Discretionary appointment of counsel
North Carolina, Legislation, Termination of Parental Rights (Private) - Birth Parents
NC. Stat. § 48-2-201(a) provides that “The court may appoint an attorney to represent a parent or alleged parent who is unknown or whose whereabouts are unknown and who has not responded to notice of the adoption proceeding as provided in Part 4 of this Article.”
However, where a request for consent to adoption stems from an abuse/neglect proceeding, the fact that a parent consents to adoption does not eliminate the right to counsel. In the Matter of Maynard, 448 S.E.2d 871 (N.C.App.1994).
Appointment of Counsel: Discretionary
Qualified: Yes
