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.
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.
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
Indigent parents are entitled to counsel in cases where the state seeks to install a temporary managing conservator, or files suit for services.
Right to counsel
A statute requires appointed counsel for indigent respondent parents in termination cases, and permits appointment for indigent petitioners.
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
There is a right to counsel for indigent respondents in conservatorship proceedings, including the review proceedings, and guardianships.
