Right to counsel

Indigent putative fathers have a right to counsel in paternity proceedings.  Conn. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 46b-160(e)(2) specifies that in paternity proceedings, “[t]he notice to the putative father shall inform him that … he has a right to be represented by an attorney, and if he is indigent, the court will appoint an attorney for him …” See also Conn. Practice Book 1998, § 25-68 (“A putative father named in a state initiated paternity action shall be advised by the judicial authority of his right to be represented by counsel and his right to court appointed counsel if indigent. If he is unable to obtain counsel by reason of his indigency he shall have counsel appointed to represent him . . . ”); Conn. Gen. Stat. § 51-296a(a) (specifying appointment protocol for paternity proceedings).