legislation
While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is discretionary).
Right to counsel
There is a right to counsel in sexually dangerous person commitment proceedings.
If "yes", the established right to counsel or discretionary appointment of counsel is limited in some way, including any of: the only authority is a lower/intermediate court decision or a city council, not a high court or state legislature; there has been a subsequent case that has cast doubt; a statute is ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment is not for all types of individuals or proceedings within that category.
Appointment of Counsel:
categorical
Qualified:
no
Litigation
Right to counsel
There is a constitutional right to counsel for portions of MA proceedings relating to sexually dangerous persons.
If "yes", the established right to counsel or discretionary appointment of counsel is limited in some way, including any of: the only authority is a lower/intermediate court decision or a city council, not a high court or state legislature; there has been a subsequent case that has cast doubt; a statute is ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment is not for all types of individuals or proceedings within that category.
Appointment of Counsel:
categorical
Qualified:
yes
Sexually Dangerous Persons - Registration/Notification
Legislation
While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is discretionary).
Right to counsel
Sex offenders have a right to counsel in sex offender registry determinations.
If "yes", the established right to counsel or discretionary appointment of counsel is limited in some way, including any of: the only authority is a lower/intermediate court decision or a city council, not a high court or state legislature; there has been a subsequent case that has cast doubt; a statute is ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment is not for all types of individuals or proceedings within that category.
Appointment of Counsel:
categorical
Qualified:
no
Termination of Parental Rights (Private) - Children
Litigation
While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is discretionary).
Constitution requires counsel for children in adoptions, MA high court rules
11/16/2012
The Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts found a state due process right to counsel for children in private adoption cases.
If "yes", the established right to counsel or discretionary appointment of counsel is limited in some way, including any of: the only authority is a lower/intermediate court decision or a city council, not a high court or state legislature; there has been a subsequent case that has cast doubt; a statute is ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment is not for all types of individuals or proceedings within that category.
Appointment of Counsel:
categorical
Qualified:
no
Termination of Parental Rights (State) - Children
Legislation
While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is discretionary).
Right to counsel
Children have a right to counsel in termination of parental rights proceedings.
If "yes", the established right to counsel or discretionary appointment of counsel is limited in some way, including any of: the only authority is a lower/intermediate court decision or a city council, not a high court or state legislature; there has been a subsequent case that has cast doubt; a statute is ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment is not for all types of individuals or proceedings within that category.
Appointment of Counsel:
categorical
Qualified:
no
Termination of Parental Rights (Private) - Birth Parents
Litigation
While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is discretionary).
Constitution requires counsel for parents in adoptions, MA high court rules
01/03/2012
The Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts found a state due process right to counsel for indigent parents in private adoption cases.
If "yes", the established right to counsel or discretionary appointment of counsel is limited in some way, including any of: the only authority is a lower/intermediate court decision or a city council, not a high court or state legislature; there has been a subsequent case that has cast doubt; a statute is ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment is not for all types of individuals or proceedings within that category.
Appointment of Counsel:
categorical
Qualified:
no
Termination of Parental Rights (State) - Birth Parents
Legislation
While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is discretionary).
Right to counsel
Indigent parents have a right to counsel "Whenever the department or a licensed child placement agency is a party to child custody proceedings."
If "yes", the established right to counsel or discretionary appointment of counsel is limited in some way, including any of: the only authority is a lower/intermediate court decision or a city council, not a high court or state legislature; there has been a subsequent case that has cast doubt; a statute is ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment is not for all types of individuals or proceedings within that category.
Appointment of Counsel:
categorical
Qualified:
no
Litigation
While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is discretionary).
Right to counsel
There is a state constitutional right to counsel for indigent parents in state-initiated cases to dispense with parental consent to adoption.
If "yes", the established right to counsel or discretionary appointment of counsel is limited in some way, including any of: the only authority is a lower/intermediate court decision or a city council, not a high court or state legislature; there has been a subsequent case that has cast doubt; a statute is ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment is not for all types of individuals or proceedings within that category.
Appointment of Counsel:
categorical
Qualified:
no
Truancy - Petition Against Child
Legislation
While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is discretionary).
Right to counsel
Indigent children in Massachusetts have a right to counsel in truancy cases (which are handled as a child in need of supervision matter).
If "yes", the established right to counsel or discretionary appointment of counsel is limited in some way, including any of: the only authority is a lower/intermediate court decision or a city council, not a high court or state legislature; there has been a subsequent case that has cast doubt; a statute is ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment is not for all types of individuals or proceedings within that category.
Appointment of Counsel:
categorical
Qualified:
no
Other Subject Areas
Legislation
Right to counsel - Child Requiring Assistance proceedings
Parents are entitled to counsel in Child Requiring Assistance CRA) cases in certain circumstances.
If "yes", the established right to counsel or discretionary appointment of counsel is limited in some way, including any of: the only authority is a lower/intermediate court decision or a city council, not a high court or state legislature; there has been a subsequent case that has cast doubt; a statute is ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment is not for all types of individuals or proceedings within that category.
Appointment of Counsel:
categorical
Qualified:
yes
| Subject Area | Status |
|---|---|
| Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Accused Parents | categorical |
| Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Children | categorical |
| Adult Protective Proceedings - Protected Person (incomplete) | categorical |
| All Basic Human Needs | |
| Benefits - Claimant | |
| Bypass of Parental Input into Abortion - Minor (Pre-Dobbs) | categorical |
| Child Support Establishment | |
| Civil Contempt in Family Court | |
| Civil Commitment | categorical |
| Forfeiture (incomplete) | |
| Consumer or Other Debt | |
| Custody Disputes - Parents | |
| Custody Disputes - Children | qualified |
| Divorce | discretionary |
| Domestic Violence - Accused Person | |
| Domestic Violence - Alleged Victim | |
| Education - Special Education | |
| Employment Discrimination | |
| Guardianship/Conservatorship of Children - Child (incomplete) | |
| Guardianship/Conservatorship of Children - Parent or Guardian (incomplete) | categorical |
| Guardianship/Conservatorship of Adults - Protected Person | qualified |
| Health Care Access | |
| Housing - Discrimination | |
| Housing - Evictions | qualified |
| Housing - General | |
| Immigration | |
| Issues Related to Incarcerated People | |
| Incarceration for Fees/Fines (incomplete) | categorical |
| Involuntary Medical Treatment (incomplete) | categorical |
| Paternity - Defendant/Respondent | discretionary |
| Paternity - Petitioner or Child | discretionary |
| Quarantine/Isolation | qualified |
| Sexually Dangerous Persons - Commitment | categorical |
| Sexually Dangerous Persons - Registration/Notification | categorical |
| Sterilization | |
| Termination of Parental Rights (Private) - Children | categorical |
| Termination of Parental Rights (State) - Children | categorical |
| Termination of Parental Rights (Private) - Birth Parents | categorical |
| Termination of Parental Rights (State) - Birth Parents | categorical |
| Truancy - Petition Against Child | categorical |