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.
Legislation (dead): parents in private adoptions
Two bills would have provided a right to counsel for parents in private adoption cases, codifying a NJ Supreme Court ruling.
Legislation: timing of appointed counsel for parents
A bill would specify that parents are entitled to appointed counsel early in the child welfare process.
Legislation (dead): fines/fees cases
A series of bills would have required appointment of counsel prior to incarceration for failure to pay fines/fees.
Legislation (dead): civil forfeiture
A bill would have required the public defender to be appointed in civil forfeiture proceedings.
Legislation: minor defendants in DV proceedings
These bills would require appointment of counsel for minor defendants in protection from abuse proceedings.
Legislation: civil forfeiture
This bill would eliminate civil forfeiture and requires appointment of counsel for indigent persons opposing forfeiture.
Legislation: minor plaintiffs in DV proceedings
These bills would require appointment of counsel for minor plaintiffs in protection from abuse proceedings.
Federal agency: all parents/children should be represented in child welfare cases
DHHS' Administration for Children and Families has issued a memo calling for counsel for all parents/children in child welfare cases.
Legislation (dead): adult guardianships
These bills would have provided a right to counsel for prospective adult wards in guardianship proceedings.
Legislation (dead): termination of parental rights
This bill would have removed the indigency requirement for a parent to have a right to counsel in termination of parental rights cases.
Legislation (dead): civil forfeiture
This bill would have abolished civil forfeiture and provided a right to counsel for criminal forfeiture proceedings.
Legislation (dead): civil forfeiture
This bill would have required a criminal conviction prior to forfeiture, and authorized the PD's office to represent an individual.
