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 of guardian ad litem
The court may appoint a guardian ad litem for a minor seeking emancipation at any time during the proceedings.
Right to counsel
There is likely a constitutional right to counsel for parents in dependency cases.
Right to Counsel
Individuals against whom involuntary outpatient mental health treatment is sought have the right to counsel regardless of indigency.
Right to counsel
There is a right to court-appointed counsel for indigent adult respondents in both mental health- and substance abuse-related treatment matters.
Discretionary appointment of attorney ad litem
The court may appoint counsel for minors who are subject to guardianship proceedings.
Right to counsel – certain election contests
There is a right to court-appointed counsel in certain contests brought under the elections code where the defendant does not appear at trial.
Discretionary appointment – Mental health evaluation
Indigent parents may be appointed counsel in matters related to mental health evaluations in the abuse/neglect context.
Discretionary appointment of counsel
The court may appoint counsel for the petitioner of a civil protection order.
Right to attorney ad litem
Children in private termination proceedings have a right to an attorney ad litem. The court may also appoint a CASA or client-directed counsel.
Discretionary appointment of counsel
Court Rule 206, which has been found applicable in private guardianship matters, provides that the court may appoint counsel for parents.
Right to attorney ad litem
Court Rule 207, which has been found applicable in private guardianship matters, provides that the court may appoint an attorney ad litem.
Discretionary appointment of counsel
The Del. Supreme Court has suggested that due process requires a case-by-case determination for appointment of counsel in guardianship cases.
