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.
Legislature extends parent’s right to counsel to adoption proceedings
The Tennessee legislature amended the code to extend the right to counsel to parents in adoption proceedings.
Federal court: GA children have state constitutional right to counsel
A federal court found that the Georgia Constitution requires counsel for children in deprivation and termination cases.
MD high court avoids question of right to counsel in custody cases
The Maryland Court of appeals narrowly avoided addressing whether parents have a right to counsel in custody cases.
Right to counsel where custody is a “stage” of a dependency case
An appellate court found that a right to counsel could exist in certain kinds of custody proceedings pursuant to a statute.
Discretionary appointment of attorney
The court may appoint an attorney for unrepresented protective order petitioners.
Right to counsel
A court rule requires appointment of counsel for indigent parents in state-initiated termination of parental rights cases.
Right to counsel
There is a right to counsel for persons subject to involuntary short- and long-term treatment.
Right to counsel
Adult indigent respondents have the right to counsel in mental health and other commitments, as do some minors in certain commitment matters.
Right to counsel
Indigent parents have a right to counsel in deprivation proceedings.
Right to counsel
There is a right to counsel in guardianship establishment and review matters, as well as in conservatorship terminations and some modifications.
Right to counsel
Indigent custodial parents are entitled to counsel in dependency proceedings following the initial temporary removal hearing.
Right to counsel
Indigent parents have a right to counsel upon request in involuntary termination of parental rights proceedings.
