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 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.
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 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.
Right to counsel
The Alabama Court of Civil Appeals held the state constitution's due process clause requires counsel for parents in termination cases.
Right to counsel
A federal court found a federal due process right to counsel for indigent respondent parents in Alabama dependency proceedings in Roe v. Conn.
Right to counsel
The Alabama Court of Civil Appeals extended a case finding a right to counsel in criminal contempt cases to civil contempt.
Right to counsel
A statute provides a right to counsel for indigent adults and system-involved minors in mental health commitment matters.
Discretionary appointment of counsel for plaintiff or defendant
A statute permits a court to appoint counsel in a housing discrimination case for either the plaintiff or defendant.
