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.
CA joins states guaranteeing counsel in conservatorship cases
A 2021 change to the law guarantees appointment of counsel in conservatorship cases.
Arkansas adds limited right to counsel for parents in adoptions
A court must appoint counsel for a birth parent, but only for certain types of adoption and only with respect to filing or revoking consent.
Right to an attorney ad litem
Pro se minor parties in interpersonal protective order (IPO) and domestic violence order (DVO) cases have a right to an attorrney ad litem.
Kentucky high court finds that unrepresented minors are entitled to an attorney ad litem
Pro se minor parties in interpersonal protective order (IPO) and domestic violence order (DVO) cases have a right to an attorrney ad litem.
Minnesota makes parent counsel mandatory in abuse/neglect cases
A 2021 bill changed the law such that appointment of counsel for parents in abuse/neglect cases is mandatory, not discretionary.
Discretionary appointment of counsel
The court may appoint counsel for Missouri children in truancy cases, which are treated as "child in need of care or treatment" matters.
Right to counsel
Indigent parents in termination of parental rights cases have the right to counsel, and counsel shall be appointed if the parent desires.
New polling data shows strong support for eviction right to counsel
Data for Progress has released new polling data showing the American public strongly supports a right to counsel for tenants facing eviction.
WA State guarantees counsel for many children in child welfare cases
As the result of 2021 legislation, many Washington State children are now guaranteed independent counsel in child welfare cases.
Right to counsel
A 2021 law guarantees counsel for children in abuse and termination cases provided the children are of sufficient age and maturity.
Arizona establishes right to counsel for kids in child welfare cases
Juveniles have the right to appointed counsel in abuse/neglect and TPR proceedings regardless of indigency.
Seattle becomes eighth city with eviction right to counsel
A bill enacted by the Seattle City Council provides a right to counsel for all low-income tenants facing eviction.
