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
Kids have a right to counsel in contested adoptions, and the court may appoint a GAL in certain matters related to voluntary agreements.
Right to counsel
Adults subject to civil commitment proceedings have the right to counsel as do certain minors.
Right to counsel
There is a right to counsel for indigent respondents in sexually violent person commitment proceedings.
Discretionary appointment of counsel
A court may appoint counsel for the child in various kinds of private custody proceedings.
Right to counsel
A minor has a right to counsel in seeking to bypass parental consent to have an abortion.
Right to counsel
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court found a due process right to counsel in termination of parental rights cases, although the case is in some doubt.
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.
