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.
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.
Indiana Supreme Court declares right to counsel for parents in abuse/neglect cases
The Indiana Supreme Court clarified that parents have a statutory right to counsel in abuse/neglect cases, and failure to appoint is error.
Supreme Court of Hawaii says parents have right to counsel in abuse/TPR cases
The Hawaii Supreme Court ruled that all parents have a constitutional right to counsel under the state's due process clause.
Right to counsel
There is a right to counsel for parents in private adoption proceedings.
Two MD legislative commissions urge phased-in RTC in DV, and custody pilot
One Maryland legislative task force and one commission urge the state to adopt a phased-in right to counsel in DV cases and a custody pilot.
NY Times features NCCRC, nationwide push for civil right to counsel
The New York Times discussed the nationwide push for civil legal aid and highlighted the NCCRC as well as efforts by some of its participants.
Minnesota Supreme Court essay contest focuses on civil right to counsel
The Minnesota Supreme Court Historical Society's 2014 essay contest for high school students was about civil right to counsel.
MA Report discusses those turned away for legal aid, and benefits of counsel
The BBA Task Force to Expand Civil Legal Aid's report discusses how many eligible clients are turned away and the economic benefits of counsel.
