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.

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.