Major developments

In Nov 2020, voters in Boulder Colorado approved a ballot initiative establishing a right to counsel for tenants facing eviction.

The Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts declined to answer whether indigent defendants are entitled to counsel in protection order cases.

A report by a working group created by the Supreme Court of California Chief Justice calls for a statewide tenant right to counsel.

In January 2022, We celebrated the eviction right to counsel movement and its leaders.

The Colorado Court of Appeals has ruled that indigent parents in child support contempt cases pursued by the government have a right to counsel.

The Maryland Court of Appeals ruled that involuntarily committed patients objecting to medication have a right to counsel.

A new research report finds that children with counsel in child welfare cases have improved permanency outcomes and the State saves money.

Ithaca has passed a resolution supporting the right to counsel for tenants and provided an annual appropriation.

Minneapolis has enacted an ordinance providing a right to counsel for low-income tenants facing eviciton.

The City of Baltimore has enacted a bill to provide all low-income tenants facing eviction with counsel .

A 2021 change to the law guarantees appointment of counsel in conservatorship cases. California statutes require appointment of counsel in guardianship and conservatorship proceedings, but there are conditions.

A court must appoint counsel for a birth parent, but only for certain types of adoption and only with respect to filing or revoking consent.

A combined press release from the Treasury Department, HUD and AG"s Office urged states to use federal funding for right to counsel for tenants.

Pro se minor parties in interpersonal protective order (IPO) and domestic violence order (DVO) cases have a right to an attorrney ad litem.

Pro se minor parties in interpersonal protective order (IPO) and domestic violence order (DVO) cases have a right to an attorrney ad litem.

A Texas Court of Appeals found error in a trial court's decision to dismiss a parent's appointed counsel on the grounds of non-indgience.

The South Dakota Supreme Court has said that attorneys for children must inform courts of a child's wishes in child welfare cases.

A 2021 bill changed the law such that appointment of counsel for parents in abuse/neglect cases is mandatory, not discretionary.

The court may appoint counsel for Missouri children in truancy cases, which are treated as "child in need of care or treatment" matters.

Indigent parents in termination of parental rights cases have the right to counsel, and counsel shall be appointed if the parent desires.

The City Council has committed to providing funding such that most low-income tenants can be provided counsel.

The Washington Post ran an editorial series on the right to counsel.

Data for Progress has released new polling data showing the American public strongly supports a right to counsel for tenants facing eviction.

A bill has been filed that would provide a statewide right to counsel for indigent tenants facing eviction.

As the result of 2021 legislation, many Washington State children are now guaranteed independent counsel in child welfare cases.

As the result of 2021 legislation, Washington State children are now guaranteed independent counsel in termination of parental rights cases.

A 2021 law guarantees counsel for children in abuse/neglect cases provided the children are of sufficient age and maturity.

A 2021 law guarantees counsel for children in parental termination cases provided the children are of sufficient age and maturity.

The Supreme Court of California ruled parents can challenge a denial of a termination of parental rights appeal that was filed late.

Juveniles have the right to appointed counsel in abuse/neglect proceedings regardless of indigency.