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.
Right to counsel
There is a federal constitutional right to counsel in Michigan civil commitment proceedings, as per a federal court decision.
Right to counsel
There is an arguable right to counsel for children in adoption cases.
Discretionary appointment of counsel
A court may appoint counsel in any case involving civil rights violations in real estate transactions.
Right to counsel
There is a right to counsel for adults subject to involuntary mental health-related treatment.
Right to counsel
There is a statutory right to counsel in termination of parental rights cases.
Right to counsel
There is a right to counsel for children in Arkansas truancy proceedings (which are treated as "family in need of services").
Right to amicus or ad litem attorney
The court shall appoint either an amicus attorney or attorney ad litem for a minor petitioning for their full or limited emancipation.
No due process right to counsel
The Washington Supreme Court has refused to extend a due process right to counsel to divorce matters involving custody disputes.
Discretionary appointment of attorney ad litem
In parentage cases, the court may appoint an attorney ad litem for a minor child where the child is made a party.
Discretionary appointment of counsel
The court may appoint counsel at any stage if it determines that "the interests of the minor are or may be inadequately represented."
No right to counsel
No right to counsel provision for objecting parents in guardianship matters was located.
No right to counsel – Malpractice suit
An unpublished per curiam decision found no right to counsel for an indigent litigant's malpractice suit against his criminal defense attorney.
