The Boston Bar Association signed onto this amicus brief arguing for a right to counsel for indigent parents of minor children in private guardianship actions where someone other than the parent seeks to have him or herself appointed by the court as the child’s guardian. The brief argues for a right to counsel in these cases based on constitutional due process and equal protection rights and policy considerations. It cites three different reports of BBA working groups and task forces on legal aid issues, including Investing in Justice, the recent report of the BBA Statewide Task Force to Expand Civil Legal Aid in Massachusetts. In early February 2015, the SJC’s holding took the position urged by our brief. Read more about the ruling here.
