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.
Ohio Supreme Court extends right to counsel to guardianship review cases
The Ohio Supreme Court ruled that as a matter of statutory construction, there is a right to counsel in reviews of existing guardianships.
Constitution requires counsel for children in adoptions, MA high court rules
The Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts found a state due process right to counsel for children in private adoption cases.
Model Code for Education includes right to counsel
The 2012 version of the Model Code on Education and Dignity contains significant right to counsel provisions.
San Francisco enacts ordinance declaring intent to become first “right to civil counsel city”
The San Francisco Council passed an ordinance declaring an intent to become the first "right to civil counsel city".
ABA Adopts Model Act on Child’s Right to Counsel
In 2011, the ABA endorsed the Model Act for Children in Abuse, Neglect and Dependency Proceedings, which covers right to counsel.
MA completes comprehensive housing pilots
A set of housing right to counsel pilots were completed in Massachusetts in 2012 and 2013.
Trial courts have inherent power to appoint counsel, says Supreme Court of Montana
The Montana Supreme Court sent a reminder to trial courts that they have the inherent power to appoint counsel in any civil case.
Maryland Access to Justice Commission Releases RTC Implementation Report
The ATJC's report described how new rights to counsel might be implemented in MD, and put a price tag on such an implementation.
Michigan Supreme Court clarifies right to counsel for adults
The Michigan Supreme Court clarified that the right to counsel for parents in child protective proceedings includes the preliminary hearing.
ABA releases Model Act and Basic Principles for civil right to counsel
In 2010, the ABA released the Model Access Act and Basic Principles of a Right to Counsel in Civil Legal Proceedings.
Right to counsel in terminations extends to appeals, Indiana Supreme Court says
The Indiana Supreme Court held the statutory right to counsel for parents in terminations of parental rights cases extends to appeals.
Michigan Supreme Court dodges case on right to counsel in termination cases
The Michigan Supreme Court declined to review a case where the trial court failed to appoint counsel for a parent in a termination case.
