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.
NY Legislature first to declare support for civil right to counsel principles
The NY Senate and House passed a concurrent resolution supporting the concept of universal representation in basic human needs civil cases.
Texas enacts law expanding right to counsel for parents
A Texas law enacted in 2015 provides for appointment of counsel for unknown/unlocatable parents and provides earlier notice to other parents.
Missouri debtor’s prison case, including right to counsel claim, moves forward
A federal case alleging the City of Ferguson is jailing indigent debtors without a hearing or counsel has survived a motion to dismiss.
Other countries to U.S.: provide counsel in civil proceedings
During a periodic review of the U.S. by the U.N. Human Rights Council, countries urged the U.S. to provide counsel in certain civil cases.
Fed court: counsel must be appointed earlier in child welfare process
A federal court found that a South Dakota court's practice of not appointing counsel at 48-hour child removal hearings violated due process.
ABA: all unaccompanied minors should get counsel
ABA Resolution 113 calls for the appointment of counsel for unaccompanied minors in all immigration proceedings.
California Bar task force calls for right to counsel in 4 civil areas
A report by the Civil Justice Strategies Task Force of the California Bar recommended that the state bar support a right to counsel in 4 areas.
Montana parents have constitutional right to counsel in adoptions, says high court
The Supreme Court of Montana held the state's failure to provide counsel in private adoption cases violated the state's equal protection clause.
Alabama fed court settlement establishes RTC in ability-to-pay cases
A federal district court approved a settlement requiring counsel for indigent debtors at ability-to-pay hearings.
Lack of right to counsel affects POC communities, says treaty body
The international body that enforces the CERD treaty urged the U.S. to address the impact of a lack of a right to counsel on people of color.
Florida Legislature establishes right to counsel for certain dependent children
A Florida law enacted in 2024 provides a right to counsel for particularly vulnerable children in abuse and TPR proceedings.
WA Senate bill adds right to counsel for post-termination dependent children
Washington SB6126 created a right to counsel for dependent children within 6 months after a petition to terminate parental rights is granted.
