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 GAL
Courts seem to have the authority to appoint a GAL attorney for children in custody disputes, but the source of authority is unclear.
Right to a guardian ad litem
A child named as a party to a parentage action is entitled to a GAL, but it is not clear whether the GAL must be an attorney.
Right to Counsel
Indigent respondents in involuntary medical treatment matters have the right to an attorney.
Right to counsel
A court must appoint a best interests attorney for a minor seeking to bypass parental consent for an abortion.
Discretionary appointment of counsel for protected person in sterilization proceedings
There is an arguable right to appointed counsel in sterilization proceedings for adults subject to guardianship.
Discretionary appointment of counsel for certain kids in guardianships
The court is permitted to appoint an attorney for certain children in guardianships and an attorney ad litem for children in conservatorships.
Discretionary appointment of counsel
Minors may have the right to an attorney in matters related to conservatorships or other protective orders.
Discretionary appointment of counsel
Courts must appoint counsel in fees/fines cases where necessary to protect due process rights.
Right to counsel
Parents have RTC if opponent is represented by public agency and parents whose rights were terminated have RTC about retained privileges.
Discretionary appointment of counsel
Minors subject to guardianship may be entitled to counsel in guardianship appointment and removal matters and to a GAL in conservatorships.
Discretionary appointment of counsel
Where post-majority support for an 18-year-old child is at issue in a divorce, the court may appoint counsel for the child.
Right to counsel
An indigent witness who refuses or may refuse to testify due to the privilege against self-incrimination has a right to counsel.
