18 V.S.A. § 8710: Appointment of counsel

The respondent shall be represented by counsel throughout the proceeding. Upon filing of the petition the court shall notify the respondent that he or she shall be afforded the right to counsel. If the petition states that the respondent is unable to pay for counsel, the court shall appoint counsel to be paid by the State or set a hearing for a determination of the respondent’s ability to pay for counsel. The court may also require appointment of a guardian ad litem to represent the interest of the respondent. Counsel shall receive copies of the comprehensive evaluations required by section 8711(d) of this title and such other documents as may be received and issued by the court.