Major developments
This page lists all of the most recent developments on civil right to counsel across the country. These could be newly created rights to counsel, significant publications, public events, advocacy efforts, or other things that don't fit into a neat category.
New Mexico provides parents with counsel prior to the signing of a voluntary placement agreement
04/04/2023
A parent or guardian has the right to counsel before signing, and for the duration of, a voluntary placement agreement.
New Mexico provides child with counsel for matters related to voluntary placement agreements
04/04/2023
When a child's parent or guardian signs a voluntary placement agreement, the child is entitled to an attorney ad litem.
South Carolina bill would provide right to counsel for tenants
04/01/2023
A newly-introduced bill would guarantee counsel for indigent South Carolina tenants facing eviction.
Cincinnati data flags troubling eviction stats, positive representation results
03/30/2023
Reports from Cincinnati flag the low number of represented tenants and high eviction rates, as well as the positive impact of representation.
Right to counsel
03/28/2023
There is a right to an attorney in guardianship proceedings, but the attorney serves in an ad litem capacity.
Discretionary appointment of attorney ad litem
03/28/2023
The court may appoint an attorney ad litem for children in certain proceedings regarding parenting time, custody, or visitation.
Right to attorney ad litem
03/28/2023
Persons subject to guardianship have the right to an attorney ad litem where involuntary treatment with psychiatric medications is sought.
Discretionary appoitnment of attorney ad litem
03/28/2023
Minors may be appointed an attorney ad litem in matters related to conservatorships or other protective orders.
Milwaukee County provides counsel for all tenants facing eviction
03/27/2023
Milwaukee County has passed a resolution in support of right to counsel and appropriated sufficient funding to make that happen.
Guardianship right to counsel featured in Bloomberg
03/26/2023
A recent article from Bloomberg Law looks at flaws in state right to counsel laws, as well as the success of representation when provided.
OH Court of Appeals strengthens parents’ right to counsel in termination of parental rights matters
03/25/2023
An Ohio appellate court held that trial courts cannot permit parents' attorneys to withdraw in TPR matters without a thorough waiver analysis.
Discretionary appointment of counsel for child witnesses
03/23/2023
The court may appoint an attorney as a GAL for minors called as witnesses.
Minnesota strengthens right to counsel for Indian custodians and parents of Indian children
03/16/2023
An indigent parent or parents or Indian custodians have the right to counsel in any state child placement matter.
Minnesota passes bill strengthening right to counsel for Indian children
03/16/2023
Indian children in any state child placement proceeding have the right to counsel if they are 10 years of age or older.
Right to guardian ad litem
03/09/2023
An adult subject of protective services proceeding has the right to a GAL, but it is unclear whether GAL must be an attorney.
Right to Counsel
03/09/2023
Indigent parents and Indian custodians have the right to counsel in termination proceedings concerning Indian children.
Wyoming enacts the Wyoming Indian Child Welfare Act
03/09/2023
Indian children may be appointed counsel in termination proceedings.
Illinois introduces eviction right to counsel bills
02/17/2023
In 2023, the Illinois legislature introduced a few different bills that would provide for the appointment of counsel in eviction matters.
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.
All about Toledo's right to counsel for tenants facing eviction
02/10/2023
The City of Toledo has enacted legislation to guarantee counsel to low-income tenants facing eviction.
Kansas legislature introduces a bill to reform forfeiture
02/09/2023
A 2023 bill would abolish pre-conviction forfeiture and provide the right to counsel to indigent defendants in criminal forfeiture matters.
All about Louisville's eviction right to counsel
02/03/2023
Louisville is first the Southern city to enact an eviction right to counsel.
White House version of Tenant Bill of Rights includes right to counsel
01/27/2023
The recently-released White House Blueprint for a Renters Bill of Rights urges states to give tenants a right to counsel.
All about the children's right to counsel in PA TPR cases
01/14/2023
Children have a right to client-directed counsel in termination of parental rights cases, although the child's GAL can sometimes play this role.
New disability policy framework includes right to counsel
01/14/2023
New guidelines from the Disability Economic Justice Collaborative call for the inclusion of right to counsel as a reasonable accommodation.
Arbitrator may appoint attorney for child
01/10/2023
Arbitrator of family law matter may appoint an attorney, GAL, or other representative for a child.
Arbitrator may appoint attorney for child
01/10/2023
Arbitrator of family law matter may appoint an attorney, GAL, or other representative for a child.
CityHealth ranks cities on tenant right to counsel policies
01/04/2023
CityHealth, which ranks cities on their policies, is making a push in conjunction with the NCCRC for cities to adopt a tenant right to counsel.
HUD creates Eviction Prevention Grant Program
12/29/2022
Three rounds of HUD grants are providing funding to legal services providers to represent tenants facing eviction.
Omaha looks to add tenant right to counsel
12/29/2022
Omaha's affordable housing plan includes right to counsel as one of its stated goals.