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 court may appoint counsel for a child in a guardianship proceeding.
Right to counsel
Indigent parents who have appeared are entitled to counsel if one of three factors are met.
Discretionary appointment of counsel
The court may appoint counsel for a child in a child support matter brought under the Ill. Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act.
Right to counsel for certain parents
In adoptions, the court shall appoint counsel for parents alleged unfit due to mental impairment, mental illness or an intellectual disability.
Discretionary appointment of counsel
The Code of Civil Procedure provides that a court may, in its discretion, appoint counsel to represent an indigent person.
Discretionary appointment of guardian ad litem
The court may appoint a guardian ad litem for a minor subject to guardianship, though it is not clear whether the GAL must be an attorney.
Inherent authority to appoint GAL for minor litigant
Courts have may appoint a guardian ad litem for a minor involved in litigation under their inherent authority who may or may not be an attorney.
Right to counsel
Indigent persons subject to petitions for involuntary outpatient treatment are entitled to court-appointed counsel.
Qualified appointment of GAL
Services must be consensual, absent an emergency ex parte order, which triggers the appointment of a GAL who may or may not be an attorney.
Discretionary appointment of counsel for kids may extend to private adoptions
The intermediate court found that the statutory right to counsel in termination of parental rights cases extends to adoptions.
Applicants appealing denial of “township assistance” must be informed about the availability of free legal counsel
Applicants for "township assistance" appealing denial of the benefit must be informed about the availability of free legal counsel.
Discretionary appointment of counsel
The court may appoint counsel for a person alleging discriminatory housing practice.
