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.
Discretionary appointment – Incarcerated parents
A court rule permits appointment of counsel for incarcerated parents in certain child-related cases.
Right to counsel – Certain matters
Unrepresented minors likely have the right to counsel in certain guardianship/conservatorship termination and modification cases.
No such proceeding
A court may only appoint a guardian for a minor if the parent's rights have been terminated by prior order or the courts finds parent unfit.
Discretionary appointment of attorney ad litem for kids
District courts in Utah may appoint an attorney GAL for kids in protective order proceedings and certain other actions
Right to counsel
Children have a right to counsel in truancy proceedings (which are treated as a "child in need of services" matter).
Right to counsel
Virginia children have a right to counsel in truancy cases (which are treated as "child in need of supervision" matters).
Right to counsel
Indigent adoption respondents have a right to counsel, while petitioners may be appointed counsel.
Right to Counsel
Minors may have the right to an attorney in certain guardianship matters.
Right to counsel
Minors have a RTC in temp. conservatorship cases and may have a RTC in proceedings for the appointment or removal of a guardian or conservator.
Right to attorney guardian ad litem
The court shall appoint an attorney guardian ad litem for children in parentage matters under the Uniform Parentage Act in certain situations.
Right to counsel
A court must arguably appoint counsel for respondents in certain civil commitment proceedings.
Right to counsel – Reinstatement of parental rights
A child who petitions to have their parents' rights reinstated is entitled to counsel.
