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.
Legislation: civil forfeiture
This bill would eliminate civil forfeiture and requires appointment of counsel for indigent persons opposing forfeiture.
Legislation: minor plaintiffs in DV proceedings
These bills would require appointment of counsel for minor plaintiffs in protection from abuse proceedings.
Federal agency: all parents/children should be represented in child welfare cases
DHHS' Administration for Children and Families has issued a memo calling for counsel for all parents/children in child welfare cases.
Legislation (dead): adult guardianships
These bills would have provided a right to counsel for prospective adult wards in guardianship proceedings.
Legislation (dead): termination of parental rights
This bill would have removed the indigency requirement for a parent to have a right to counsel in termination of parental rights cases.
Legislation (dead): civil forfeiture
This bill would have abolished civil forfeiture and provided a right to counsel for criminal forfeiture proceedings.
Legislation (dead): civil forfeiture
This bill would have required a criminal conviction prior to forfeiture, and authorized the PD's office to represent an individual.
Utah high court: some parents have right to counsel in private termination cases
The Supreme Court of Utah held that parents may be constitutionally entitled to counsel in private termination of rights cases.
NY court: wards have constitutional right to counsel in Art. 17-A guardianship proceedings
A NY Surrogate's Court held that proposed wards have a constitutional right to counsel in Article 17-A guardianship cases.
Delaware grants right to counsel for children
A law passed in 2016 requires the court to appoint an attorney for a child to act as guardian ad litem in abuse and termination cases.
Report: Whether Washington kids get counsel depends on where they live
A report examines the situation in Washington State as to when children are appointed counsel in child welfare cases.
“100% Access to Justice” Initiative launched, includes civil right to counsel
A new "Justice for All Initiative" launched by national court leaders includes civil right to counsel as part of the plan.
