Major developments

A comprehensive, multi-year study found that providing multidisciplinary representation for parents in child welfare cases improved outcomes.

Two federal cases sought a right to counsel for all immigrant children in deportation proceedings, but the Ninth Circuit avoided both cases.

the Iowa Minor Guardianship Proceedings Act, enacted in 2019, guarantees counsel for parents and children in child guardianship cases.

A 2019 law change provides a right to counsel for both parents and children in private guardianship proceedings.

A respondent has a right to counsel in a proceeding relating to a protection order due to possession of firearms.

A new New Mexico law adds voluntary extended foster care for children aging out and provides counsel for children who opt in.

A bill has been introduced that would guarantee counsel for indigent tenants in eviction proceedings.

The Montana Supreme Court found that a parent had not waived his right to counsel in an adoption case, and strengthened the waiver standard.

A report by Legal Aid Society of Columbus found that tenants with representation received favorable outcomes in their cases far more often.

A report on tenant representation Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid found that tenants experienced far better outcomes with counsel.

A NJ trial court has held the state must appoint counsel prior to suspending a person's driver's license for inability to pay child support.

The U.S. Senate's Special Committee on Aging held hearings on state guardianship proceedings, and the right to counsel was discussed.

NCCRC Coordinator John Pollock delivered a keynote speech on right to counsel to an audience of 400 people in Minnesota in November.

A civil rights report critiques Tennessee's civil forfeiture practices for not providing a right to counsel for property owners.

The Vermont Supreme Court re-affirmed the right to counsel in contempt proceedings involving incarceration.

A study found that those who received full representation in divorce cases were significantly more successful in completing their divorces.

A report from Alabama Appleseed urges the state to provide counsel at all postconviction proceedings related to court debt.

The right to counsel extends to cases where the State seeks to collect appointed counsel fees, the NH Supreme Court ruled.

WI advocates have filed two petitions asking the WI Supreme Court to establish civil right to counsel rules and pilot projects.

An appellate court held the failure to advise a parent of the right to counsel in a TPR case, and delayed appointment, required reversal.

A new DV representation pilot follows a recommendation of the legislative Task Force to Improve Access to Counsel in Civil Matters.

A new report by the Seattle Women's Commission has some powerful stats on how much a lawyer makes a difference in eviction cases.

A Louisiana court held that a child's right to counsel in adoption cases is not subject to waiver and must be strictly enforced.

Complaints filed with the Sacramento County Superior Court allege violations of the ADA where counsel is not appointed in certain guardianships.

The American Bar Association has adopted a set of principles on how fees/fines should be collected, and one advocates for a right to counsel.

The Supreme Court of Wyoming held parents are entitled to appointed counsel in abuse/neglect cases even when not the subject of allegations.

A Florida Court of Appeals held that an adoption agency could not challenge the appointment of counsel for a parent in an adoption case.

A federal bill would require counsel for unaccompanied minors and vulnerable adults in immigration proceedings.

A report out of Concord, California finding numerous problems with the housing market recommends a right to counsel as a policy solution.

A new report from Tenants Together cites sky-high statewide eviction numbers and calls for a right to counsel.