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.
Alabama appellate court twice reverses TPR where appointed counsel denied continuance
The Alabama Court of Appeals reversed a termination of parental rights where a parent's appointed lawyer was denied a continuance to prepare.
FL trial court upholds child’s right to hire attorney
Children seeking adoption have the right to hire an attorney, a Florida trial court has ruled.
Idaho legislature repeals right to counsel for parents
As a result of a 2025 change, parents no longer have a right to counsel. Rather, appointment is on a case-by-case basis.
Federal court declines to reverse termination of immigrant child legal rep grants
A federal court refused to reverse the cancellation of federal grants to fund representation of immigrant children in removal proceedings.
Indiana Supreme Court flags child’s need for counsel in CHINS cases
The Indiana Supreme Court expressed concern about the child's need for counsel in Child in Need of Services (CHINS) cases.
Advocates sue to restore federal funding for rep of immigrants w/disabilities
Advocates have brought suit challenging the elimination of funding for representation immigrants with mental disabilities facing deportation.
NV legislature enacts right to counsel for indigent respondent parents
A 2025 change in the law requires counsel for indigent respondent parents.
All about Louisville’s eviction right to counsel
Louisville is first the Southern city to enact an eviction right to counsel.
All about Washington State’s groundbreaking eviction right to counsel
In April 2021, Washington State became the first state with a statewide right to counsel for tenants facing eviction.
Akron Mayor announces intent to introduce tenant RTC law
The Mayor of Akron has said he plans to introduce tenant right to counsel legislation in in June 2020.
MA court: Parents have right to counsel in certain private custody cases
The MA Court of Appeals held birth parents are entitled to counsel in permanent custody cases involving awards of custody to a nonparent.
All about the constitutional right to counsel in Ohio adoption cases
The Supreme Court of Ohio ruled that indigent parents in adoption cases have a right to counsel under the Equal Protection Clause.
