Major developments

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.

On July 17 in NYC, the NCCRC hosted a public breakfast event to educate about the latest happenings in the civil right to counsel movement.

A court may appoint counsel for a child when petition by a standby guardian to assume custody is filed.

Children in abuse/neglect cases are entitled to a GAL who is an attorney.

A 2018 law permits a court to appoint counsel for a child who voluntarily agrees to extend foster care.

A report from New Jersey Policy Perspective shows that immigrants fare better and the state saves money when counsel is provided.

A bill passed in 2018 requires the appointment of counsel for a student subjected to mental health evaluation after making a terroristic threat.

Waiver of a parent's right to counsel in child welfare cases now has to be knowing, voluntary, and intelligent, thanks to new legislation.

The Pennsylvania Superior Court held defendants have a right to appointed counsel prior to being incarcerated for failure to pay fees/fines.

A bill passed in 2018 guarantees counsel for all those subject to incarceration for failure to pay any money owed.

The court must appoint counsel for an indigent child in foster care where a petition to reinstate parental rights is filed.

A new 2018 law creates pilot programs that provide a right to counsel for parents in CHIPS cases in 5 counties.

A federal court held that a NJ township violated defendants' right to counsel in its handling of fees/fines cases.

A statute requires counsel for a child in a termination case unless their interests are adequately represented by another party.

An appellate court in New York held that trial courts cannot impute income in determining whether a person is entitled to appointed counsel.

A statute amended in 2018 and 2021 requires counsel for a parent in a juvenile court private termination of parental rights case.

New reports by the Center for Social Innovation and the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty support a right to counsel in evictions.

A Wisconsin pilot project found that providing representation to victims of domestic violence improved personal/family safety and saved money.