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.
Trial courts have inherent power to appoint counsel, says Supreme Court of Montana
The Montana Supreme Court sent a reminder to trial courts that they have the inherent power to appoint counsel in any civil case.
Maryland Access to Justice Commission Releases RTC Implementation Report
The ATJC's report described how new rights to counsel might be implemented in MD, and put a price tag on such an implementation.
Michigan Supreme Court clarifies right to counsel for adults
The Michigan Supreme Court clarified that the right to counsel for parents in child protective proceedings includes the preliminary hearing.
ABA releases Model Act and Basic Principles for civil right to counsel
In 2010, the ABA released the Model Access Act and Basic Principles of a Right to Counsel in Civil Legal Proceedings.
Right to counsel in terminations extends to appeals, Indiana Supreme Court says
The Indiana Supreme Court held the statutory right to counsel for parents in terminations of parental rights cases extends to appeals.
Legislature extends parent’s right to counsel to adoption proceedings
The Tennessee legislature amended the code to extend the right to counsel to parents in adoption proceedings.
Michigan Supreme Court dodges case on right to counsel in termination cases
The Michigan Supreme Court declined to review a case where the trial court failed to appoint counsel for a parent in a termination case.
Federal court: GA children have state constitutional right to counsel
A federal court found that the Georgia Constitution requires counsel for children in deprivation and termination cases.
MD high court avoids question of right to counsel in custody cases
The Maryland Court of appeals narrowly avoided addressing whether parents have a right to counsel in custody cases.
Right to counsel
A statute requires court to appoint counsel for certain respondents and petitioners in civil commitment proceedings.
Right to counsel
A statute requires that the court appoint counsel for an indigent defendant in civil contempt cases based on failure to pay child support.
Right to counsel
A statute requires the court to appoint counsel for indigent respondent parents in dependency cases.
