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.
Discretionary appointment – “Convicts,” minors, or “incompetent persons”
Courts must appoint an attorney-GAL for an infant, incompetent person, or convict.
Right to counsel
There is a right to counsel for indigent persons for various types of civil commitment proceedings.
Discretionary appointment of counsel
The WI Supreme Court held that courts must make a case-by case determination of whether to appoint counsel in abuse/neglect cases.
Discretionary appointment of counsel
A court may appoint counsel for the victim in a few DV scenarios.
Right to counsel – Challenge of any confinement
There is a right to counsel in habeas proceedings to challenge any kind of confinement.
Right to counsel
There is a right to counsel for certain individuals in involuntary medical treatment matters.
Right to counsel
Indigent parents have an arguable right to counsel in contested adoption matters.
Right to attorney GAL
Courts must appoint an attorney-GAL for children in abuse/neglect proceedings.
Right to attorney GAL
Courts must appoint an attorney-GAL for children in termination proceedings.
Right to counsel
There is a federal constitutional right to counsel in Michigan civil commitment proceedings, as per a federal court decision.
No due process right to counsel
The Washington Supreme Court has refused to extend a due process right to counsel to divorce matters involving custody disputes.
Discretionary appointment of counsel
The court may appoint counsel at any stage if it determines that "the interests of the minor are or may be inadequately represented."
