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 counsel
The North Carolina Supreme Court suggested it might find a right to counsel on a case-by-case basis in paternity proceedings.
Right to counsel
A court must appoint counsel upon request for a child in a paternity proceeding.
Right to counsel
Maine has a right to counsel for minors seeking judicial approval for an abortion. However, current law no longer requires parental consent.
Right to counsel
A California court found a constitutional right to counsel for civil contempt proceedings.
Discretionary appointment of counsel – traffic court
Counsel may be appointed for an indigent party in a traffic court proceeding.
Right to counsel – Child Requiring Assistance proceedings
Parents are entitled to counsel in Child Requiring Assistance CRA) cases in certain circumstances.
Right to counsel – Challenge of any confinement
There is a right to counsel in habeas proceedings to challenge any kind of confinement.
Right to counsel
Children have a right to an attorney ad litem in abuse and termination of parental rights cases.
Right to counsel
A court must appoint an attorney ad litem for children in abuse/neglect proceedings.
Right to counsel
A court must appoint counsel for a parent in a termination proceeding connected to an adoption proceeding.
Discretionary appointment of counsel
A court may appoint an attorney-GAL for a child in a termination of parental rights proceeding.
