Right to counsel

Vermont , Court Rule or Initiative , Guardianship/Conservatorship of Adults - Protected Person

A court rule provides for the appointment of counsel for unrepresented respondents in guardianships sought due to intellectual disability or mental health.  Vermont Family Proceedings Rule 6.1, which “applies to all proceedings involving adults under … (3) 18 V.S.A. Chapter 206 (Care for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities), and (4) 18 V.S.A. Chapter 215 (Protective Services)” 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).

Appointment of Counsel: Yes
Qualified: No
? If "yes", the established right to counsel or discretionary appointment of counsel is limited in some way, including any of: the only authority is a lower/intermediate court decision or a city council, not a high court or state legislature; there has been a subsequent case that has cast doubt; a statute is ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment is not for all types of individuals or proceedings within that category.