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
A court must arguably appoint counsel for respondents in certain civil commitment proceedings.
Discretionary appointment of guardian ad litem (GAL)
The court may appoint a GAL for a minor if their interests are not adequately represented but the GAL seemingly need not be an attorney.
Right to counsel for certain adoption petitioners
Indigent adoption petitioners trying to adopt a child who was the subject of a termination of parental rights matter may be entitled to counsel.
Discretionary appointment of attorney as GAL for dependent adults
The court may appoint an attorney guardian ad litem for a dependent adult whose power of attorney agent is under investigation by the court.
Discretionary appointment for unrepresented interested person in probate matter
The court may appoint counsel to represent any interested person served with notice who is unrepresented in a probate estate case.
Right to counsel
There is a RTC for service members denied an additional stay due to continuing material effect of military duty on their ability to appear.
Discretionary appointment of GAL for child in certain circumstances
The court must appoint a guardian ad litem, who may or may not be an attorney, if the child and petitioner's interests differ.
Right to counsel for child
The court must appoint counsel for a minor whose guardian or proposed guardian seeks court authority to admit them to a treatment facility.
Discretionary appointment of counsel – For guardian
The court may appoint counsel for a guardian seeking to modify their authority.
Parties shall be advised of the right to be represented
In protection from abuse cases, "the court shall advise the parties of the right to be represented by counsel."
Parties shall be advised of the right to be represented
In protection from abuse cases, "the court shall advise the parties of the right to be represented by counsel."
Right to counsel
Individuals have the right to counsel at all stages of involuntary treatment matters regardless of indigency.
