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
Indigent parents have a right to counsel in state-initiated termination of parental rights cases.
Right to counsel
In abuse cases, children have a right to an attorney ad litem who may serve in a dual role.
Right to counsel
Children have a right to an attorney ad litem in state-initiated termination of parental rights proceedings.
Discretionary appointment of counsel
A court may appoint counsel for the parent in a privately-initiated termination of parental rights proceeding.
Right to counsel
One appellate court concluded that petitioners in DV cases have a right to counsel.
Right to counsel
There is a right to counsel for an indigent respondent in a sexually violent persons commitment proceeding.
Right to counsel
There is a right to counsel for an indigent respondent in a child support civil contempt proceeding.
Discretionary appointment of counsel – petitioner in civil contempt
The court may appoint counsel for the petitioner claiming violation of an order “for child support or possession of or access to a child.”
Discretionary appointment of counsel
One appellate court determined that constitutional appointment of counsel for respondents in protective order cases is on a case-by-case basis.
Right to counsel
Some appellate courts have found a federal constitutional right to counsel for the respondent in a civil contempt proceeding.
Right to counsel
Several appellate courts have found a federal constitutional right to counsel in civil commitment proceedings.
Discretionary appointment of counsel
The Texas Supreme Court has said trial courts have inherent power to appoint in any civil case if exceptional circumstances exist.
