Right to counsel
Vermont provides for the right to counsel for intellectually disabled adults prior to involuntary sterilization: “If the [sterilization] petition states that the respondent is unable to pay for counsel, the court shall appoint counsel to be paid by the state or set a hearing for a determination of respondent’s ability to pay for counsel.” 18 V.S.A. § 8710. A court rule also provides for the appointment of counsel. Vermont Family Proceedings Rule 6.1, which “applies to all proceedings involving adults under … 18 V.S.A. Chapter 204 (Sterilization)” states, “In all proceedings to which this rule applies, the court shall assign counsel pursuant to Administrative Order No. 32 to represent the respondent unless counsel has been retained by that person.” Vt. R. Fam. Pro. R. 6.1(b).
