Right to counsel

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Legislation, Guardianship/Conservatorship of Children - Parent or Guardian (incomplete)

Wash. Rev. Stat. 11.130.200(5) provides that the court must appoint counsel for an indigent parent who has appeared in the proceeding if "(i) The parent objects to appointment of a guardian for the minor; or (ii) The court determines that counsel is needed to ensure that consent to appointment of a guardian is informed; or (iii) The court otherwise determines the parent needs representation."  The court is required to inquire as to the parent's indigency "to ensure that counsel is appointed in a timely manner." Id. at (6).  


If any of the same three factors above are met, the court may appoint counsel even if the parent is not indigent. Id. at (7).

Appointment of Counsel: categorical Qualified: yes