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
A California statute requires appointment of counsel for an indigent endangered adult in emergency protective matters.
Discretionary appointment of counsel
A court may appoint counsel for the petitioner in protection order enforcement cases, and can order the respondent to pay the counsel fees.
Right to counsel – Incarcerated individuals
The California Supreme Court has said that incarcerated persons have a right to counsel in certain circumstances.
Right to counsel
The California Supreme Court found a state and federal constitutional right to counsel in certain paternity proceedings.
Right to counsel
The California Supreme Court found a right to counsel for respondents in civil commitments.
Right to counsel
A California appellate court found a right to counsel for indigent parents in dependency proceedings.
Right to counsel
A few appellate courts have found a right to counsel in certain child support establishment proceedings.
Discretionary appointment of counsel
Several appellate courts have suggested that counsel may be appointed on a case-by-case basis in dependency cases under due process.
Right to counsel – Disabled litigants
Court rules require appointment of an attorney for an individual under disability who is sued and does not have a guardian.
Right to counsel
In Child in Need of Assistance proceedings, indigent parents have a right to counsel.
Right to counsel
Children are entitled to appointed counsel who may or may not represent the child's wishes, depending whether they have “considered judgment."
Right to counsel
Indigent parents have a right to counsel in a non-consensual action brought by the state to terminate parental rights.
