Right to counsel

Legislation, Termination of Parental Rights (Private) - Children

Conn. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 45a-717(b) specifies that “[u]nless the appointment of counsel is required under section 46b-136, the court may appoint counsel to represent or appear on behalf of any child in a hearing held under this section to speak on behalf of the best interests of the child.”  Since § 46b-136 applies only to juvenile matters (which apparently would not include adoptions), appointment of counsel for the child is on a discretionary basis.

Appointment of Counsel: discretionary Qualified: no