Right to counsel
Rhode Island
,
Legislation
, Guardianship/Conservatorship of Adults - Protected Person
Rhode Island law requires the probate court to provide an attorney for incapacitated individuals undergoing guardianship proceedings if the respondent contests the petition in some way. R.I. Gen. Laws § 33-15-7(d). Additionally, the court shall appoint legal counsel if the respondent requests counsel, or the guardian ad litem determines it is in the respondent’s best interests. § 33-15-7(e). For the guardianship removal proceedings, however, § 33-15-18(a) states only that “[t]he ward may retain counsel for this purpose.”
Appointment of Counsel: Yes
Qualified: Yes
