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 – Private dependency context
Indigent parents have a right to counsel in private guardianships sought due to allegations of dependency.
Right to counsel
Indigent parents have the right to counsel in permanent guardianship matters.
No right to counsel
The appellate court has declined to find a categorical constitutional right to counsel for parents in neglect matters.
No right to counsel – Voluntary adoptions
The appellate court has held that there is no constitutionally-based right to counsel in voluntary adoption cases.
No right to counsel
The appellate courts have generally found no right to counsel in child custody matters.
Discretionary appointment
The court may appoint counsel for a person bringing a civil action for wrongful conviction against the state.
Right to counsel
A statute requires court to appoint counsel for certain respondents and petitioners in civil commitment proceedings.
Right to counsel
A statute requires that the court appoint counsel for an indigent defendant in civil contempt cases based on failure to pay child support.
Right to counsel
A statute requires the court to appoint counsel for indigent respondent parents in dependency cases.
Right to counsel
A statute requires appointed counsel for indigent respondent parents in termination cases, and permits appointment for indigent petitioners.
Right to counsel
A statute may provide a right to counsel for indigent fathers in paternity cases.
Right to attorney ad litem
A statute requires a court to appoint an attorney ad litem for the subject of a guardianship, conservatorship, or other protective order matter.
