Civil RTC News
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.
Discretionary appointment of counsel
The court may appoint counsel in any civil case.
Right to counsel
A few appellate courts found a federal constitutional right to counsel in civil contempt proceedings.
Right to counsel
The Tennessee Supreme Court held that must be appointed in a civil commitment proceeding, presumably under the constitution.
Right to counsel
There is a right to counsel for the subject of court-ordered commitment matters related to mental health and "chemical dependency."
Discretionary appointment of counsel – probate cases
A court may appoint counsel for a variety of people in probate proceedings.
Right to counsel
Indigent parents are entitled to counsel in cases where the state seeks to install a temporary managing conservator, or files suit for services.
Right to counsel
Indigent parents have a right to counsel in state-initiated termination of parental rights cases.
Right to counsel
In abuse cases, children have a right to an attorney ad litem who may serve in a dual role.
Right to counsel
Children have a right to an attorney ad litem in state-initiated termination of parental rights proceedings.
Discretionary appointment of counsel
A court may appoint counsel for the parent in a privately-initiated termination of parental rights proceeding.
Right to counsel
One appellate court concluded that petitioners in DV cases have a right to counsel.
