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
All respondents have the right to counsel in mental health commitments, as do adults in substance dependency commitments
Right to counsel
There is a right to appointed counsel for the subject of guardianship proceedings in certain situations.
Right to counsel
There is a right to counsel for individuals subject to a petition for court-ordered care, including confinement or isolation, or detention.
Right to counsel
In a proceeding alleging abuse or neglect and in TPR cases, the court must appoint a lawyer-guardian ad litem to represent the child.
Discretionary appointment of counsel
A court may appoint counsel for a child in a petition for adoption after temporary placement.
Discretionary appointment of counsel – Minor emancipation
A court may appoint counsel for the minor and/or parents if a petition to emancipate has been filed.
Discretionary appointment of counsel – Third party custody actions
The court may appoint counsel for a parent in a third party custody dispute.
Discretionary appointment of attorney GAL
A court may appoint a lawyer-GAL for a child in any private custody dispute if the child's interests are not adequately represented.
Right to counsel
There is a right to counsel for indigent respondents in paternity proceedings.
Right to counsel
If a paternity petitioner is unable to hire an attorney, the state must supply a prosecuting attorney or county attorney to bring the action.
Right to counsel
A minor has a right to counsel in proceedings to waive the parental consent requirement for an abortion.
Right to counsel
The Michigan Supreme Court found a federal constitutional right to counsel in civil contempt proceedings.
