and, for the RIGHT to free DNA testings and
attorneys in paternity actions:
REGARDING CONSTITUTIONALLY-PROTECTED RIGHTS TO
APPOINTMENT OF COUNSEL FOR *INDIGENT* PARENTS IN VARIOUS FAMILY LAW
MATTERS:
Again, every aspect of
this nationwide initiative has been carefully conceived and planned for
years...
The following is just a quick way of providing a glimpse into the
plan.
(FROM AN EMAIL, WITH NAMES REDACTED TO PROTECT THE
PARTIES' IDENTITIES...)
(again) In:
M. L. B. v. S. L. J. (and blah, blah...)
519 U.S. 102 (1996)
the USSC said:
"see also
Little v. Streater, 452 U.S. 1, 13 -17 (1981) (State must pay for blood
grouping tests sought by an indigent defendant to
enable him to contest a paternity suit)."
AND:
"[ Footnote 19 ] In Little v. Streater, 452 U.S. 1 (1981), we held that the Due Process Clause required the
States to provide a free blood grouping test to an indigent defendant in
a paternity action. The Court observed that "[a]part from the putative
father's pecuniary interest in avoiding a substantial support obligation and
liberty interest threatened by the possible sanctions for noncompliance, at
issue is the creation of a parent-child relationship. This Court frequently has
stressed the importance of familial bonds, whether or not legitimized by
marriage, and accorded them constitutional protection. Just as the termination
of such bonds demands procedural fairness, so too does their imposition." Id.,
at 13 (citations omitted). Little's description of the interest at stake in a
paternity suit seems to place it on par with the interest here."
AND:
[ Footnote 20 ] See, e.g., Zakrewski v. Fox, 87 F. 3d 1011,
1013-1014 (CA8 1996) (father's "fundamental" "liberty interest in the care,
custody and management of his son has been substantially reduced by the terms of
the divorce decree and Nebraska law").
[ Footnote 21 ] In Boddie v. Connecticut, 401 U.S. 371 (1971), we referred to a divorce as the
"adjustment of a fundamental human relationship." Id., at 382-383.
<name redacted>, I couldn't seem to find relevant
USSC cases on the subject of right to attorney in paternity
proceedings other than above (at the moment...), but here's links to INDIANA
cases which uphold that right:
Lattimore v. Amsler
(it's a N.E.2d reporter citation, not sure at the moment...)
Dickson v. D'Angelo
(it's a N.E.2d reporter citation, not sure at the moment...)
AND, HOW ABOUT THIS!!! - indigent right to attorney in PROTECTIVE
ORDERS!!!
Holmes v. Jones
(it's a N.E.2d reporter citation, not sure at the moment...)
AND, JUST FOR TRIVIA, the right to discovery of Guardian Ad Litem
files/records...
(Several parties...)