SB37

An Act To Amend Title 13 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Free Legal Counsel For Relatives Of Certain Children In Adoption Proceedings.

Introduced·1/10/25
Draft Text

Delaware SB37 amends adoption laws to provide free legal counsel for relatives in adoption proceedings.

Delaware SB37 amends Title 13 of the Delaware Code to ensure relatives of children in Department custody have access to free legal counsel during adoption proceedings. This applies if the child is in Department custody, parental rights have been terminated, and the relative was connected to the child before the termination. The bill also mandates that courts appoint attorneys for petitioners in adoption cases meeting these criteria, regardless of their financial status.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Current
In committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

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4
9
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Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

History

Apr 8, 2025

Senate

Stricken in Senate

Jan 10, 2025

Senate

Introduced and Assigned to Judiciary Committee in Senate