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
The PA Supreme Court found a due process right to counsel in private termination of parental rights cases.
Right to counsel
Several lower courts found a federal constitutional right to counsel for respondents in state-initiated paternity cases.
Right to counsel
Two Pennsylvania courts have suggested that counsel is constitutionally required in civil commitment proceedings.
Right to counsel
A lower court stated that there may be a right to counsel in certain civil forfeiture proceedings.
Right to counsel
There is a right to counsel for indigent parents in abuse/neglect cases.
Right to counsel
Indigent parents have a right to counsel in termination of parental rights cases.
Right to counsel
There is a right to counsel for the subject of a guardianship proceeding, but only upon request or if the petition is contested.
Right to counsel
There is a right to counsel for an indigent subject of a civil commitment proceeding.
Discretionary appointment of counsel
A court may appoint counsel for a minor in a divorce proceeding to handle issues related to custody, support, or visitation.
Right to counsel
An indigent sex offender objecting to a community notification requirement has the right to appointed counsel.
Right to counsel – seizure of vehicles used for explosives transport
There is a right to counsel for an unknown person whose vehicle is seized on the grounds it was used to transport illegal explosives.
Discretionary appointment
A lower court held that incorporated English common law gave the court the power to appoint counsel in any civil case.
