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.
UGCOPA adds discretionary appointment of counsel for parents
A 2026 law permits the court to appoint counsel for objecting parents in guardianship / conservatorship establishment cases.
Enacted UGCOPA Act clarifies guardianship counsel is client-directed, but weakens protections in conservatorships
A 2026 law guarantees adults client-directed counsel in guardianship establishment cases but discretionary appointment in conservatorships.
Enactment of UGCOPA weakens appointment of counsel for children
2026 changes to the law somewhat narrow the appointment of counsel in guardianship establishment matters.
Immigration right to counsel in the Trump era
The extensive enforcement actions of Homeland Security and ICE have raised many right to counsel questions, and not just for immigration cases.
Report highlights major flaws of state civil forfeiture laws, including lack of RTC
A report by the Institute for Justice walks through the major due process problems created by the state civil forfeiture laws.
All about HUD’s Eviction Protection Grant Program
Four rounds of HUD grants are providing funding to legal services providers to represent tenants facing eviction.
All about New Jersey’s exploration of tenant RTC
New Jersey is providing counsel to all tenants facing eviction in 3 pilot sites.
All about Milwaukee’s universal tenant representation program
Milwaukee County has passed a resolution in support of right to counsel and appropriated sufficient funding to make that happen.
All about Nebraska’s tenant right to counsel law
In 2024, Nebraska enacted a right to appointed counsel for public housing residents in certain cities for administrative hearings & evictions.
All about Title IV-e and parent/child representation
A change to Title IV-E opens up matching federal funding for civil legal representation connected to foster care proceedings.
