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.
Fee elimination and retroactive forgiveness bill dies in Committee
A 2026 bill would've eliminated certain fees and provided retroactive forgiveness of some financial obligations.
WA legislature narrows right to counsel in guardianship/conservatorship cases
Court must appoint counsel for respondents who object, request counsel, or if their interests cannot otherwise be adequately protected.
Discretionary appointment – Objecting parents in conservatorship cases
The court may appointment counsel for parents objecting to the appointment of a conservator.
WI tenant right to counsel bill dies
A 2026 Wisconsin bill that would have provided a right to counsel for tenants failed to pass.
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.
Enactment of UGCOPA weakens appointment of counsel for children
2026 changes to the law somewhat narrow the appointment of counsel in guardianship establishment matters.
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.
Bill that would’ve rolled back child’s right to counsel dies
SB 1234 would have repealed the child's RTC, replacing it with an attorney ad litem and discretionary appointment of counsel.
