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.
No right to counsel
No right to counsel provision for objecting parents in guardianship matters was located.
Right to amicus or ad litem attorney
The court shall appoint either an amicus attorney or attorney ad litem for a minor petitioning for their full or limited emancipation.
Discretionary appointment – Incarcerated parents
A court rule permits appointment of counsel for incarcerated parents in certain child-related cases.
Discretionary appointment of counsel
Statute permits appointment of counsel in guardianship cases.
No right to counsel
An unpublished per curiam disagreed with appellant that denying him counsel in prior civil cases violated the Americans with Disabilities Act.
No right to counsel – Foreclosure defendant
An unpublished per curiam appellate decision found no right to counsel for a defendant in a foreclosure case.
No right to counsel – Malpractice suit
An unpublished per curiam decision found no right to counsel for an indigent litigant's malpractice suit against his criminal defense attorney.
Discretionary appointment of attorney ad litem
In parentage cases, the court may appoint an attorney ad litem for a minor child where the child is made a party.
Right to counsel
Virginia children have a right to counsel in truancy cases (which are treated as "child in need of supervision" matters).
Right to counsel
Indigent adoption respondents have a right to counsel, while petitioners may be appointed counsel.
Right to counsel
Minors have a RTC in temp. conservatorship cases and may have a RTC in proceedings for the appointment or removal of a guardian or conservator.
Right to counsel
A court must arguably appoint counsel for respondents in certain civil commitment proceedings.
