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.
Appellate court finds withdrawal of mother’s attorney violated fundamental fairness
An appellate court reversed termination of a mother's parental rights where the trial court allowed her attorney to withdraw the day of trial.
Right to counsel
There is a right to counsel for respondents in civil commitment proceedings, including for juveniles and developmentally disabled persons.
Discretionary appointment of counsel or GAL
The court may appoint counsel or a guardian ad litem for a minor in a private custody dispute arising in a divorce.
Lawsuit challenging failure to appoint lawyers for foreclosed NY homeowners settles
A lawsuit by the NYCLU challenging the failure of NY courts to determine whether foreclosed homeowners should be appointed counsel has settled.
NEW RESOURCE: advancing racial/health justice through RTC
A new policy brief explores how to advance both racial and health justice through a right to counsel for tenants facing eviction.
Bill contemplated pilot representation program for unlicensed caregivers
An Indiana Senate bill would have created a pilot program in certain counties to provide unlicensed caregivers with counsel in abuse cases.
Bills would have strengthened right to counsel-related procedures for minors
The Florida Senate introduced bills to require notice to minors of their right to counsel in involuntary mental health evaluation matters.
All about the right to counsel for evictions in NYC
NYC is the first jurisdiction in the country to establish a right to counsel for low-income tenants in eviction cases, and is looking to expand.
NY bill would guarantee counsel in all immigration removal cases
A statewide bill in NY would provide a right to counsel for both detained and non-detained immigrants in removal proceedings.
Bills intended to overturn the Alaska Supreme Court’s decision in Flores have died
Cross-filed bills meant to amend the definition of "public agency" to exclude the Alaska Legal Servs. Corp. and thus narrow access to counsel.
Several bills sought to strengthen counsel for parents and kids
In 2024, MO introduced legislation to address shortcomings in the right to counsel for both kids and their parents in various case types.
WA considers pre-petition RTC for parents in abuse cases
The bill would have provided a child's parent with the right to consult with counsel before signing a 'voluntary' placement agreement.
