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.
Right to counsel
There is a right to counsel for indigent respondent parents in dependency proceedings, including the appeal.
Right to counsel
Children in abuse and termination cases are entitled to counsel in certain circumstances.
Right to counsel
A court must, in some circumstances, appoint counsel for the estate of a DV victim, and for some minors and petitioners in DV cases.
Right to counsel – Transfer of disabled person’s property
A court must appoint a person (not necessarily an attorney) for disabled spouses where joint property is being conveyed.
No such proceeding
There is no requirement that a minor obtain parental input prior to having an abortion.
Discretionary appointment of counsel
A court may appoint counsel for a minor in proceedings under the Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act.
Discretionary appointment of counsel – paternity (child)
A court may appoint counsel for a child in a paternity proceeding.
Discretionary appointment of counsel
A court has the discretion to appoint counsel for an indigent person in any civil case.
Right to counsel
The Illinois Supreme Court found a right to counsel in adoption cases under the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution.
Right to counsel
An appellate court found a right to counsel in civil contempt cases, and the decision may have been affirmed by the Illinois Supreme Court.
Discretionary appointment of counsel
The Illinois Supreme Court has said that some incarcerated individuals may be entitled to counsel on a case-by-case basis.
Discretionary appointment of counsel
Several appellate courts have suggested that trial courts have the inherent power to appoint counsel where necessary.
