M.T.L. v. Dempsey

OPINION

WILLIAM J. FLEMING, Judge.

Petitioner M.T.L., mother of D.R.L., seeks a writ of mandamus to compel the trial court to appoint counsel to represent her in the custody and visitation phase of the parentage action pertaining to D.R.L. We conclude petitioner has a statutory right to counsel and mandamus will lie.

FACTS

In February 1992, the Watonwan County Attorney (county) filed a summons and complaint on behalf of petitioner and the Watonwan County Human Services Board seeking a judgment determining W.C.O. to be the father of D.R.L. The complaint also requests that petitioner be granted…