Right to counsel
North Carolina
,
Legislation
, Termination of Parental Rights (State) - Birth Parents
Indigent parents have a right to counsel in termination of parental rights cases. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 7A-451(a)(14), (15), 7B-1101.1(b)-(c). The right to counsel also applies in matters related to the safe surrender of an infant. When a petition is filed to terminate the parental rights of a surrendering or non-surrendering parent, notice must be given to the parents, which informs the parent that they are entitled to appointed counsel if indigent “and may contact the clerk immediately to request counsel.” See N.C. Gen. Stat. § 7B-1105.1.
Appointment of Counsel: Yes
Qualified: No
