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.
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An unpublished per curiam decision found no right to counsel for an indigent litigant's malpractice suit against his criminal defense attorney.
No right to counsel – Foreclosure defendant
An unpublished per curiam appellate decision found no right to counsel for a defendant in a foreclosure case.
No right to counsel
An unpublished per curiam disagreed with appellant that denying him counsel in prior civil cases violated the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Discretionary appointment of counsel
Statute permits appointment of counsel in guardianship cases.
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.
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
Indigent parents have a right to counsel in termination of parental rights cases.
