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
The Montana Supreme Court found a state constitutional due process right to counsel in termination of parental rights proceedings.
Discretionary appointment of counsel
The Montana Supreme Court held that the constitution permits appointment of counsel for parents in abuse/neglect cases on a case-by-case basis.
Right to counsel
The Montana Supreme Court has suggested there may be a state and federal constitutional right to counsel in civil commitment proceedings.
Right to counsel
There is a right to counsel upon request for a minor seeking to bypass the parental consent requirement for abortion.
Right to counsel
Indigent parents have a right to counsel in abuse/neglect proceedings, and must be informed of this right.
Right to counsel
There is a right to counsel for indigent parents in termination of parental rights cases, and they must be informed of this right.
Right to counsel
Some children have an arguable right to counsel in abuse and TPR cases, and all children have a right to a guardian ad litem who is an attorney.
Discretionary appointment of counsel
A court may appoint counsel for a child in a private custody dispute.
Right to counsel
Indigent respondents have a right to counsel in sex offender commitment cases.
Right to counsel
Indigent respondents have a right to counsel in civil commitment cases.
Discretionary appointment of counsel – Party “mentally ill”
A court must appoint a GAL or attorney or both in divorce proceedings where a spouse is mentally ill.
Discretionary appointment of counsel
A court may appoint counsel for the proposed ward in various kinds of guardianship proceedings.
