15B V.S.A. § 1601 — VT Code / Title 15B / Chapter 16 / Section 1601
§ 1601. Registration of an order for enforcement
Status: in_force

A support order or income withholding order issued in another state or a foreign support order may be registered in this State for enforcement.
15 V.S.A. § 812 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 13 / Section 812
§ 812. Minor
Status: in_force

A minor may change his or her name by some person who, under 14 V.S.A. chapter 111, may act for him or her, making, signing, sealing, and acknowledging before the judge of the Probate Division of the Superior Court of the district in which such minor resides, an instrument in substantially the form provided in section 811 of this title. Such instrument shall be signed by the person so acting for such minor. However, the name of the minor, if over 14 years of age, shall not be changed without his or her consent given in court.
15A V.S.A. § 601 — VT Code / Title 15A / Chapter 3 / Section 601
§ 3-601. Evaluation during proceeding for adoption
Status: in_force

(a) Not later than five business days after a complete petition for adoption of a minor is filed, the court shall order that an evaluation be made by:

(1) a qualified employee of the agency that placed the minor for adoption; or

(2) in a direct placement adoption, the person who made the placement evaluation or another person qualified under section 2-202 of this title.

(b) The court shall provide the evaluator with a copy of the petition for adoption and copies of relevant items filed with the petition.
15B V.S.A. § 1507 — VT Code / Title 15B / Chapter 15 / Section 1507
§ 1507. Administrative enforcement of orders
Status: in_force

(a) A party or support enforcement agency seeking to enforce a support order or an income withholding order, or both, issued in another state or a foreign support order may send the documents required for registering the order to a support enforcement agency of this State.

(b) Upon receipt of the documents, the support enforcement agency, without initially seeking to register the order, shall consider and, if appropriate, use any administrative procedure authorized by the law of this State to enforce a support order or an income withholding order, or both. If the obligor does not contest administrative enforcement, the order need not be registered. If the obligor contests the validity or administrative enforcement of the order, the support enforcement agency shall register the order pursuant to this title.
15 V.S.A. § 1002 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 17 / Section 1002
§ 1002. Gifts made in contemplation of civil marriage
Status: in_force

Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to bar a right of action for the recovery of a chattel, the return of money or securities, or the value thereof at the time of the transfer, or the rescission of a deed to real property when the sole consideration for the transfer of the chattel, money, or securities or real property was a contemplated civil marriage that has not occurred, and the court may, if in its discretion justice so requires:

(1) award the defendant a lien upon the chattel, securities or real property for monies expended in connection therewith or improvements made thereto; or

(2) deny judgment for the recovery of the chattel or securities or for rescission of the deed and award money damages in lieu thereof.
15 V.S.A. § 551 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 11 / Section 551
§ 551. Grounds for divorce from bond of matrimony
Status: in_force

A divorce from the bond of matrimony may be decreed:

(1) for adultery in either party;

(2) when either party is sentenced to confinement at hard labor in the State prison in this State for life, or for three years or more, and is actually confined at the time of the bringing of the libel; or when either party being without the State, receives a sentence for an equally long term of imprisonment by a competent court having jurisdiction as the result of a trial in any one of the other states of the United States, or in a federal court, or in any one of the territories, possessions, or other courts subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, or in a foreign country granting a trial by jury, and is actually confined at the time of the bringing of the libel;

(3) for intolerable severity in either party;

(4) for willful desertion or when either party has been absent for seven years and not heard of during that time;

(5) on complaint of either party when one spouse has sufficient pecuniary or physical ability to provide suitable maintenance for the other and, without cause, persistently refuses or neglects so to do;

(6) on the ground of permanent incapacity due to a mental condition or psychiatric disability of either party, as provided for in sections 631-637 of this title; or

(7) when a married person has lived apart from his or her spouse for six consecutive months and the court finds that the resumption of marital relations is not reasonably probable.
15B V.S.A. § 1202 — VT Code / Title 15B / Chapter 12 / Section 1202
§ 1202. Duration of personal jurisdiction
Status: in_force

Personal jurisdiction acquired by a tribunal of this State in a proceeding under this title or other law of this State relating to a support order continues as long as a tribunal of this State has continuing exclusive jurisdiction to modify its order or continuing jurisdiction to enforce its order as provided by sections 1205, 1206, and 1211 of this title.
15A V.S.A. § 802 — VT Code / Title 15A / Chapter 3 / Section 802
§ 3-802. Issuance of new, amended birth certificate
Status: repealed

(a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (d) of this section, upon receipt of a report of adoption prepared pursuant to subsection 3-801(a) of this title, a report of adoption prepared in accordance with the law of another state or country, a certified copy of a decree of adoption together with information necessary to identify the adoptee's original birth certificate and to issue a new certificate, or a report of an amended adoption prepared pursuant to subsection 3-801(b) of this title, the State Registrar shall either:

(1) for an adoptee born in this State, update the Statewide Registration System in accordance with the decree and furnish a certified copy of a new birth certificate to the adoptive parent and to an adoptee who is 14 years of age or older;

(2) for an adoptee born in another state, forward a certified copy of the report of adoption to the appropriate office of the state of birth;

(3) for an adoptee adopted in this State who was born outside the United States and was not a citizen of the United States at the time of birth, create and register in the Statewide Registration System a “certificate of live birth for a foreign born child” upon request and in the form specified in 18 V.S.A. § 5078a and furnish a certified copy of the certificate to the adoptive parent and to an adoptee who is 14 years of age or older;

(4) for an adoptee born outside the United States who was a citizen of the United States at the time of birth, notify the adoptive parent of the procedure for obtaining a revised birth certificate through the U.S. Department of State; or

(5) in the case of an amended decree of adoption, either update the Statewide Registration System in accordance with the decree and follow the procedure in subdivision (a)(1) or (3) of this section or follow the procedure in subdivision (2) or (4) of this section.

(b) Unless otherwise specified by the court, a new birth certificate or certificate of live birth for a foreign born child issued pursuant to subdivision (a)(1) or (3) or an amended certificate issued pursuant to subdivision (a)(5) of this section shall:

(1) be signed by the State Registrar;

(2) include the date, time, and place of birth of the adoptee;

(3) substitute the name of the adoptive parent for the name of the person listed as the adoptee's parent on the original birth certificate;

(4) [Repealed.]

(5) contain any other information prescribed by the State Registrar.

(c) In the case of birth certificates registered prior to July 1, 2019 that are to be replaced or amended pursuant to subdivision (a)(1) or (5) of this section, the State Registrar shall notify the town clerk or clerks with custody of the certificate, who shall substitute the new or amended birth certificate for the original birth certificate. Except as otherwise provided in this title, the original certificate and all copies of the certificate in the files shall be sealed and shall not be subject to inspection or copying until 99 years after the adoptee's date of birth.

(d) If the court, the adoptive parent, or an adoptee who is 14 years of age or older requests that a new or amended birth certificate not be issued, the State Registrar shall not issue a new or amended certificate for an adoptee pursuant to subsection (a) of this section. Nonetheless, for an adoptee born in another state, the State Registrar shall forward a certified copy of the report of adoption or of an amended decree of adoption to the appropriate office in the adoptee's state of birth.

(e) Upon receipt of a report that an adoption has been set aside, the State Registrar shall:

(1) for a person born in this State for whom a new birth certificate was issued, update the Statewide Registration System to reflect the original birth certificate data and, in the case of an original birth certificate registered prior to July 1, 2019, notify the town clerk or clerks with custody of the certificate, who shall seal any new or amended birth certificate issued pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, restore the original, update indexes as directed by the State Registrar, and not allow inspection or copying of the sealed certificate except upon court order or as otherwise provided in this title;

(2) for a person born in another state, forward the report to the appropriate office in the state of birth;

(3) for an adoptee born outside the United States who was not a citizen of the United States at the time of birth for whom a certificate of live birth for a foreign born child was issued, update the Statewide Registration System to reflect that the adoption was set aside; or

(4) for a former adoptee born outside the United States who was a citizen of the United States at the time of birth, notify the person who is granted legal custody of a former adoptee after an adoption is set aside of the procedure for obtaining an original birth certificate through the U.S. Department of State.

(f) Upon request by a person who was listed as a parent on an adoptee's original birth certificate and who furnishes appropriate proof of the person's identity, the State Registrar shall give the person a noncertified copy of the original birth certificate.
15A V.S.A. § 101 — VT Code / Title 15A / Chapter 3 / Section 101
§ 3-101. Jurisdiction
Status: in_force

(a) Except as otherwise provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, the Probate Division of the Superior Courts of this State have jurisdiction over a proceeding for the adoption of a minor commenced under this title if:

(1) immediately before commencement of the proceeding, the minor lived in this State with a parent, a guardian, a prospective adoptive parent, or another person acting as parent for at least six consecutive months, including periods of temporary absence or, in the case of a minor under six months of age, lived in this State from soon after birth with any of those persons;

(2) immediately before commencement of the proceeding, the prospective adoptive parent lived in this State for at least six consecutive months, including periods of temporary absence;

(3) an agency placed the minor for adoption and it is in the best interests of the minor that a court of this State assume jurisdiction because:

(A) the minor and the minor's parents, or the minor and the prospective adoptive parent, have a significant connection with this State; and

(B) there is available in this State substantial evidence concerning the minor's present or future care;

(4) the minor and the prospective adoptive parent are physically present in this State and the minor has been abandoned or it is necessary in an emergency to protect the minor because the minor has been subjected to or threatened with mistreatment or abuse or is otherwise neglected; or

(5) it appears that no other state would have jurisdiction under prerequisites substantially in accordance with subdivisions (1) through (4) of this subsection, or another state has declined to exercise jurisdiction on the ground that this State is the more appropriate forum to hear a petition for adoption of the minor, and it is in the best interests of the minor that a court of this State assume jurisdiction.

(b) A court of this State may not exercise jurisdiction over a proceeding for adoption of a minor if at the time the petition for adoption is filed a proceeding concerning the custody or adoption of the minor is pending in a court of another state exercising jurisdiction substantially in conformity with the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act or this title, unless the proceeding is stayed by the court of the other state.

(c) If a court of another state has issued a decree or order concerning the custody of a minor who may be the subject of a proceeding for adoption in this State, a court of this State may not exercise jurisdiction over a proceeding for adoption of the minor unless:

(1) the court of this State finds that the court of the state which issued the decree or order:

(A) does not have continuing jurisdiction to modify the decree or order under jurisdictional prerequisites substantially in accordance with the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act or has declined to assume jurisdiction to modify the decree or order; or

(B) does not have jurisdiction over a proceeding for adoption substantially in conformity with subdivisions (a)(1) through (4) of this section or has declined to assume jurisdiction over a proceeding for adoption; and

(2) the court of this State has jurisdiction over the proceeding.

(d) The Probate Division of the Superior Courts of this State shall have jurisdiction over a proceeding for relinquishment, consent to adoption, or termination of parental rights associated with an adoption if immediately preceding the commencement of the proceeding:

(1) the adoptee resided in this State; or

(2) the agency receiving a relinquishment is licensed as a child placing agency in this State; or

(3) the prospective adoptive parents, if known, have lived or had legal residence in this State for at least six consecutive months; or

(4) one parent of the adoptee has had legal residence in this State for at least six months; or

(5) any requirement of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act is satisfied so as to vest the courts of this State with jurisdiction over the child.

(e) The Probate Division of the Superior Courts of this State shall have jurisdiction over civil actions concerning disclosure of identifying information pursuant to Article 6 of this title and construction and enforcement of adoption decrees and orders and, except as provided in section 7-101 of this title, all other civil actions arising under this title.

(f) Nothing in this section shall be construed to remove jurisdiction from the Family Division of the Superior Court over relinquishments or termination of parental rights under 33 V.S.A. chapters 51-53.
15 V.S.A. § 813 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 13 / Section 813
§ 813. Filing of instrument
Status: in_force

An instrument changing the name, by virtue of sections 811 and 812 of this title, shall be filed in the Probate Division of the Superior Court of the district in which such person or minor resides.
15A V.S.A. § 404 — VT Code / Title 15A / Chapter 2 / Section 404
§ 2-404. Time and prerequisites for execution of consent or relinquishment
Status: in_force

(a) A parent whose consent to the adoption of a minor is required by section 2-401 of this title may not execute a consent or a relinquishment sooner than 36 hours after the minor is born. A parent who executes a consent or relinquishment may revoke the consent or relinquishment within 21 days after the consent or relinquishment is executed by filing a written notice in the court in which the consent was executed.

(b) A guardian may execute a consent to the adoption of a minor or a relinquishment at any time after being authorized by a court to do so.

(c) An agency that places a minor for adoption may execute its consent at any time before or during the hearing on the petition for adoption.

(d) A minor adoptee whose consent is required may execute a consent at any time at or before the hearing on the petition for adoption.

(e) Before executing a consent or relinquishment, a parent shall have been informed of the meaning and consequences of adoption, the availability of personal and legal counseling, the consequences of misidentifying the other parent, the procedure for releasing information about the health and other characteristics of the parent which may affect the physical or psychological well-being of the adoptee, and the procedure for the release of the parent's identity pursuant to Article 6 of this title.
15 V.S.A. § 659 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 11 / Section 659
§ 659. Child support order
Status: in_force

(a) The total support obligation shall be presumed to be the amount of child support needed. Upon request of a party, the court shall consider the following factors in respect to both parents. If, after consideration of these factors, the court finds that application of the guidelines is unfair to the child or to any of the parties, the court may adjust the amount of child support:

(1) The financial resources of the child.

(2) The financial resources of the custodial parent.

(3) The standard of living the child would have enjoyed had the marital relationship not been discontinued.

(4) The physical and emotional condition of the child.

(5) The educational needs of the child.

(6) The financial resources and needs of the noncustodial parent.

(7) Inflation.

(8) The costs of meeting the educational needs of either parent, if the costs are incurred for the purpose of increasing the earning capacity of the parent.

(9) Extraordinary travel and other travel-related expenses incurred in exercising the right to parent-child contact.

(10) Any other factors the court finds relevant.

(b) If the parties agree, the court may include in the child support order an additional amount designated for the purpose of providing for postsecondary education.
15 V.S.A. § 650 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 11 / Section 650
§ 650. Legislative findings and purpose
Status: in_force

The legislature finds and declares as public policy that after parents have separated or dissolved their civil marriage, it is in the best interests of their minor child to have the opportunity for maximum continuing physical and emotional contact with both parents, unless direct physical harm or significant emotional harm to the child or a parent is likely to result from such contact. The legislature further finds and declares as public policy that parents have the responsibility to provide child support, and that child support orders should reflect the true costs of raising children and approximate insofar as possible the standard of living the child would have enjoyed had the family remained intact.
15C V.S.A. § 609 — VT Code / Title 15C / Chapter 6 / Section 609
§ 609. Adjudication of parentage based on genetic testing
Status: in_force

(a)(1) If genetic testing results pursuant to section 604 of this title exclude a person as the genetic parent of a child, the court shall find that person is not a genetic parent of the child and may not adjudicate the person as the child's parent on the basis of genetic testing.

(2) If genetic testing results pursuant to section 604 of this title identify a person as the genetic parent of a child, the court shall find that person to be the genetic parent and may adjudicate the person as the child's parent, unless otherwise provided by this title.

(3) Subdivisions (1) and (2) of this subsection do not apply if the results of genetic testing are admitted for the purpose of rebutting results of other genetic testing.

(b) If the court finds that genetic testing pursuant to section 604 of this title neither identifies nor excludes a person as the genetic parent of a child, the court shall not dismiss the proceeding. In that event, the results of genetic testing and other evidence are admissible to adjudicate the issue of parentage, including testimony relating to the sexual conduct of the person who gave birth to the child but only if it is alleged to have occurred during a time when conception of the child was probable.
15 V.S.A. § 1084 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 20 / Section 1084
§ 1084. Temporary visitation
Status: in_force

(a) A Vermont court that does not have jurisdiction to modify a child custody determination may issue a temporary order enforcing:

(1) a visitation schedule made by a court of another state; or

(2) the visitation provisions of a child custody determination of another state that does not provide for a specific visitation schedule.

(b) If a Vermont court makes an order under subdivision (a)(2) of this section, it shall specify in the order a period that it considers adequate to allow the petitioner to obtain an order from a court having jurisdiction under the criteria specified in subchapter 2 of this chapter. The order remains in effect until an order is obtained from the other court or until the period expires.
15C V.S.A. § 808 — VT Code / Title 15C / Chapter 8 / Section 808
§ 808. Effect of noncompliance; standard of review; remedies
Status: in_force

(a) Not enforceable. Not enforceable. A gestational carrier agreement that does not substantially meet the requirements of this chapter is not enforceable.

(b) Standard of review. In the event of noncompliance with the requirements of this chapter or with a gestational carrier agreement, the Family Division of the Superior Court shall determine the respective rights and obligations of the parties to the gestational carrier agreement, including evidence of the intent of the parties at the time of execution.

(c) Remedies. Except as expressly provided in a gestational carrier agreement and in subsection (d) of this section, in the event of a breach of the gestational carrier agreement by the gestational carrier or the intended parent or parents, the gestational carrier or the intended parent or parents are entitled to all remedies available at law or in equity.

(d) Genetic testing. If a person alleges that the parentage of a child born to a gestational carrier is not the result of assisted reproduction, and this question is relevant to the determination of parentage, the court may order genetic testing.

(e) Specific performance. Specific performance is not an available remedy for a breach by the gestational carrier of any term in a gestational carrier agreement that requires the gestational carrier to be impregnated or to terminate a pregnancy. Specific performance is an available remedy for a breach by the gestational carrier of any term that prevents the intended parent or parents from exercising the full rights of parentage immediately upon the birth of the child.
15C V.S.A. § 303 — VT Code / Title 15C / Chapter 3 / Section 303
§ 303. Denial of parentage
Status: in_force

A person presumed to be a parent or an alleged genetic parent may sign a denial of parentage only in the limited circumstances set forth in this section. A denial of parentage shall be valid only if:

(1) an acknowledgment of parentage by another person has been filed pursuant to this chapter;

(2) the denial is in a record and is witnessed and signed by at least one other person; and

(3) the person executing the denial has not previously:

(A) acknowledged parentage, unless the previous acknowledgment has been rescinded pursuant to section 307 of this title or successfully challenged the acknowledgment pursuant to section 308 of this title; or

(B) been adjudicated to be the parent of the child.
15A V.S.A. § 602 — VT Code / Title 15A / Chapter 3 / Section 602
§ 3-602. Content of post placement evaluation
Status: in_force

(a) An evaluation shall be based on a personal interview with the petitioner in the petitioner's residence and observation of the relationship between the minor adoptee and the petitioner.

(b) An evaluation shall be in writing and contain:

(1) an account of any change in the petitioner's marital status or family history, physical or mental health, home environment, property, income, or financial obligations since the filing of the preplacement evaluation;

(2) all reasonably available information concerning the physical, mental, and emotional condition of the minor adoptee which is not included in any report on the minor's health, genetic, and social history filed in the proceeding for adoption;

(3) copies of any court order, judgment, decree, or pending legal proceeding affecting the minor adoptee, the petitioner, or any child of the petitioner;

(4) any behavior or characteristics of the petitioner which raise a concern, as described in subsection 2-204(a) of this title; and

(5) a recommendation concerning the granting of the petition for adoption.
15 V.S.A. § 783 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 11 / Section 783
§ 783. Wage withholding; notice and hearing
Status: in_force

(a) In the case of a child support order issued prior to July 1, 1990 or a spousal support order, an obligee may request a wage withholding order when any amount due under a support order has not been paid within seven business days after the amount is due. The obligor may request wage withholding at any time. The petition for wage withholding shall set forth:

(1) the amount of support arrearages, if any;

(2) the terms of the support order;

(3) the periodic amount to be withheld for support and arrearages;

(4) a statement that the obligor may object to wage withholding on the basis of an error in the amount of current support or arrearages or an error in identity, by filing the objection with the court within 20 days of receiving the petition under this subsection;

(5) a statement that an obligor may move for modification of the support order because of a real, substantial and unanticipated change of circumstances, which includes a difference of 10 percent or more between the child support order and the amount required to be paid under the support guidelines.

(b) The petition shall be served by the court or the Office of Child Support by personal service or by mailing to the obligor, at one or more of the addresses supplied by the obligor, by certified mail, return receipt requested and delivery restricted to the addressee, the expense being paid by the petitioner. If acceptance of service is refused, the court or the Office of Child Support may serve the obligor by sending the petition to the obligor by ordinary first class mail and by certifying that such service has been made. In the alternative, the court or the Office of Child Support may provide for mail service as provided in V.R.C.P. 4(e).

(c) If the obligor does not file an objection to wage withholding within 20 days of receiving the petition sent pursuant to subsection (a) of this section or if the obligor has requested the wage withholding order, the court shall enter a judgment for wage withholding as stated in the petition without requiring a hearing or additional motions or additional affidavits, and shall send copies to the parties.

(d) If the obligor files an objection, the matter shall be set for hearing within 20 days of receipt of the objection.

(e) The court shall order wage withholding if the obligor has requested wage withholding or if any amount due under a support order has not been paid within seven business days after the amount is due. In all cases the court shall issue a wage withholding order, if any, within 45 days of notice sent to the responding party.

(f) If a petition for wage withholding and a motion for modification are filed in connection with the same order, the court shall hear the matters at the same time if it is possible to do so within the time limits established by this section.
15C V.S.A. § 608 — VT Code / Title 15C / Chapter 6 / Section 608
§ 608. Consequences of declining genetic testing
Status: in_force

(a) If a person whose parentage is being determined under this chapter declines to submit to genetic testing ordered by the court, the court for that reason may adjudicate parentage contrary to the position of that person.

(b) Genetic testing of the person who gave birth to a child is not a condition precedent to testing the child and an individual whose parentage is being determined under this chapter. If the person who gave birth is unavailable or declines to submit to genetic testing, the court may order the testing of the child and every person whose genetic parentage is being adjudicated.
15C V.S.A. § 801 — VT Code / Title 15C / Chapter 8 / Section 801
§ 801. Eligibility to enter gestational carrier agreement
Status: in_force

(a) In order to execute an agreement to act as a gestational carrier, a person shall:

(1) be at least 21 years of age;

(2) have completed a medical evaluation that includes a mental health consultation;

(3) have had independent legal representation of the person's own choosing and paid for by the intended parent or parents regarding the terms of the gestational carrier agreement and have been advised of the potential legal consequences of the gestational carrier agreement; and

(4) not have contributed gametes that will ultimately result in an embryo that the gestational carrier will attempt to carry to term, unless the gestational carrier is entering into an agreement with a family member.

(b) Prior to executing a gestational carrier agreement, a person or persons intending to become a parent or parents, whether genetically related to the child or not, shall:

(1) be at least 21 years of age;

(2) have completed psychosocial education and counseling related to the gestational carrier agreement; and

(3) have retained independent legal representation regarding the terms of the gestational carrier agreement and have been advised of the potential legal consequences of the gestational carrier agreement.
15B V.S.A. § 1616 — VT Code / Title 15B / Chapter 16 / Section 1616
§ 1616. Procedure to register an order of a foreign country for modification
Status: in_force

A party or support enforcement agency seeking to modify, or to modify and enforce, a foreign child support order not under the Convention may register that order in this State under sections 1601 through 1608 of this title if the order has not been registered. A petition for modification may be filed at the same time as a request for registration, or at another time. The petition must specify the grounds for modification.
15 V.S.A. § 637 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 11 / Section 637
§ 637. Costs and expenses
Status: in_force

All the costs in such action, as well as the actual expenses of the state's attorney therein, together with the expenses and fees of the guardian therein, shall be paid by the plaintiff. Such expenses of the state's attorney and expenses and fees of the guardian shall be fixed and allowed by the court. The court or the judge thereof may make such order relative to the payment of such fees and expenses as to the court or judge may seem proper.
15 V.S.A. § 1140 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 21 / Section 1140
§ 1140. Domestic Violence Fatality Review Commission
Status: in_force

(a) The Domestic Violence Fatality Review Commission is established within the Office of the Attorney General, in consultation with the Council on Domestic Violence, for the following purposes:

(1) to examine the trends and patterns of domestic violence-related fatalities and near-fatal instances of domestic violence in Vermont;

(2) to identify barriers to safety, the strengths and weaknesses in communities, and systemic responses to domestic violence;

(3) to educate the public, service providers, and policymakers about domestic violence fatalities and near-fatal instances of domestic violence and strategies for intervention and prevention; and

(4) to recommend policies, practices, and services that will encourage collaboration and reduce fatalities and near-fatal instances of domestic violence due to domestic violence.

(b) The Commission is intended to reflect communities throughout Vermont and appointing authorities shall strive to appoint persons from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, persons with a disability, and persons who identify as LGBTQ+. The Commission shall comprise 23 members, consisting of the following:

(1) the Attorney General or designee;

(2) the Commissioner of Health or designee;

(3) the Commissioner for Children and Families or designee;

(4) the Commissioner of Corrections or designee;

(5) the Commissioner of Public Safety or designee;

(6) the Chief Medical Examiner or designee;

(7) a State's Attorney with experience prosecuting domestic violence cases, appointed by the Executive Director of the Department of State's Attorneys and Sheriffs;

(8) the Defender General or designee;

(9) a member of the Vermont Coalition of Batterer Intervention Services;

(10) a member of the Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence;

(11) a representative of the Vermont Council on Domestic Violence;

(12) a representative of local law enforcement, appointed by the Governor;

(13) a victim or survivor of domestic violence, appointed by the Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence;

(14) a physician, appointed by the Governor;

(15) the Executive Director of the Vermont Criminal Justice Council or designee;

(16) the Commissioner of Mental Health or designee;

(17) one judge, appointed by the Chief Justice of the Vermont Supreme Court;

(18) a sheriff with experience and interest in combating domestic violence, appointed by the Vermont Sheriffs' Association;

(19) a restorative justice practitioner from a community justice center, appointed by the Attorney General;

(20) the Director of Victim Services for the Vermont State Police or designee;

(21) the Executive Director of the Vermont Center for Crime Victim Services or designee;

(22) a State's Attorney victim advocate, appointed by the Executive Director of the Department of State's Attorneys and Sheriffs; and

(23) the Director of Victim Services for the Department of Corrections or designee.

(c) In any case subject to review by the Commission, upon written request of the Commission, a person who possesses information or records that are necessary and relevant to a domestic violence fatality or near-fatal incident review shall, as soon as practicable, provide the Commission with the information and records. A person who provides information or records upon request of the Commission is not criminally or civilly liable for providing information or records in compliance with this section. The Commission shall review fatalities and near-fatal incidents that are not under investigation and fatalities and near-fatal incidents in cases that are postadjudication that have received a final judgment.

(d) The proceedings and records of the Commission are confidential and are not subject to subpoena, discovery, or introduction into evidence in a civil or criminal action. The Commission shall disclose conclusions and recommendations upon request, but may not disclose information, records, or data that are otherwise confidential, such as autopsy records. The Commission shall not use the information, records, or data for purposes other than those designated by subsections (a) and (g) of this section.

(e) The Commission is authorized to require any person appearing before it to sign a confidentiality agreement created by the Commission in order to maintain the confidentiality of the proceedings. In addition, the Commission may enter into agreements with nonprofit organizations and private agencies to obtain otherwise confidential information.

(f) Commission meetings are confidential, and shall be exempt from 1 V.S.A. chapter 5, subchapter 2 (open meetings law). Commission records are confidential and shall be exempt from 1 V.S.A. chapter 5, subchapter 3 (public access to records).

(g) The Commission shall report its findings and recommendations to the Governor, the General Assembly, the Chief Justice of the Vermont Supreme Court, and the Vermont Council on Domestic Violence not later than the third Tuesday in January of the first year of the biennial session. The report shall be available to the public through the Office of the Attorney General. The Commission may issue data or other information periodically, in addition to the biennial report. The provisions of 2 V.S.A. § 20(d) (expiration of required reports) shall not apply to the report to be made under this subsection.

(h) In the findings and recommendations required by subsection (g) of this section, the Commission shall report the number of defendants ordered to complete a domestic violence accountability program approved by the Council on Domestic Violence pursuant to subdivision 1103(c)(2)(J) of this title and the number of those defendants who completed the program.
15 V.S.A. § 635 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 11 / Section 635
§ 635. Support of defendant
Status: in_force

(a) At the time of granting a divorce on the grounds of a permanent mental condition or psychiatric disability or any time thereafter, on motion of either party, or of the guardian of the spouse with a mental condition or psychiatric disability, or of any other person, town, or municipality charged with the support of the spouse with a mental condition or psychiatric disability, the court may make such orders requiring support of the defendant or security for such support as may be proper.

(b) An order for the support of the party with a mental condition or psychiatric disability shall be enforceable in the same manner as orders relating to alimony.

(c) On motion of either party or of the guardian of the spouse with a mental condition or psychiatric disability, or of any person, town, or municipality charged with the support of such defendant, an order relating to such support may be reviewed and altered at any time thereafter in such manner as to the court may seem just and proper.
15 V.S.A. § 668a — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 11 / Section 668a
§ 668a. Enforcement of visitation
Status: in_force

(a) When a noncustodial parent who is ordered to pay child support or alimony and who is awarded visitation rights fails to pay child support or alimony, the custodial parent shall not refuse to honor the noncustodial parent's visitation rights.

(b) When a custodial parent refuses to honor a noncustodial parent's visitation rights, the noncustodial parent shall not fail to pay any ordered child support or alimony.

(c) If a custodial parent refuses to honor a noncustodial parent's visitation rights, the court shall enforce such rights unless it finds good cause for the failure or that a modification of the visitation rights is in the best interests of the child. Unless restoration of the visitation is not in the best interests of the child, enforcement of the visitation rights shall include the restoration of the amount of visitation improperly denied. When a party files a motion for enforcement of parent-child contact under this subsection, the court shall conduct a hearing within 30 days of service of the motion.

(d) A person who violates this section may be punished by contempt of court or other remedies as the court deems appropriate, including awarding attorney's fees and costs to the prevailing party.

(e)(1) If a custodial parent refuses to honor a noncustodial parent's visitation rights without good cause, the court may modify the parent-child contact order if found to be in the best interests of the child. Good cause shall include:

(A) a pattern or incidence of domestic or sexual violence;

(B) a reasonable fear for the child's or the custodial parent's safety; or

(C) a history of failure to honor the visitation schedule agreed to in the parent-child contact order.

(2) A custodial parent, upon a showing of good cause as defined in subdivision (1)(A) or (B) of this subsection, may receive an ex parte order suspending a noncustodial parent's visitation rights until a court hearing is held. A hearing shall be held within 14 days from the issuance of the order.

(f) All parent-child contact orders issued by the family division of the superior court in connection with a divorce or parentage proceeding shall bear the following statement: “A PERSON WHO FAILS TO COMPLY WITH ALL TERMS OF THE CURRENT ORDER GOVERNING PARENT-CHILD CONTACT MAY BE SUBJECT TO CONTEMPT OF COURT CHARGES. THE COURT MAY IMPOSE ADDITIONAL REMEDIES, INCLUDING A MODIFICATION OF THE CURRENT PARENT-CHILD CONTACT ORDER IF FOUND TO BE IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE CHILD.”
15 V.S.A. § 670 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 11 / Section 670
§ 670. Access to records
Status: in_force

Access to records and information pertaining to a minor child, including but not limited to medical, dental, law enforcement, and school records shall not be denied to a parent solely because that parent has not been awarded parental rights and responsibilities. The court may order that access to all or a portion of the records or information shall be denied if access is not in the best interest of the child or if access may cause detriment to the other parent including but not limited to abuse.
15 V.S.A. § 1013 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 18 / Section 1013
§ 1013. Decision
Status: in_force

(a) The court shall grant the petitioner reasonable visitation or access to the grandchild upon determining that to do so would be in the best interests of the child.

(b) In determining the best interests of the child, the court shall consider the following factors:

(1) the love, affection, and other emotional ties existing between the grandparents involved and the child;

(2) the capacity and disposition of the parties involved to give the child love, affection, and guidance;

(3) the nature of the relationship between the petitioner and the grandchild and the desirability of maintaining that relationship;

(4) the moral fitness of the parties;

(5) the mental and physical health of the parties;

(6) the reasonable preference of the child, if the court deems the child to be of sufficient age to express a preference;

(7) the willingness and ability of the petitioner to facilitate and encourage a close and continuing relationship between the child and the other parties; and

(8) any other factor which the court considers to be relevant to a just determination regarding visitation or access.
15B V.S.A. § 1603 — VT Code / Title 15B / Chapter 16 / Section 1603
§ 1603. Effect of registration for enforcement
Status: in_force

(a) A support order or income withholding order issued in another state or a foreign support order is registered when the order is filed in the registering tribunal of this State.

(b) A registered support order issued in another state or a foreign country is enforceable in the same manner and is subject to the same procedures as an order issued by a tribunal of this State.

(c) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, a tribunal of this State shall recognize and enforce, but may not modify, a registered support order if the issuing tribunal had jurisdiction.
15C V.S.A. § 108 — VT Code / Title 15C / Chapter 1 / Section 108
§ 108. Personal jurisdiction
Status: in_force

(a) Personal jurisdiction. A person shall not be adjudicated a parent unless the court has personal jurisdiction over the person.

(b) Personal jurisdiction over nonresident. A court of this State having jurisdiction to adjudicate parentage may exercise personal jurisdiction over a nonresident person, or the guardian or conservator of the person, if the conditions prescribed in Title 15B are fulfilled.

(c) Adjudication. Lack of jurisdiction over one person does not preclude the court from making an adjudication of parentage binding on another person over whom the court has personal jurisdiction.
15 V.S.A. § 1061 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 20 / Section 1061
§ 1061. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter:

(1) “Abandoned” means left without provision for reasonable and necessary care or supervision.

(2) “Child” means an individual who has not attained 18 years of age.

(3) “Child custody determination” means a judgment, decree, or other order of a court providing for the legal custody, physical custody, or visitation with respect to a child. The term includes a permanent, temporary, initial, or modification order. The term does not include an order relating to child support or other monetary obligation of an individual. The term includes “parental rights and responsibilities” and “parent child contact” as those terms are defined in section 664 of this title.

(4) “Child custody proceeding” means a proceeding in which legal custody or parental rights, physical custody, or visitation or parent child contact with respect to a child is an issue. The term includes a proceeding for divorce, separation, neglect, abuse, dependency, guardianship, paternity, termination of parental rights, and protection from domestic violence in which the issue may appear. The term does not include a proceeding involving juvenile delinquency, contractual emancipation, or enforcement under subchapter 3 of this chapter.

(5) “Commencement” means the filing of the first pleading in a proceeding.

(6) “Court” means an entity authorized under the law of a state to establish, enforce, or modify a child custody determination.

(7) “Home state” means the state in which a child lived with a parent or a person acting as a parent for at least six consecutive months immediately before the commencement of a child custody proceeding. In the case of a child less than six months of age, the term means the state in which the child lived from birth with any of the persons mentioned. A period of temporary absence of any of the mentioned persons is part of the period.

(8) “Initial determination” means the first child custody determination concerning a particular child.

(9) “Issuing court” means the court that makes a child custody determination for which enforcement is sought under this chapter.

(10) “Issuing state” means the state in which a child custody determination is made.

(11) “Modification” means a child custody determination that changes, replaces, supersedes, or is otherwise made after a previous determination concerning the same child, whether or not it is made by the court that made the previous determination.

(12) “Person” means an individual, corporation, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture, government; governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality; public corporation; or any other legal or commercial entity.

(13) “Person acting as a parent” means a person, other than a parent, who:

(A) has physical custody of the child or has had physical custody for a period of six consecutive months, including any temporary absence, within one year immediately before the commencement of a child custody proceeding; and

(B) has been awarded legal custody by a court or claims a right to legal custody under the law of Vermont.

(14) “Physical custody” means the physical care and supervision of a child.

(15) “State” means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.

(16) “Warrant” means an order issued by a court authorizing law enforcement officers to take physical custody of a child.
15 V.S.A. § 1173 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 21 / Section 1173
§ 1173. Composition and meetings
Status: in_force

(a) The Council shall consist of the following members to be appointed as follows:

(1) To be appointed by the Governor:

(A) one member of the public who shall be a survivor of domestic violence;

(B) a representative from the same-sex domestic violence service provider community;

(C) a representative from the service provider community for people who are deaf or have disabilities;

(D) a representative from the Department of State's Attorneys and Sheriffs;

(E) a prosecutor from one of the STOP Domestic Violence units;

(F) a member of the Vermont clergy; and

(G) one member of the public representing the interests of children exposed to domestic violence.

(2) To be appointed by the Chief Justice of the Vermont Supreme Court:

(A) five members of the judiciary, one of whom may be a magistrate, one of whom may be an assistant judge, and one of whom may be a court manager;

(B) one guardian ad litem;

(C) a representative of Vermont Legal Aid; and

(D) a representative of the Vermont Bar experienced in family law.

(3) The following members:

(A) the Secretary of Human Services or designee;

(B) the Director of the Vermont Crime Information Center or designee;

(C) the Defender General or designee;

(D) the Attorney General or designee;

(E) the Executive Director of the Vermont Center for Crime Victim Services or designee;

(F) the Director of the Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence or designee;

(G) the Executive Director of the Criminal Justice Training Council or designee;

(H) the Executive Director of the Vermont Commission on Women or designee;

(I) a representative from each county domestic violence task force;

(J) a representative from Vermont's Supervised Visitation Coalition;

(K) a representative from the Vermont Police Chiefs' Association;

(L) a representative from the Vermont Sheriffs' Association;

(M) a representative from the Vermont Coalition of Batterer Intervention Services;

(N) the Commissioner for Children and Families or designee;

(O) the Commissioner of Public Safety or designee;

(P) the Commissioner of Corrections or designee; and

(Q) the Secretary of Education or designee.

(b) The Council may establish any committees necessary to carry out its duties.

(c) The Council shall meet at least quarterly to conduct its business.
15 V.S.A. § 1206 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 23 / Section 1206
§ 1206. Dissolution of civil unions
Status: in_force

(a) The Family Division of the Superior Court shall have jurisdiction over all proceedings relating to the dissolution of civil unions. Except as otherwise provided, the dissolution of civil unions shall follow the same procedures and be subject to the same substantive rights and obligations that are involved in the dissolution of civil marriage in accordance with chapter 11 of this title, including any residency requirements.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 592 and 593 of this title, a complaint for civil union dissolution may be filed in the Family Division of Superior Court in the county in which the civil union certificate was filed by parties who are not residents of Vermont provided all of the following criteria are met:

(1) The civil union of the parties was established in Vermont.

(2) Neither party's state of legal residence recognizes the couple's Vermont civil union for purposes of dissolution.

(3) There are no minor children who were born or adopted during the civil union.

(4) The parties file a stipulation together with a complaint that resolves all issues in the dissolution action. The stipulation shall be signed by both parties and shall include the following terms:

(A) An agreement that the terms and conditions of the stipulation may be incorporated into a final order of dissolution.

(B) The facts upon which the court may base a decree of dissolution of a civil union and that bring the matter before the court's jurisdiction.

(C) An acknowledgment that:

(i) Each party understands that if he or she wishes to litigate any issue related to the dissolution before a Vermont court, one of the parties must meet the residency requirement set forth in section 592 of this title.

(ii) Neither party is the subject of an abuse prevention order in a proceeding between the parties.

(iii) There are no minor children who were born or adopted during the civil union.

(iv) Neither party's state of legal residence recognizes the couple's Vermont civil union for purposes of dissolution.

(v) Each party has entered into the stipulation freely and voluntarily.

(vi) The parties have exchanged all financial information, including income, assets, and liabilities.

(c) The court shall waive a final hearing on any dissolution action filed pursuant to subsection (b) of this section unless the court determines upon review of the complaint and stipulation that the filing is incomplete or that a hearing is warranted for the purpose of clarifying a provision of the stipulation. Final uncontested hearings in a nonresident dissolution action shall be conducted by telephone unless one or both of the parties choose to appear in person.

(d)(1) Except as provided in 18 V.S.A. § 5131(a)(4), parties to a civil union certified in Vermont who wish to dissolve their civil union after legally marrying one another may do so by following the procedures set forth in this subsection and are not subject to the same substantive rights and obligations that are involved in the dissolution of civil marriage in accordance with chapter 11 of this title, including any hearings, waiting periods, or residency requirements.

(2) Parties to a civil union who are legally wed to one another may dissolve their civil union by filing a petition for uncontested dissolution with the Family Division of the Superior Court in the county in which one or both reside. The application for uncontested dissolution shall be on a form prescribed by the Court Administrator. The form shall be signed by both parties. The parties shall provide a certified copy of their marriage certificate with the petition.

(3) The grounds for dissolution pursuant to this subsection shall be that the parties are legally married at the time of the dissolution of the civil union.

(4) The benefits, protections, and responsibilities under law, whether they derive from statute, administrative or court rule, policy, common law, or any other source of civil law, shall continue in the same manner.

(5) Upon the filing of a petition for uncontested dissolution, the court may immediately grant the petition without requiring a hearing by issuing an order of uncontested dissolution.

(6) The filing fee for a dissolution pursuant to this subsection shall be as provided in 32 V.S.A. § 1431(b)(2) for a complaint filed with a stipulation for a final order that is acceptable to the court.
15 V.S.A. § 210 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 5 / Section 210
§ 210. Construction
Status: in_force

This subchapter shall be so interpreted and construed as to effect its general purpose to make uniform the law of those states which enact it.
15 V.S.A. § 1094 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 20 / Section 1094
§ 1094. Costs and expenses
Status: in_force

If the respondent is not the prevailing party, the court may assess against the respondent all direct expenses and costs incurred by the Attorney General or State's Attorney and law enforcement officers under section 1093 of this title.
15 V.S.A. § 668 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 11 / Section 668
§ 668. Modification of order
Status: in_force

(a) On motion of either parent or any other person to whom custody or parental rights and responsibilities have previously been granted, and upon a showing of real, substantial, and unanticipated change of circumstances, the court may annul, vary, or modify an order made under this subchapter if it is in the best interests of the child, whether or not the order is based upon a stipulation or agreement.

(b) Whenever a judgment for physical responsibility is modified, the court shall order a child support modification hearing to be set and notice to be given to the parties. Unless good cause is shown to the contrary, the court shall simultaneously issue a temporary order pending the modification hearing, if adjustments to those portions of any existing child support order or wage withholding order that pertain to any child affected by the modification are necessary to ensure that support and wages are paid in amounts proportional to the modified allocation of responsibility between the parties.

(c) A final order related to parental rights and responsibilities and parent-child contact issued pursuant to subdivision 665(f)(1) of this title shall not be subject to modification. A party may file a motion for modification of an order related to parental rights and responsibilities and parent-child contact issued pursuant to subdivision 665(f)(2) of this title only upon a showing of extraordinary, real, substantial, and unanticipated change of circumstances.
15A V.S.A. § 408 — VT Code / Title 15A / Chapter 2 / Section 408
§ 2-408. Revocation of consent
Status: in_force

(a) In a direct placement of a minor for adoption by a parent or guardian, and before the adoption is finalized, a consent is revoked if:

(1) within 21 days after the consent is executed, a parent who executed the consent notifies the court in writing that the parent revokes the consent, or the parent complies with any other instructions for revocation specified in the consent; or

(2) the person who executed the consent and the prospective adoptive parent named or described in the consent agree to its revocation.

(b) In a direct placement of a minor for adoption by a parent or guardian, the court shall set aside the consent if the person who executed the consent establishes:

(1) by clear and convincing evidence, before a decree of adoption is issued, that the consent was obtained by fraud or duress;

(2) by a preponderance of the evidence before a decree of adoption is issued that, without good cause shown, a petition to adopt was not filed within 45 days after the minor was placed for adoption, unless the 45-day period was extended by the court, in which event the petition to adopt was not filed within the extended period set by the court; or

(3) by a preponderance of the evidence, that a condition permitting revocation has occurred, as expressly provided for in the consent pursuant to section 2-406 of this title.

(c) If the consent of a person who had legal and physical custody of a minor when the minor was placed for adoption or when the consent was executed is revoked, the prospective adoptive parent shall immediately return the minor to the custody of the person who executed the consent and move to dismiss a proceeding for adoption or termination of the person's parental relationship to the minor. If the minor is not returned immediately, the person may petition the court named in the consent for appropriate relief. The court shall hear the petition expeditiously.

(d) If the consent of a person who had legal and physical custody of a minor when the minor was placed for adoption or when the consent was executed is set aside under subdivision (b)(1) of this section, the court shall order the immediate return of the minor to the custody of the person and dismiss a proceeding for adoption.

(e) If the consent of a person who had legal and physical custody of a minor when the minor was placed for adoption or when the consent was executed is set aside under subdivision (b)(2) or (3) of this section and no ground exists under Article 3, Part 5 of this title, for terminating the relationship of parent and child between the person and the minor, the court shall dismiss a proceeding for adoption and order the immediate return of the minor to the custody of the person, unless the court finds that return will be detrimental to the minor.

(f) If the consent of a person who did not have physical custody of a minor when the minor was placed for adoption or when the consent was executed is revoked or set aside and no ground exists under Article 3, Part 5 of this title, for terminating the relationship of parent and child between the person and the minor, the court shall dismiss a proceeding for adoption and issue an order providing for the care and custody of the minor according to the best interests of the minor.
15A V.S.A. § 703 — VT Code / Title 15A / Chapter 3 / Section 703
§ 3-703. Granting petition for adoption
Status: in_force

(a) The court shall grant a petition for adoption if it determines by a preponderance of the evidence that the adoption will be in the best interests of the minor, and that:

(1) the adoptee has been in the physical custody of the petitioner for at least 180 days unless the court for good cause shown waives this requirement;

(2) notice of the proceeding for adoption has been served or dispensed with as to any person entitled to receive notice under Part 4 of this article;

(3) every necessary consent, relinquishment, waiver, disclaimer of paternal interest, judicial order terminating parental rights, including an order issued under Part 5 of this article, or other document has been obtained and filed with the court;

(4) any evaluation required by this title has been filed with and considered by the court;

(5) the petitioner is a suitable adoptive parent for the minor;

(6) if applicable, any requirement of this title governing an interstate or intercountry placement for adoption has been met;

(7) the Indian Child Welfare Act, 25 U.S.C. §§ 1901 et seq., is not applicable to the proceeding or, if applicable, its requirements have been met;

(8) an accounting and affidavit required by section 3-702 of this title has been reviewed by the court, and the court has denied, modified, or ordered reimbursement of any payment or disbursement that is not authorized by Article 7 of this title or is unreasonable or unnecessary when compared with the expenses customarily incurred in connection with an adoption; and

(9) the petitioner has received each report required by section 2-105 of this title.

(b) Notwithstanding a finding by the court that an activity prohibited by this title has occurred, if the court makes the determinations required by subsection (a) of this section, the court shall grant the petition for adoption and report the violation to the appropriate authorities or take other appropriate action.

(c) Except as otherwise provided in Article 4 of this title, the court shall inform the petitioner and any other person affected by an existing order for visitation or communication with the minor adoptee that the decree of adoption terminates any existing order for visitation or communication.
15 V.S.A. § 560 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 11 / Section 560
§ 560. Remarriage
Status: in_force

When a civil marriage is dissolved pursuant to this chapter, the parties shall be deemed single and may lawfully marry again.
15A V.S.A. § 108 — VT Code / Title 15A / Chapter 6 / Section 108
§ 6-108. Certificate of adoption
Status: in_force

Upon the request of an adoptive parent or an adoptee who has attained the age of 18, the register or clerk of the court that entered an adoption decree shall issue a certificate of adoption which states the date and place of adoption, the date of birth of the adoptee, the name of each adoptive parent, and the name of the adoptee as provided in the decree.
15 V.S.A. § 793 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 11 / Section 793
§ 793. Credit reporting
Status: in_force

(a) Information regarding the amount of arrearages owed by an obligor may be made available by the Office of Child Support to any consumer credit bureau organization upon the request of the organization, only if the amount of the arrearages is at least one-quarter of the annual support obligation and the Office of Child Support has notified the obligor by first-class mail or other means likely to give actual notice of the proposed action and given a period not to exceed 20 days to contest the accuracy of the information with the Office of Child Support. In computing the amount of an arrearage, any arrearage accumulated after a motion to modify has been filed shall not be included.

(b) The Office of Child Support shall immediately notify each credit bureau organization to which information has been furnished of any increases or decreases in the account balance.
15B V.S.A. § 1606 — VT Code / Title 15B / Chapter 16 / Section 1606
§ 1606. Procedure to contest the validity or enforcement of a registered order
Status: in_force

(a) A nonregistering party seeking to contest the validity or enforcement of a registered support order in this State shall request a hearing within the time required by section 1605 of this title. The nonregistering party may seek to vacate the registration, to assert any defense to an allegation of noncompliance with the registered order, or to contest the remedies being sought or the amount of any alleged arrearages pursuant to section 1607 of this title.

(b) If the nonregistering party fails to contest the validity or enforcement of the registered support order in a timely manner, the order is confirmed by operation of law.

(c) If a nonregistering party requests a hearing to contest the validity or enforcement of the registered support order, the registering tribunal shall schedule the matter for hearing and give notice to the parties of the date, time, and place of the hearing.
15A V.S.A. § 102 — VT Code / Title 15A / Chapter 6 / Section 102
§ 6-102. Records confidential
Status: in_force

(a) All records on file with the court or in the possession of an agency, the Department of Health, the registry, or other provider of professional services in connection with an adoption are confidential and may not be inspected except as provided in this title.

(b) During a proceeding for adoption, records are not open to inspection except as directed by the court.

(c) Within 30 days after a decree of adoption becomes final, the clerk of the Superior Court shall send to the registry a copy of any document signed pursuant to section 2-105 of this title.

(d) All records on file with the court or agency shall be retained permanently and kept confidential for 99 years after the date of the adoptee's birth. Confidential records and indices are not open to inspection or copying by any person except as provided in this title.

(e) The records of an agency that ceases operation in this State shall be transferred to the Department for retention under the provisions of this title.
15 V.S.A. § 66 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 3 / Section 66
§ 66. Rights in personalty
Status: in_force

All personal property and rights of action acquired by a woman before or during coverture, except by gift from her husband, shall be held to her sole and separate use. Neither a wife's separate property nor the rents, issues, income and products of the same shall be subject to the disposal of her husband or liable for his debts. Nothing herein contained shall authorize a claim by either husband or wife against the other for personal services.
15C V.S.A. § 701 — VT Code / Title 15C / Chapter 7 / Section 701
§ 701. Scope
Status: in_force

This chapter does not apply to the birth of a child conceived by sexual intercourse or assisted reproduction under a surrogacy agreement under chapter 8 of this title.
15 V.S.A. § 780 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 11 / Section 780
§ 780. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter:

(1) “Court” means the court with jurisdiction over the proceeding.

(2) “Employer” means any employer or payor of wages of any type to the obligor.

(3) “Obligee” means the person found to be legally entitled to receive support or any person to whom the obligee has assigned or authorized all rights of collection.

(4) “Obligor” means the person required to pay support under a support order.

(5) “Registry” means the registry established in 33 V.S.A. § 4103.

(6) “Support” means periodic payments ordered for the support of dependent children or, for the purposes of sections 783-790 of this title only, a spouse. Support includes periodic amounts to be applied toward unpaid arrearages.

(7) “Support order” means any judgment, order, or contract for support enforceable in this State, including orders issued pursuant to:

(A) Chapters 5 (relating to desertion and support) and 11 (relating to annulment and divorce) of this title;

(B) 15B V.S.A. chapters 1–19 (relating to Uniform Interstate Family Support Act); and

(C) 15C V.S.A. chapters 1–8 (relating to parentage proceedings).

(8) “Wage withholding order” means a transfer from the obligor to the obligee of the right to receive a portion of the obligor's wages directly from the obligor's employer.

(9) “Wages” means any compensation paid or payable for personal services, whether designated as wages, salary, commission, bonuses, or otherwise, and shall include periodic payments under pension or retirement programs, workers' compensation, or insurance policies of any type.
15B V.S.A. § 1103 — VT Code / Title 15B / Chapter 11 / Section 1103
§ 1103. State tribunal and support enforcement agency
Status: in_force

(a) The Family Division of the Superior Court is the tribunal of this State for all purposes of this title; provided, however, that the Office of Child Support may perform any tribunal function authorized under State law.

(b) The Office of Child Support is the support enforcement agency of this State.
15A V.S.A. § 503 — VT Code / Title 15A / Chapter 3 / Section 503
§ 3-503. Service of petition and notice
Status: in_force

(a) A petition to terminate under this part and a notice of hearing on the petition shall be served upon the respondent in the manner prescribed in section 3-403 of this title.

(b) The notice of a hearing shall inform the respondent of the method for responding and that:

(1) the respondent has a right to be represented by an attorney and may be entitled to have an attorney appointed by the court; and

(2) if the respondent fails to respond within 20 days after service and, in the case of an alleged father, fails to file a claim of paternity within 20 days after service unless a claim of paternity is pending, the respondent may not appear in or receive further notice of the proceeding for adoption or termination and that the failure to respond will result in termination of the relationship of parent and child between the respondent and the minor unless the proceeding for adoption is dismissed.
15 V.S.A. § 791 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 11 / Section 791
§ 791. Arrearage judgment lien
Status: in_force

(a)(1) A judgment issued by the court for support arrearages in excess of one-twelfth of the annualized amount of support shall constitute an arrearage judgment lien, if properly recorded under this section. The court shall also issue an order that payment of support shall be made through the Registry.

(2) If payments are being made through the Registry, a sworn affidavit of the Office of Child Support, establishing an arrearage in excess of one-quarter of the annualized amount of support attached to the underlying court order shall constitute an arrearage lien, if properly recorded under this section.

(3) Before filing a lien provided for in subdivision (2) of this subsection, the Office of Child Support shall serve the obligor pursuant to subsection 783(b) of this title with notice of the amount of the past due child support, the consequences of the filing of the lien, and the procedure for contesting the arrearage and challenging the lien pursuant to 33 V.S.A. § 4108. If the obligor does not contest the notice of lien within 20 days of service, the Office may record the lien under this section. For the purposes of this section, such a lien shall be considered an arrearage judgment lien.

(4) A copy of any document recorded under this subsection shall be sent to the parties by certified mail.

(b) An arrearage judgment lien shall be recorded in accordance with 12 V.S.A. § 2904 with the clerk in any town where real property owned by the obligor may be found, or in the case of personal property in the proper place for recording a security interest under Title 9A, article 9. The judgment shall become a lien for the amount of support arrearages at the time the judgment is issued and any arrearages that accrue after that time and until the lien is released. The judgment shall not become a lien for any sum or sums prior to the date they severally become due and payable.

(c) Within 10 days of the request of the obligor, the Office of Child Support shall issue a certificate of release of an arrearage judgment lien if:

(1) liability for the amount due has been satisfied or has become enforceable by reason of lapse of time; or

(2) the interest of the obligee in the property has no value.

(d) If the Office of Child Support does not issue a release of lien within 10 days or if there is a disagreement over the amount of arrearages, the obligor may request the court to determine the amount of arrearages or to issue a release of lien, or both. The court shall schedule a hearing to be held within 14 days of the request. The court may issue a release of lien without requiring the obligor to satisfy his or her liability for the total amount due if it finds that justice so requires.

(e) A certificate of release of lien applicable to real property and issued by the Office of Child Support or the court shall be in substantially the following form:

I hereby certify that the judgment for child support arrearages is paid in full and that the lien recorded in book ____ , page ____ of the land records of the town of _________ is satisfied. A certificate of release of lien which is recorded by the town clerk in the land records shall release the lien and bar actions brought thereon.

(f) The lien created pursuant to this section shall be effective eight years from the date of issuance of the judgment or eight years after termination of the obligation to pay support, whichever is later. If the lien is not satisfied within 30 days of recording, it may be foreclosed and redeemed as provided in Vermont Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 80.1.

(g) The lien created by this section shall be in addition to and separate from any other remedy or interest created by law or contract.

(h) Upon compliance with subsection (a) of this section, this State shall accord full faith and credit to arrearage liens that arise in another state if the other state accords reciprocity to this State's arrearage liens.
15C V.S.A. § 102 — VT Code / Title 15C / Chapter 1 / Section 102
§ 102. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this title:

(1) “Acknowledged parent” means a person who has established a parent-child relationship under chapter 3 of this title.

(2) “Adjudicated parent” means a person who has been adjudicated by a court of competent jurisdiction to be a parent of a child.

(3) “Alleged genetic parent” means a person who is alleged to be, or alleges that the person is, a genetic parent or possible genetic parent of a child whose parentage has not been adjudicated. The term includes an alleged genetic father and alleged genetic mother. The term does not include:

(A) a presumed parent;

(B) a person whose parental rights have been terminated or declared not to exist; or

(C) a donor.

(4) “Assisted reproduction” means a method of causing pregnancy other than sexual intercourse and includes:

(A) intrauterine, intracervical, or vaginal insemination;

(B) donation of gametes;

(C) donation of embryos;

(D) in vitro fertilization and transfer of embryos; and

(E) intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

(5) “Birth” includes stillbirth.

(6) “Child” means a person of any age whose parentage may be determined under this title.

(7) “Domestic assault” includes any offense as set forth in 13 V.S.A. chapter 19, subchapter 6 (domestic assault).

(8) “Donor” means a person who contributes a gamete or gametes or an embryo or embryos to another person for assisted reproduction or gestation, whether or not for consideration. This term does not include:

(A) a person who gives birth to a child conceived by assisted reproduction except as otherwise provided in chapter 8 of this title; or

(B) a parent under chapter 7 of this title or an intended parent under chapter 8 of this title.

(9) “Embryo” means a cell or group of cells containing a diploid complement of chromosomes or a group of such cells, not including a gamete, that has the potential to develop into a live born human being if transferred into the body of a person under conditions in which gestation may be reasonably expected to occur.

(10) “Gamete” means a sperm or egg.

(11) “Genetic population group” means, for purposes of genetic testing, a recognized group that a person identifies as all or part of the person's ancestry or that is so identified by other information.

(12) “Gestational carrier” means an adult person who is not an intended parent and who enters into a gestational carrier agreement to bear a child conceived using the gametes of other persons and not the gestational carrier's own, except that a person who carries a child for a family member using the gestational carrier's own gametes and who fulfills the requirements of chapter 8 of this title is a gestational carrier.

(13) “Gestational carrier agreement” means a contract between an intended parent or parents and a gestational carrier intended to result in a live birth.

(14) “Intended parent” means a person, whether married or unmarried, who manifests the intent to be legally bound as a parent of a child resulting from assisted reproduction or a gestational carrier agreement.

(15) “Marriage” includes civil union and any legal relationship that provides substantially the same rights, benefits, and responsibilities as marriage and is recognized as valid in the state or jurisdiction in which it was entered.

(16) “Parent” means a person who has established parentage that meets the requirements of this title.

(17) “Parentage” means the legal relationship between a child and a parent as established under this title.

(18) “Presumed parent” means a person who is recognized as the parent of a child under section 401 of this title.

(19) “Record” means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.

(20) “Sexual assault” includes sexual assault as provided in 13 V.S.A. § 3252(a), (b), (d), and (e); aggravated sexual assault as provided in 13 V.S.A. § 3253; aggravated sexual assault of a child as provided in 13 V.S.A. § 3253a; lewd and lascivious conduct with a child as provided in 13 V.S.A. § 2602; and similar offenses in other jurisdictions.

(21) “Sexual exploitation” includes sexual exploitation of an inmate as provided in 13 V.S.A. § 3257, sexual exploitation of a minor as provided in 13 V.S.A. § 3258, sexual abuse of a vulnerable adult as provided in 13 V.S.A. § 1379, and similar offenses in other jurisdictions.

(22) “Sign” means, with the intent to authenticate or adopt a record, to:

(A) execute or adopt a tangible symbol; or

(B) attach to or logically associate with the record an electronic symbol, sound, or process.

(23) “Signatory” means a person who signs a record and is bound by its terms.

(24) “Spouse” includes a partner in a civil union or a partner in a legal relationship that provides substantially the same rights, benefits, and responsibilities as marriage and is recognized as valid in the state or jurisdiction in which it was entered.
15A V.S.A. § 103 — VT Code / Title 15A / Chapter 5 / Section 103
§ 5-103. Consent by spouse
Status: in_force

(a) Consent to the adoption of an adult or emancipated minor is required only of the spouse of the prospective adoptive parent, unless they are legally separated, or the court finds that the spouse is not capable of giving consent or is withholding consent contrary to the best interests of the adoptee and the prospective adoptive parent.

(b) The consent of the spouse of the prospective adoptive parent:

(1) shall be in writing and be signed or confirmed in the presence of the court or a person authorized to take acknowledgments;

(2) shall state that the spouse:

(A) consents to the proposed adoption; and

(B) understands the consequences the adoption may have for any right of inheritance, property, or support the spouse has; and

(3) may contain a waiver of any proceedings for adoption.
15 V.S.A. § 1079 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 20 / Section 1079
§ 1079. Information to be submitted to court
Status: in_force

(a) In accordance with Vermont law regarding the confidentiality of procedures, addresses, and other identifying information in a child custody proceeding, each party, in its first pleading or in an attached affidavit, shall give information, if reasonably ascertainable, under oath as to the child's present address or whereabouts, the places where the child has lived during the last five years, and the names and present addresses of the persons with whom the child has lived during that period. The pleading or affidavit shall state whether the party:

(1) has participated, as a party or witness or in any other capacity, in any other proceeding concerning the custody of or visitation with the child and, if so, identify the court, the case number, and the date of the child custody determination, if any;

(2) knows of any other proceeding that could affect the current proceeding, including any proceeding for enforcement and any proceeding relating to domestic violence, protective orders, termination of parental rights, and adoptions and, if so, identify the court, the case number, and the nature of the proceeding; and

(3) knows the names and addresses of any person not a party to the proceeding who has physical custody of the child or claims rights of legal custody or physical custody of or visitation with the child and, if so, give the names and addresses of those persons.

(b) If the information required by subsection (a) of this section is not furnished, the court, upon motion of a party or its own motion, may stay the proceeding until the information is furnished.

(c) If the declaration as to any of the items described in subdivisions (a)(1)-(3) of this section is in the affirmative, the declarant shall give additional information under oath as required by the court. The court may examine the parties under oath as to details of the information furnished and other matters pertinent to the court's jurisdiction and the disposition of the case.

(d) Each party has a continuing duty to inform the court of any proceeding in this or any other state that could affect the current proceeding.

(e) If a party alleges in an affidavit or a pleading under oath that the health, safety, or liberty of a party or child would be jeopardized by disclosure of identifying information, the information must be sealed and may not be disclosed to the other party or the public unless the court orders the disclosure to be made after a hearing in which the court takes into consideration the health, safety, or liberty of the party or child and determines that the disclosure is in the interest of justice.

(f) As used in this section, the term “party” shall not include the child in a proceeding under 33 V.S.A. chapter 51 or 53.
15 V.S.A. § 667 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 11 / Section 667
§ 667. Evidence
Status: in_force

(a) Evidence of conduct of a parent not related to the factors in section 665 of this title shall only be admissible for the purposes of determining parental rights and responsibilities if it is shown that the conduct affects the parent's relationship with the child.

(b) Reports prepared by a person qualified as an expert under the Vermont Rules of Evidence, evaluating the best interests of the child, shall be admissible for the purposes of determining parental rights and responsibilities provided that the expert is available for cross-examination.
15 V.S.A. § 715 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 11 / Section 715
§ 715. Subsequent default
Status: in_force

The same proceedings shall be had in case of any subsequent default after an order of sale has been made as if such prior orders of sale had not been made.
15A V.S.A. § 107 — VT Code / Title 15A / Chapter 1 / Section 107
§ 1-107. Proceedings subject to Indian Child Welfare Act
Status: in_force

The federal Indian Child Welfare Act, 25 U.S.C. §§ 1901 et seq., governs any proceeding under this title that pertains to an Indian child, as defined by the Indian Child Welfare Act, and prevails over any inconsistent provision of this title.
15B V.S.A. § 1312 — VT Code / Title 15B / Chapter 13 / Section 1312
§ 1312. Nondisclosure of information in exceptional circumstances
Status: in_force

If a party alleges in an affidavit or a pleading under oath that the health, safety, or liberty of a party or child would be jeopardized by disclosure of specific identifying information, that information must be sealed and may not be disclosed to the other party or the public. After a hearing in which a tribunal takes into consideration the health, safety, or liberty of the party or child, the tribunal may order disclosure of information that the tribunal determines to be in the interest of justice.
15 V.S.A. § 67 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 3 / Section 67
§ 67. Estates by entirety
Status: in_force

Real estate and tangible personal property and the products thereof, held and owned by husband and wife by the entirety, are made chargeable during the lifetime of the husband for the debts contracted by him for the necessary upkeep of such property, in the same manner and to the same extent as if owned and held by him in his sole name.
15 V.S.A. § 607 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 11 / Section 607
§ 607. Action by attorney to recover suit money
Status: in_force

When a final order has been made providing for the payment by either party of suit money to the attorney for the opposite party or for a minor child of the parties, and service of the order has been made or accepted, the attorney may recover the suit money by a civil action on this section or by contempt proceedings brought in the attorney's own name, either with or without the consent of the client.
15 V.S.A. § 799 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 11 / Section 799
§ 799. Trustee process
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this section, “trustee” means any person, institution, or entity, holding any money, personal property, or real property that belongs to or is owed to the obligor, including judgments, settlements, lottery winnings, funds held in financial institutions, and any voluntary contributions to public and private retirement funds.

(b) Upon noncompliance with a child support order in excess of one-quarter of the annual support obligation, the Office of Child Support may seek to attach assets owned by an obligor and held by a trustee. Prior to attaching assets held by a trustee, the Office of Child Support shall notify the obligor of the delinquency and of the Office's intent to take administrative enforcement action for liens and trustee process and shall provide the obligor with an opportunity to contest the claimed delinquency and enforcement action pursuant to 33 V.S.A. § 4108. If the obligor fails to contest the claimed delinquency within 20 days after notification, or upon a final determination of a delinquency after hearing, the Office of Child Support may issue a summons to a trustee as provided in subsection (c) of this section.

(c) If no timely contest is made or upon a final determination of nonpayment of child support equal to or greater than one-quarter of the annual support obligation, the Office of Child Support may issue one or more summons to the trustee. The sum of the amounts for which the goods, effects, or credits of the obligor are attached on trustee process shall not exceed the amount determined to be delinquent under subsection (b) of this section. The Office of Child Support shall serve on the trustee and the obligor a disclosure form and a notice of the exemptions under subsection (f) of this section. If at any time the Office finds the outstanding arrearage has been satisfied in whole or in part, the Office shall discharge any trustee process that is outstanding or reduce the amounts for which the goods, effects, or credits of the obligor are attached so the sum of all such amounts does not exceed the amount that remains unsatisfied. The Office shall promptly notify the trustee and obligor of the change.

(d) In the event the obligor or other aggrieved person contests the summons to the trustee pursuant to 33 V.S.A. § 4108 or appeals the proposed action to the Family Division of the Superior Court within 20 days of the summons and is found not to be in arrears by more than one-quarter of the annual support obligation on the date the summons to the trustee was issued, the Office, within two business days, shall discharge the trustee process and notify the trustee and the obligor. In addition, the Office shall pay to the obligor or other aggrieved person the sum of $500.00.

(e) Upon receipt of a summons, the trustee shall secure and hold the assets in its possession up to the amount specified in the summons, and shall serve a disclosure under oath on the Office of Child Support and the obligor. If no timely contest is made or upon a final determination of any contest sustaining the trustee process, the trustee shall tender to the Office of Child Support the assets of the obligor in its possession up to the amount specified in the summons. If the trustee fails to disclose or fails or refuses to tender the property as directed, the Office of Child Support may file an action with the Family Division of the Superior Court to determine the trustee's liability. A trustee shall not be liable to the obligor for complying with this section.

(f) The exemptions from attachments and executions in 12 V.S.A. § 2740 shall apply to the trustee process provided for in this section except as follows:

(1) the exemption in 12 V.S.A. § 2740(15) shall not exceed $400.00;

(2) the exemption in 12 V.S.A. § 2740(16) shall not exceed $5,000.00; and

(3) the exemption in 12 V.S.A. § 2740(18) shall not apply.

(g) Upon notifying a trustee to attach voluntary retirement funds, the Office shall give the obligor an opportunity to have the attachment removed by making alternate payment arrangements satisfactory to the Office within 30 days of issuance of the summons.
15A V.S.A. § 105 — VT Code / Title 15A / Chapter 4 / Section 105
§ 4-105. Content of consent by minor's other parent
Status: in_force

(a) A consent executed by a minor's parent who is not the stepparent's spouse shall be signed or confirmed in the presence of a person specified in section 2-405 of this title or a person authorized to take acknowledgments.

(b) A consent under subsection (a) of this section shall be in writing, shall contain the required statements described in subdivisions 2-406(a)(1) through (3) and (d)(3) through (6) of this title, and shall state that:

(1) the parent executing the consent voluntarily and unequivocally consents to the adoption of the minor by the stepparent and the transfer to the stepparent's spouse and the adoptive stepparent of any right the parent executing the consent has to legal or physical custody of the minor;

(2) the parent executing the consent understands and agrees that the adoption will terminate his or her parental relationship to the minor and will terminate any existing court order for custody, visitation, or communication with the minor, but:

(A) the minor and any descendant of the minor will retain the rights of inheritance from or through the parent executing the consent;

(B) a court order for visitation or communication with the minor by the parent executing the consent or a person related to the minor through the minor's other parent, or an agreement or order concerning another person which is approved by the court pursuant to section 4-112 of this title survives the decree of adoption, but failure to comply with the terms of the order or agreement is not a ground for revoking or setting aside the consent or the adoption; and

(C) the parent executing the consent remains liable for arrearages of child support, unless released from that obligation by the other parent and any guardian ad litem of the minor and by a governmental entity providing public assistance to the minor; and

(3) the parent executing the consent has provided the adoptive stepparent with applicable information required by section 2-105 of this title.

(c) A consent under subsection (a) of this section may waive notice of the proceeding for adoption of the minor by the stepparent, unless the adoption is contested, appealed, or denied.
15C V.S.A. § 402 — VT Code / Title 15C / Chapter 4 / Section 402
§ 402. Challenge to presumed parent
Status: in_force

(a) Except as provided in subsections (b)-(d) of this section, a proceeding to challenge the parentage of a person whose parentage is presumed under section 401 of this title shall be commenced within two years after the birth of the child.

(b) A proceeding to challenge the parentage of a person whose parentage is presumed under section 401 of this title may be commenced two years or more after the birth of the child in any of the following circumstances:

(1) The presumed parent is not a genetic parent, never resided with the child, and never held out the child as the presumed parent's child.

(2) An alleged genetic parent who did not know of the potential genetic parentage of a child and who could not reasonably have known on account of material misrepresentation or concealment may commence a proceeding under this section within two years after discovering the potential genetic parentage. If the person is adjudicated to be the genetic parent of the child, the court shall not disestablish a presumed parent.

(3) The child has more than one presumed parent.

(c) Subject to the limitations set forth in this section and in section 401 of this title, if in a proceeding to adjudicate a presumed parent's parentage of a child another person in addition to the person who gave birth to the child asserts a claim to parentage of the child, the court shall adjudicate parentage pursuant to subsections 206(a) and (b) of this title.

(d) Regarding a presumption under subdivision 401(a)(4) of this title, another parent of the child may challenge a presumption of parentage if that parent openly held out the child as the presumptive parent's child due to duress, coercion, or threat of harm. Evidence of duress, coercion, or threat of harm may include whether within the prior 10 years the person presumed to be a parent pursuant to subdivision 401(a)(4) of this title has been convicted of domestic assault, sexual assault, or sexual exploitation of the child or another parent of the child; was subject to a final abuse protection order pursuant to 15 V.S.A. chapter 21 because the person was found to have committed abuse against the child or another parent of the child; or was substantiated for abuse against the child or another parent of the child pursuant to 33 V.S.A. chapter 49 or 33 V.S.A. chapter 69.
15A V.S.A. § 103 — VT Code / Title 15A / Chapter 3 / Section 103
§ 3-103. Transfer, stay, or dismissal
Status: in_force

If the court, on its own motion or on motion of a party to the proceeding for adoption, finds in the interests of justice that the matter should be heard in another forum where venue lies under section 3-102 of this title, the court may transfer, stay, or dismiss the proceeding, subject to any further conditions imposed by the court.
15B V.S.A. § 1604 — VT Code / Title 15B / Chapter 16 / Section 1604
§ 1604. Choice of law
Status: in_force

(a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (d) of this section, the law of the issuing state or foreign country governs:

(1) the nature, extent, amount, and duration of current payments under a registered support order;

(2) the computation and payment of arrearages and accrual of interest on the arrearages under the support order; and

(3) the existence and satisfaction of other obligations under the support order.

(b) In a proceeding for arrears under a registered support order, the statute of limitation of this State or of the issuing state or foreign country, whichever is longer, applies.

(c) A responding tribunal of this State shall apply the procedures and remedies of this State to enforce current support and collect arrears and interest due on a support order of another state or a foreign country registered in this State.

(d) After a tribunal of this State or another state determines which is the controlling order and issues an order consolidating arrears, if any, a tribunal of this State shall prospectively apply the law of the state or foreign country issuing the controlling order, including its law on interest on arrears, on current and future support, and on consolidated arrears.
15C V.S.A. § 807 — VT Code / Title 15C / Chapter 8 / Section 807
§ 807. Gestational carrier agreement; effect of subsequent change of marital status
Status: in_force

Unless a gestational carrier agreement expressly provides otherwise:

(1) the marriage of a gestational carrier or of an intended parent after the agreement has been signed by all parties does not affect the validity of the agreement, the gestational carrier's spouse's consent or intended parent's spouse's consent to the agreement is not required, and the gestational carrier's spouse or intended parent's spouse is not a presumed parent of a child conceived by assisted reproduction under the agreement; and

(2) the divorce, dissolution, annulment, or legal separation of the gestational carrier or of an intended parent after the agreement has been signed by all parties does not affect the validity of the agreement.
15B V.S.A. § 1308 — VT Code / Title 15B / Chapter 13 / Section 1308
§ 1308. Duty of the Attorney General
Status: in_force

(a) If the Attorney General determines that the support enforcement agency is neglecting or refusing to provide services under this title, the Attorney General may order the agency to perform its duties under this title or may provide those services directly to the individual.

(b) The Attorney General may determine that a foreign country has established a reciprocal arrangement for child support with this State and take appropriate action for notification of the determination.
15 V.S.A. § 563 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 11 / Section 563
§ 563. Condonation
Status: in_force

Condonation shall not constitute a defense or a bar to a complaint for divorce.
15B V.S.A. § 1315 — VT Code / Title 15B / Chapter 13 / Section 1315
§ 1315. Nonparentage as defense
Status: in_force

A party whose parentage of a child has been previously determined by or pursuant to law may not plead nonparentage as a defense to a proceeding under this title.
15 V.S.A. § 688 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 11 / Section 688
§ 688. Failure to exercise parent-child contact rights
Status: in_force

In determining whether a parent has failed to exercise parent-child contact, the court shall not count any time periods during which the parent did not exercise such contact due to the material effect of that parent's military duties on the contact schedule.
15A V.S.A. § 405 — VT Code / Title 15A / Chapter 2 / Section 405
§ 2-405. Procedure for execution of consent or relinquishment
Status: in_force

(a) A consent or relinquishment executed by a parent or guardian under this title shall be signed in the presence of:

(1) a judge of a court that has jurisdiction over adoption proceedings in this or in any other state;

(2) a person appointed by a probate judge to take consents or relinquishments;

(3) a commissioned officer on active duty in the military service of the United States, if the person executing the consent or relinquishment is in military service; or

(4) an officer of the foreign service or a consular officer of the United States in another country, if the person executing the consent or relinquishment is in that country.

(b) A consent executed by a minor adoptee shall be signed in the presence of the judge before whom the proceeding is pending.

(c) A parent who is a minor is competent to execute a consent or relinquishment if the parent has had the advice of an attorney who is not representing an adoptive parent or the agency to which the parent's child is relinquished. The attorney shall be present when the consent or relinquishment is executed.

(d) A person before whom a consent or relinquishment is signed under subsection (a) of this section shall certify in writing that he or she orally explained the contents and consequences of the consent or relinquishment and, to the best of the person's knowledge or belief, the person executing the consent or relinquishment:

(1) read or was read the consent or relinquishment and understood it;

(2) signed the consent or relinquishment voluntarily;

(3) received or was offered a copy of the consent or relinquishment and the information described in subsection 2-404(e) of this title;

(4) if a parent, understands that personal counseling was available by a certified adoption counselor or other counselor of his or her choice;

(5) if a parent who is a minor, was advised by an attorney who is not representing an adoptive parent or the agency to which the parent's child is being relinquished, or, if an adult, was informed of the right to have an attorney who is not representing an adoptive parent or an agency to which the parent's child is being relinquished;

(6) if a mother who has not identified a biological father, has responded to inquiries under section 3-404 of this title; and

(7) if a parent who has identified another parent who is deceased, has provided the names and addresses of persons described in subdivision 3-401(a)(6) of this title.

(e) A prospective adoptive parent named or described in a consent to the adoption of a minor shall sign a statement indicating an intention to adopt the minor, acknowledging an obligation to return legal and physical custody of the minor to the minor's parent if the parent revokes the consent within the time specified in subsection 2-404(a) of this title, and acknowledging responsibility for the minor's support and medical and other care if the consent is not revoked.

(f) If an agency accepts a relinquishment, an employee of the agency shall sign a statement accepting the relinquishment, acknowledging its obligation to return legal and physical custody of the child to the minor's parent if the parent revokes the relinquishment within the time indicated in subsection 2-404(a), and acknowledging responsibility for the minor's support and medical and other care if the relinquishment is not revoked.

(g) A person before whom a consent or a relinquishment is signed or confirmed shall certify having received the statements required by subsections (e) and (f) of this section.

(h) A consent by an agency to the adoption of a minor in the agency's legal custody shall be executed by the head of the agency or a person authorized by the agency and shall be signed or confirmed under oath in the presence of a person authorized to take acknowledgments.

(i) A consent or relinquishment executed in another state or country is valid if in accordance with this title or with the law and procedure of the state or country in which executed.
15 V.S.A. § 654 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 11 / Section 654
§ 654. Support guideline
Status: in_force

The Secretary of Human Services shall prescribe by rule a guideline for child support that reflects the percent of combined available income that parents living in the same household in Vermont ordinarily spend on their children. The rule shall be based on the concept that children should receive the same proportion of parental income after separation or divorce of their parents as they would receive if their parents were living together in one household. The rule shall be based on the financial needs of Vermont children, established by such reliable data as most accurately reflect their needs. The amounts of child support determined under the guideline shall be expressed in dollars and shall be presumed to be the total support obligation of parents. The Secretary may amend the guideline from time to time as may be necessary, but not less than once every four years. The Secretary shall also prepare and make available forms suitable for calculating amounts payable under this section.
15C V.S.A. § 611 — VT Code / Title 15C / Chapter 6 / Section 611
§ 611. Genetic testing when specimens not available
Status: in_force

(a) If a genetic testing specimen is not available from an alleged genetic parent of a child, for good cause the court may order the following persons to submit specimens for genetic testing:

(1) the parents of the alleged genetic parent;

(2) a sibling of the alleged genetic parent;

(3) another child of the alleged genetic parent and the person who gave birth to that other child; and

(4) another relative of the alleged genetic parent necessary to complete genetic testing.

(b) Prior to issuing an order under subsection (a) of this section, the court shall provide notice and opportunity to be heard to the person from whom a genetic sample is requested. If the court does order a person to be tested pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, it shall make a written finding that the need for genetic testing outweighs the legitimate interests, including the privacy and bodily integrity interests, of the person sought to be tested.

(c) A genetic specimen taken pursuant to this section shall be destroyed after final determination of the parentage case.
15C V.S.A. § 111 — VT Code / Title 15C / Chapter 1 / Section 111
§ 111. Orders
Status: in_force

(a) Interim order for support. In a proceeding under this title, the court may issue an interim order for support of a child in accordance with the child support guidelines under 15 V.S.A. § 654 with respect to a person who is:

(1) a presumed, acknowledged, or adjudicated parent of the child;

(2) petitioning to have parentage adjudicated;

(3) identified as the genetic parent through genetic testing under chapter 6 of this title;

(4) an alleged genetic parent who has declined to submit to genetic testing;

(5) shown by a preponderance of evidence to be a parent of the child;

(6) the person who gave birth to the child, other than a gestational carrier; or

(7) a parent under this chapter.

(b) Interim order for parental rights and responsibilities. In a proceeding under this title, the court may make an interim order regarding parental rights and responsibilities on a temporary basis.

(c) Final orders. Final orders concerning child support or parental rights and responsibilities shall be governed by Title 15.
15B V.S.A. § 1708 — VT Code / Title 15B / Chapter 17 / Section 1708
§ 1708. Recognition and enforcement of registered convention support order
Status: in_force

(a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b) of this section, a tribunal of this State shall recognize and enforce a registered Convention support order.

(b) The following grounds are the only grounds on which a tribunal of this State may refuse recognition and enforcement of a registered Convention support order:

(1) Recognition and enforcement of the order is manifestly incompatible with public policy, including the failure of the issuing tribunal to observe minimum standards of due process, which include notice and an opportunity to be heard.

(2) The issuing tribunal lacked personal jurisdiction consistent with section 1201 of this title.

(3) The order is not enforceable in the issuing country.

(4) The order was obtained by fraud in connection with a matter of procedure.

(5) A record transmitted in accordance with section 1706 of this title lacks authenticity or integrity.

(6) A proceeding between the same parties and having the same purpose is pending before a tribunal of this State and that proceeding was the first to be filed.

(7) The order is incompatible with a more recent support order involving the same parties and having the same purpose if the more recent support order is entitled to recognition and enforcement under this title in this State.

(8) The obligor has paid alleged arrears in whole or in part.

(9) In a case in which the respondent neither appeared nor was represented in the proceeding in the issuing foreign country:

(A) if the law of that country provides for prior notice of proceedings, the respondent did not have proper notice of the proceedings and an opportunity to be heard; or

(B) if the law of that country does not provide for prior notice of the proceedings, the respondent did not have proper notice of the order and an opportunity to be heard in a challenge or appeal on fact or law before a tribunal.

(10) The order was made in violation of section 1711 of this title.

(c) If a tribunal of this State does not recognize a Convention support order pursuant to subdivision (b)(2), (4), or (9) of this section:

(1) the tribunal may not dismiss the proceeding without allowing a reasonable time for a party to request the establishment of a new Convention support order; and

(2) the governmental entity shall take all appropriate measures to request a child support order for the obligee if the application for recognition and enforcement was received under section 1704 of this title.
15C V.S.A. § 709 — VT Code / Title 15C / Chapter 7 / Section 709
§ 709. Laboratory error
Status: in_force

If due to a laboratory error the child is not genetically related to either of the intended parents, the intended parents are the parents of the child unless otherwise determined by the court.
15C V.S.A. § 104 — VT Code / Title 15C / Chapter 1 / Section 104
§ 104. Parentage proceeding
Status: in_force

(a) Proceeding authorized. A proceeding to adjudicate the parentage of a child shall be maintained in accordance with this title and with the Vermont Rules for Family Proceedings, except that proceedings for birth orders under sections 708 and 804 of this title shall be maintained in accordance with the Vermont Rules of Probate Procedure.

(b) Actions brought by the Office of Child Support. If the complaint is brought by the Office of Child Support, the complaint shall be accompanied by an affidavit of the parent whose rights have been assigned. In cases where the assignor is not a genetic parent or is a genetic parent who refuses to provide an affidavit, the affidavit may be submitted by the Office of Child Support, but the affidavit alone shall not support a default judgment on the issue of parentage.

(c) Original actions. Original actions to adjudicate parentage may be commenced in the Family Division of the Superior Court, except that proceedings for birth orders under sections 708 and 804 of this title shall be commenced in the Probate Division of the Superior Court.

(d) No right to jury. There shall be no right to a jury trial in an action to determine parentage.

(e) Disclosure of Social Security numbers. A person who is a party to a parentage action shall disclose that person's Social Security number, if the person has one, to the court. The Social Security number of a person subject to a parentage adjudication shall be placed in the court records relating to the adjudication. The court shall disclose a person's Social Security number to the Office of Child Support.
15B V.S.A. § 1609 — VT Code / Title 15B / Chapter 16 / Section 1609
§ 1609. Procedure to register a child support order of another state for modification
Status: in_force

A party or support enforcement agency seeking to modify, or to modify and enforce, a child support order issued in another state must register that order in this State in the same manner provided in sections 1601-1608 of this title if the order has not been registered. A petition for modification may be filed at the same time as a request for registration, or later. The pleading must specify the grounds for modification.
15 V.S.A. § 762 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 11 / Section 762
§ 762. Insurance benefits
Status: in_force

In a proceeding under this chapter, the court may assign insurance benefits to a spouse or children, and may require the spouse who is required to make the assignment to execute a blanket assignment giving notice of the assignment to the provider of the insurance benefits.
15 V.S.A. § 794 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 11 / Section 794
§ 794. Tax offsets
Status: in_force

An order for child support may be enforced as provided in 32 V.S.A. chapter 151.
15 V.S.A. § 758 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 11 / Section 758
§ 758. Revision of judgment relating to maintenance
Status: in_force

On motion of either party and due notice, and upon a showing of a real, substantial, and unanticipated change of circumstances, the court may from time to time annul, vary or modify a judgment relative to maintenance, whether or not such judgment relative to maintenance is based upon a stipulation or an agreement.
15 V.S.A. § 1075 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 20 / Section 1075
§ 1075. Notice; opportunity to be heard; joinder
Status: in_force

(a) Before a child custody determination is made under this chapter, notice and an opportunity to be heard in accordance with the standards of section 1066 of this title shall be given to all persons entitled to notice under Vermont law as in child custody proceedings between Vermont residents, any parent whose parental rights have not been previously terminated, and any person having physical custody of the child.

(b) This chapter does not govern the enforceability of a child custody determination made without notice or an opportunity to be heard.

(c) The obligation to join a party and the right to intervene as a party in a child custody proceeding under this chapter are governed by Vermont law as in child custody proceedings between Vermont residents.
15 V.S.A. § 1087 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 20 / Section 1087
§ 1087. Simultaneous proceedings
Status: in_force

If a proceeding for enforcement under this subchapter is commenced in a Vermont court and the court determines that a proceeding to modify the determination is pending in a court of another state having jurisdiction to modify the determination under subchapter 2 of this chapter, the enforcing court shall immediately communicate with the modifying court. The proceeding for enforcement shall continue unless the enforcing court, after consultation with the modifying court, stays or dismisses the proceeding.
15C V.S.A. § 601 — VT Code / Title 15C / Chapter 6 / Section 601
§ 601. Scope
Status: in_force

This chapter governs procedures and requirements of genetic testing and genetic testing results of a person to determine parentage and adjudication of parentage based on genetic testing, whether the person voluntarily submits to testing or is tested pursuant to an order of the court. Genetic testing shall not be used to challenge the parentage of a person who is a parent by operation of law under chapter 7 or 8 of this title or to establish the parentage of a person who is a donor.
15 V.S.A. § 632 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 11 / Section 632
§ 632. Jurisdiction; guardian ad litem for libelee with a mental incapacity
Status: in_force

The Superior Courts of the several counties of this State shall have jurisdiction of such an action. Upon the filing by the plaintiff of a complaint, duly verified, showing that such cause of action exists, a Superior judge shall appoint some person to act as guardian ad litem of such person with a mental incapacity in such action. The complaint and summons in such action shall be served upon the defendant by delivering a copy thereof to such guardian and another to the State's Attorney of the county in which such action is brought.
15B V.S.A. § 1612 — VT Code / Title 15B / Chapter 16 / Section 1612
§ 1612. Recognition of an order modified in another state
Status: in_force

If a child support order issued by a tribunal of this State is modified by a tribunal of another state which assumed jurisdiction pursuant to the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act, a tribunal of this State:

(1) may enforce its order that was modified only as to arrears and interest accruing before the modification;

(2) may provide appropriate relief for violations of its order which occurred before the effective date of the modification; and

(3) shall recognize the modifying order of the other state, upon registration, for the purpose of enforcement.
15B V.S.A. § 1310 — VT Code / Title 15B / Chapter 13 / Section 1310
§ 1310. Duties of the Office of Child Support
Status: in_force

(a) The Office of Child Support is the State Information Agency under this title.

(b) The State Information Agency shall:

(1) compile and maintain a current list, including addresses, of the tribunals in this State which have jurisdiction under this title and any support enforcement agencies in this State and transmit a copy to the state information agency of every other state;

(2) maintain a register of names and addresses of tribunals and support enforcement agencies received from other states;

(3) forward to the appropriate tribunal in the county in this State in which the obligee who is an individual or the obligor resides, or in which the obligor's property is believed to be located, all documents concerning a proceeding under this title received from another state or a foreign country; and

(4) obtain information concerning the location of the obligor or obligee and the obligor's or obligee's property within this State not exempt from execution, by such means as postal verification and federal or State locator services, examination of telephone directories, requests for the obligor's or obligee's address from employers, and examination of governmental records, including, to the extent not prohibited by other law, those relating to real property, vital statistics, law enforcement, taxation, motor vehicles, driver's licenses, and Social Security.
15B V.S.A. § 1313 — VT Code / Title 15B / Chapter 13 / Section 1313
§ 1313. Costs and fees
Status: in_force

(a) The petitioner must not be required to pay a filing fee or other costs.

(b) If an obligee prevails, a responding tribunal of this State may assess against an obligor filing fees, reasonable attorney's fees, other costs, and necessary travel and other reasonable expenses incurred by the obligee and the obligee's witnesses. The tribunal may not assess fees, costs, or expenses against the obligee or the support enforcement agency of either the initiating or the responding state or foreign country, except as provided by other law. Attorney's fees may be taxed as costs, and may be ordered paid directly to the attorney, who may enforce the order in the attorney's own name. Payment of support owed to the obligee has priority over fees, costs, and expenses.

(c) The tribunal shall order the payment of costs and reasonable attorney's fees if it determines that a hearing was requested primarily for delay. In an enforcement proceeding under chapter 16 of this title, a hearing is presumed to have been requested primarily for delay if a registered support order is confirmed or enforced without change.
15C V.S.A. § 312 — VT Code / Title 15C / Chapter 3 / Section 312
§ 312. Adoption of rules
Status: in_force

The Department of Health may adopt rules to implement this chapter.
15 V.S.A. § 1063 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 20 / Section 1063
§ 1063. Application to Indian tribes; international application
Status: in_force

(a) A child custody proceeding that pertains to an Indian child as defined in the Indian Child Welfare Act, 25 U.S.C. § 1901 et seq., is not subject to this chapter to the extent that it is governed by the Indian Child Welfare Act.

(b) A Vermont court shall treat a foreign country as if it were a state of the United States for the purpose of applying this subchapter and subchapter 2 of this chapter.

(c) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (d) of this section, a child custody determination made in a foreign country under factual circumstances in substantial conformity with the jurisdictional standards of this chapter must be recognized and enforced under subchapter 3 of this chapter.

(d) A Vermont court need not apply this chapter if the child custody law of a foreign country violates fundamental principles of human rights.
15A V.S.A. § 112 — VT Code / Title 15A / Chapter 1 / Section 112
§ 1-112. Family Division of the Superior Court jurisdiction
Status: in_force

The Family Division of the Superior Court shall have jurisdiction to hear and dispose of issues pertaining to parental rights and responsibilities, parent-child contact and child support in accordance with the provisions of 15 V.S.A. chapter 11 under the following circumstances:

(1) If two unmarried persons, who have adopted a minor child, terminate their domestic relationship; or

(2) If two unmarried persons, one of whom has adopted a minor child of the other, terminate their domestic relationship.
15 V.S.A. § 686 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 11 / Section 686
§ 686. No existing final order
Status: in_force

(a) If there is no existing order establishing the terms of parental rights and responsibilities or parent-child contact and it appears that deployment or mobilization is imminent, upon an action filed under this chapter by either parent, the court shall expedite a hearing to establish temporary parental rights and responsibilities and parent-child contact to ensure the deploying parent has access to the child, to ensure disclosure of information, to grant other rights and duties set forth herein, and to provide other appropriate relief.

(b) Any initial pleading filed to establish parental rights and responsibilities for or parent-child contact with a child of a deploying parent shall be so identified at the time of filing by stating in the text of the pleading the specific facts related to deployment.
15C V.S.A. § 114 — VT Code / Title 15C / Chapter 1 / Section 114
§ 114. Order adjudicating parentage
Status: in_force

(a) Issuance of order. In a proceeding under this chapter, the court shall issue a final order adjudicating whether a person alleged or claiming to be a parent is the parent of a child.

(b) Identify child. A final order under subsection (a) of this section shall identify the child by name and date of birth.

(c) Change of name. On request of a party and for good cause shown, the court may order that the name of the child be changed.

(d) Amended birth record. If the final order under subsection (a) of this section is at variance with the child's birth certificate, the Department of Health shall issue an amended birth certificate.
15B V.S.A. § 1608 — VT Code / Title 15B / Chapter 16 / Section 1608
§ 1608. Confirmed order
Status: in_force

Confirmation of a registered support order, whether by operation of law or after notice and hearing, precludes further contest of the order with respect to any matter that could have been asserted at the time of registration.
15 V.S.A. § 751 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 11 / Section 751
§ 751. Property settlement
Status: in_force

(a) Upon motion of either party to a proceeding under this chapter, the court shall settle the rights of the parties to their property by including in its judgment provisions which equitably divide and assign the property. All property owned by either or both of the parties, however and whenever acquired, shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the court. Title to the property, whether in the names of either or both parties, or a nominee, shall be immaterial, except where equitable distribution can be made without disturbing separate property.

(b) In making a property settlement, the court may consider all relevant factors, including:

(1) The length of the civil marriage.

(2) The age and health of the parties.

(3) The occupation, source, and amount of income of each of the parties.

(4) Vocational skills and employability.

(5) The contribution by one spouse to the education, training, or increased earning power of the other.

(6) The value of all property interests, liabilities, and needs of each party.

(7) Whether the property settlement is in lieu of or in addition to maintenance.

(8) The opportunity of each for future acquisition of capital assets and income. For purposes of this subdivision:

(A) The court may consider the parties' lifestyle and decisions made during the marriage and any other competent evidence as related to their expectations of gifts or an inheritance. The court shall not speculate as to the value of an inheritance or make a finding as to its value unless there is competent evidence of such value.

(B) A party's interest in an inheritance that has not yet vested and is capable of modification or divestment shall not be included in the marital estate.

(C) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subdivision (8), a person who is not a party to the divorce shall not be subject to any subpoena to provide documentation or to give testimony about:

(i) his or her assets, income, or net worth, unless it relates to a party's interest in an instrument that is vested and not capable of modification or divestment; or

(ii) his or her revocable estate planning instruments, including interests that pass at death by operation of law or by contract, unless a party's interest in an instrument is vested and not capable of modification or divestment.

(D) This subdivision (8) shall not be construed to limit the testimony given by the parties themselves or what can be obtained through discovery of the parties.

(9) The desirability of awarding the family home or the right to live there for reasonable periods to the spouse having custody of the children.

(10) The party through whom the property was acquired.

(11) The contribution of each spouse in the acquisition, preservation, and depreciation or appreciation in value of the respective estates, including the nonmonetary contribution of a spouse as a homemaker.

(12) The respective merits of the parties.
15A V.S.A. § 103 — VT Code / Title 15A / Chapter 6 / Section 103
§ 6-103. Adoption registry
Status: in_force

(a) The registry shall maintain:

(1) an index containing all of the following information, as applicable:

(A) the adoptee's name at birth and after adoption and date of birth;

(B) the names and addresses of the adoptee's former parents and adoptive parents;

(C) the date and court in which a consent or relinquishment was filed;

(D) the date and court in which the petition was filed;

(E) any agency involved in the adoption;

(F) the date and nature of the disposition of the petition;

(2) a copy of any consent for the disclosure of identifying information filed with the court;

(3) a copy of the information filed with the court which is described in section 2-105 of this title.

(b) The Probate Division of the Superior Court shall provide the Department with the information necessary to maintain this index.
15 V.S.A. § 663 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 11 / Section 663
§ 663. Support orders; required contents
Status: in_force

(a) Every order for child support made or modified under this chapter shall be issued in a standardized format and sent to the Registry in the Office of Child Support. The order shall include:

(1) The name, address, email address, Social Security number, and employer of both parents.

(2) The name and address of children who are the subject of the order.

(3) An annualized amount of child support.

(4) Frequency of the child support payment.

(5) Total arrearages, if any, and the periodic amount ordered for payment of arrearages.

(6) Any other information that may affect the obligation to pay child support.

(b) Child care costs shall be specifically stated in the order for the purpose of providing information on the amount of child care costs used to compute the total support obligation.

(c) Every order for child support made or modified under this chapter on or after July 1, 1990 shall:

(1) include an order for immediate wage withholding or, if not subject to immediate wage withholding, include a statement that wage withholding will take effect under the expedited procedure set forth in section 782 of this title;

(2) require payments to be made to the Registry in the Office of Child Support unless subject to an exception under 33 V.S.A. § 4103;

(3) require that every party to the order must notify the Registry in writing of their current mailing address, current e-mail address, and current residence address and of any change in any address within seven business days of the change, until all obligations to pay support or support arrearages or to provide for visitation are satisfied;

(4) include in bold letters notification of remedies available under section 798 of this title; and

(5) include in bold letters notification that the parent may seek a modification of his or her support obligation if there has been a showing of a real, substantial and unanticipated change of circumstances.

(d) The parent under a medical support order shall notify his or her employer of such obligation in writing within 10 days of the date of the order. If the parent is not employed or is self-employed, the parent shall notify his or her insurer of such obligation in writing within 10 days of the date of the order. If a parent under a medical support order fails to give notice as provided in this subsection, he or she shall be liable for all health care expenses of the child subsequent to the date of the order until the order is modified by the court with respect to medical support.

(e) A child support order shall include the following language: “A PARENT OR ANY OTHER PERSON TO WHOM SUPPORT HAS BEEN GRANTED, OR ANY PERSON CHARGED WITH SUPPORT, MAY FILE A MOTION FOR A MODIFICATION OF A CHILD SUPPORT ORDER UNDER 15 V.S.A. § 660. A MODIFICATION MAY BE GRANTED UPON A REAL, SUBSTANTIAL, AND UNANTICIPATED CHANGE OF CIRCUMSTANCES, INCLUDING LOSS OF EMPLOYMENT OR A CONSIDERABLE REDUCTION OR INCREASE IN SALARY OR WAGES. AN OBLIGOR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY REQUIRED PAYMENTS SET FORTH IN AN ORDER UNLESS THE ORDER IS VACATED OR MODIFIED BY A COURT. THUS, ANY SUBSEQUENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES THAT DIFFERS FROM THE ORDER IS NOT LEGALLY BINDING, AND THE OBLIGOR IS STILL LEGALLY REQUIRED TO PAY THE AMOUNT ORDERED BY THE COURT.”
15 V.S.A. § 207 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 5 / Section 207
§ 207. Evidence; competency of parties as witnesses
Status: in_force

Other evidence shall not be required to prove the civil marriage of the husband and wife, or that the respondent is the father or mother or stepfather or stepmother of the child, than is or shall be required to prove such facts in a civil action. In a prosecution under this subchapter, any existing statute or rule of law prohibiting the disclosure of confidential communications between husband and wife shall not apply, and both husband and wife shall be competent witnesses to testify against each other to any and all relevant matters, including the fact of the civil marriage and the parentage of the child; provided that neither shall be compelled to give self-incriminating evidence. Proof of the desertion of the husband or wife or child in destitute circumstances or of neglect or refusal to provide for the support and maintenance of the husband, wife, or child shall be prima facie evidence that the desertion, neglect, or refusal is willful.
15A V.S.A. § 102 — VT Code / Title 15A / Chapter 4 / Section 102
§ 4-102. Legal consequences of adoption of stepchild
Status: in_force

(a) Except as otherwise provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, the legal consequences of an adoption of a stepchild by a stepparent are the same as under sections 1-103 through 1-106 of this title.

(b) An adoption by a stepparent does not affect:

(1) the legal relationship between the adoptee and the adoptee's parent who is the adoptive stepparent's spouse or deceased spouse;

(2) the right of the adoptee or a descendant of the adoptee to inheritance or intestate succession through or from the adoptee's former parent; or

(3) an existing court order for visitation or communication with a minor adoptee by a person related to the adoptee through the parent who is the adoptive stepparent's spouse or deceased spouse; or

(4) a court order or agreement for visitation or communication with a minor adoptee approved by the court pursuant to section 4-112 of this title.

(c) Failure to comply with an agreement or order for visitation or communication is not a ground for challenging the validity of an adoption by a stepparent.
15 V.S.A. § 665a — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 11 / Section 665a
§ 665a. Conditions of parent-child contact in cases involving domestic violence
Status: in_force

(a) If within the prior ten years, one of the parents has been convicted of domestic assault or aggravated domestic assault against the other parent, or has been found to have committed abuse against a family or household member, as defined in section 1101 of this title, the court may award parent-child contact to that parent if the court finds that adequate provision can be made for the safety of the child and the parent who is a victim of domestic violence.

(b) In a parent-child contact order issued under subsection (a) of this section, a court may:

(1) order an exchange of a child to occur in a protected setting;

(2) order parent-child contact supervised by another person or agency;

(3) order the perpetrator of domestic violence to participate in, to the satisfaction of the court, a program of intervention for perpetrators, where available, or other designated counseling as a condition of the visitation;

(4) if alcohol or drugs were involved in the domestic abuse, order the perpetrator of domestic violence to abstain from being under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances without a prescription during the visitation and for 24 hours preceding parent-child contact;

(5) order the perpetrator of domestic violence to pay a fee to defray the costs of supervised parent-child contact, provided that the perpetrator can afford to pay the fee;

(6) prohibit overnight parent-child contact;

(7) impose any other condition that is deemed necessary or appropriate to provide for the safety of the child, the victim of domestic violence, or another family or household member.

(c) Whether or not parent-child contact is allowed, the court may order the address of the child and the victim to be kept confidential.

(d) If a court allows a family or household member to supervise parent-child contact, the court shall establish conditions to be followed during parent-child contact.
15 V.S.A. § 1201 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 23 / Section 1201
§ 1201. Definitions
Status: repealed

As used in this chapter:

(1) “Certificate of civil union” means a document that certifies that the persons named on the certificate have established a civil union in this state in compliance with this chapter and 18 V.S.A. chapter 106.

(2) “Civil union” means that two eligible persons have established a relationship pursuant to this chapter, and may receive the benefits and protections and be subject to the responsibilities of spouses.

(3) “Commissioner” means the Commissioner of Health.

(4) [Repealed.]

(5) “Party to a civil union” means a person who has established a civil union pursuant to this chapter and 18 V.S.A. chapter 106.
15A V.S.A. § 105 — VT Code / Title 15A / Chapter 6 / Section 105
§ 6-105. Disclosure of identifying information
Status: repealed

(a) Unless a former parent has filed a request for nondisclosure, identifying information about an adoptee's former parent shall be disclosed by the registry to any of the following persons upon request:

(1) an adoptee who is 18 years of age or older;

(2) an adoptee who is emancipated; and

(3) a deceased adoptee's direct descendant who is 18 years of age or older or the parent or guardian of a direct descendant who is less than 18 years of age.

(b) [Repealed]

(c) An adult descendant of a deceased former parent or the guardian of a former parent who has been declared incompetent may consent to the disclosure of information as provided for in subsection (a) of this section.

(d) If an adoptee who is 18 years of age or older consents, identifying information about the adoptee shall be disclosed by the registry to any of the following persons upon request:

(1) the adoptee's former parent; and

(2) the adoptee's sibling who is 18 years of age or older.

(e) Identifying information about the adoptee shall be disclosed to the adoptee's former parent if the parent of an adoptee who is less than 18 years of age consents to the disclosure.

(f) Identifying information about a deceased adoptee shall be disclosed by the registry to the adoptee's former parent or sibling upon request if:

(1) the deceased adoptee's direct descendant is 18 years of age or older and consents to the disclosure; or

(2) the parent or guardian of a direct descendant who is less than 18 years of age consents to the disclosure.

(g) Identifying information about a sibling of an adoptee shall be disclosed by the registry to the adoptee upon request if both the sibling and the adoptee are 18 years of age or older and the sibling consents to disclosure.
15C V.S.A. § 106 — VT Code / Title 15C / Chapter 1 / Section 106
§ 106. Notice of proceeding
Status: in_force

(a) A petitioner under this chapter shall give notice of the proceeding to adjudicate parentage to the following:

(1) the person who gave birth to the child unless a court has adjudicated that the person is not a parent;

(2) a person who is a parent of the child under this chapter;

(3) a presumed, acknowledged, or adjudicated parent of the child;

(4) a person whose parentage of the child is to be adjudicated; and

(5) the Office of Child Support, in cases in which either party is a recipient of public assistance benefits from the Economic Services Division and has assigned the right to child support, or in cases in which either party has requested the services of the Office of Child Support.

(b) A person entitled to notice under subsection (a) of this section and the Office of Child Support, where the Office is involved pursuant to subdivision (a)(5), has a right to intervene in the proceeding.

(c) Lack of notice required by subsection (a) of this section shall not render a judgment void. Lack of notice does not preclude a person entitled to notice under subsection (a) from bringing a proceeding under this title.

(d) This section shall not apply to petitions for birth orders under chapters 7 and 8 of this title.
15A V.S.A. § 202 — VT Code / Title 15A / Chapter 2 / Section 202
§ 2-202. Preplacement evaluator
Status: in_force

(a) A preplacement evaluation may be prepared only by a person who is qualified by the Department to make the evaluation or who meets the qualifications of an evaluator and is appointed by the court.

(b) An evaluator may charge a reasonable fee, based on time spent, for preparing an evaluation, even if the person being evaluated requests that it not be completed.
15B V.S.A. § 1105 — VT Code / Title 15B / Chapter 11 / Section 1105
§ 1105. Application to a resident of foreign country and foreign support proceeding
Status: in_force

(a) A tribunal of this State shall apply chapters 11 through 16 and, as applicable, chapter 17 of this title to a support proceeding involving:

(1) a foreign support order;

(2) a foreign tribunal; or

(3) an obligee, obligor, or child residing in a foreign country.

(b) A tribunal of this State that is requested to recognize and enforce a support order on the basis of comity may apply the procedural and substantive provisions of chapters 11 through 16 of this title.

(c) Chapter 17 of this title applies only to a support proceeding under the Convention. In such a proceeding, if a provision of chapter 17 is inconsistent with chapters 11 through 16 of this title, chapter 17 controls.
15B V.S.A. § 1402 — VT Code / Title 15B / Chapter 14 / Section 1402
§ 1402. Proceeding to determine parentage
Status: in_force

A tribunal of this State authorized to determine parentage of a child may serve as a responding tribunal in a proceeding to determine parentage of a child brought under this title or a law or procedure substantially similar to this title.
15 V.S.A. § 754 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 11 / Section 754
§ 754. Judgment effective to convey real estate
Status: in_force

A certified copy of the judgment, or relevant parts thereof, when recorded in the land records of the town in which real estate of the parties is located, shall be effective to convey or encumber the real estate in accordance with the terms of the judgment, as if the judgment were a deed. A property transfer return shall be filed with the judgment, but the transfer shall be exempt from the taxes imposed by chapters 231 and 236 of Title 32 to the extent of the property interests conveyed to either of the parties.
15A V.S.A. § 401 — VT Code / Title 15A / Chapter 2 / Section 401
§ 2-401. Persons whose consent to adoption is required
Status: in_force

(a) Unless consent is not required or is dispensed with by section 2-402 of this title, in a direct placement of a minor for adoption by a parent or guardian authorized under this title to place the minor, a petition to adopt the minor may be granted only if consent to the adoption has been executed by:

(1) the woman who gave birth to the minor;

(2) the biological father identified by the mother or as otherwise known to the court;

(3) a man who is or has been married to the woman if the minor was born during the marriage or within 300 days after the marriage was terminated or a court issued a decree of separation;

(4) a man who:

(A) was not married to the minor's mother at the time of the child's birth;

(B) has acknowledged his paternity of the minor by executing a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity under 15 V.S.A. § 307 or has filed a notice to retain parental rights under section 1-110 of this title; and

(C) has demonstrated a commitment to the responsibilities of parenthood by establishing a custodial, personal, or financial relationship with the child, unless he was prevented from demonstrating such commitment or was unable to demonstrate such commitment; and

(5) the minor's guardian if expressly authorized by a court to consent to the minor's adoption; or

(6) the current adoptive or other legally recognized mother and father of the minor.

(b) Unless consent is not required under section 2-402 of this title, in a placement of a minor for adoption by an agency authorized under this title to place the minor, a petition to adopt the minor may be granted only if consent to the adoption has been executed by:

(1) the agency that placed the minor for adoption; and

(2) a person described in subsection (a) who has not relinquished the minor or had his or her parental rights terminated.

(c) Unless the court dispenses with the minor's consent, a petition to adopt a minor who has attained 14 years of age may be granted only if, in addition to any consent required by subsections (a) and (b) of this section, the minor has executed an informed consent to the adoption.
15 V.S.A. § 1071 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 20 / Section 1071
§ 1071. Initial child custody jurisdiction
Status: in_force

(a) Except as otherwise provided in section 1074 of this title, a Vermont court has jurisdiction to make an initial child custody determination only if:

(1) Vermont is the home state of the child on the date of the commencement of the proceeding or was the home state of the child within six months before the commencement of the proceeding and the child is absent from Vermont, but a parent or person acting as a parent continues to live in Vermont;

(2) a court of another state does not have jurisdiction under subdivision (1) of this subsection, or a court of the home state of the child has declined to exercise jurisdiction on the ground that Vermont is the more appropriate forum under section 1077 or 1078 of this title, and:

(A) the child and the child's parents, or the child and at least one parent or a person acting as a parent, have a significant connection with Vermont other than mere physical presence; and

(B) substantial evidence is available in Vermont concerning the child's care, protection, training, and personal relationships;

(3) all courts having jurisdiction under subdivision (1) or (2) of this subsection have declined to exercise jurisdiction on the grounds that a Vermont court is the more appropriate forum to determine the custody of the child under section 1077 or 1078 of this title; or

(4) no court of any other state would have jurisdiction under the criteria specified in subdivision (1), (2), or (3) of this subsection.

(b) Subsection (a) of this section is the exclusive jurisdictional basis for making a child custody determination by a Vermont court.

(c) Physical presence of, or personal jurisdiction over, a party or a child is not necessary or sufficient to make a child custody determination.
15B V.S.A. § 1303 — VT Code / Title 15B / Chapter 13 / Section 1303
§ 1303. Application of law of State
Status: in_force

Except as otherwise provided in this title, a responding tribunal of this State shall:

(1) apply the procedural and substantive law, generally applicable to similar proceedings originating in this State, and may exercise all powers and provide all remedies available in those proceedings; and

(2) determine the duty of support and the amount payable in accordance with the law and support guidelines of this State.
15 V.S.A. § 1001 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 17 / Section 1001
§ 1001. Causes of action abolished
Status: in_force

The rights of action to recover sums of money as damages for alienation of affections, criminal conversation, seduction, or breach of contract to marry are abolished. No act done within this State shall operate to give rise, either within or outside this State, to any such right of action. No contract to marry made or entered into in this State shall operate to give rise, either within or outside this State, to any cause or right of action for its breach.
15B V.S.A. § 1504 — VT Code / Title 15B / Chapter 15 / Section 1504
§ 1504. Immunity from civil liability
Status: in_force

An employer who complies with an income withholding order issued in another state in accordance with this chapter is not subject to civil liability to an individual or agency with regard to the employer's withholding of child support from the obligor's income.
15B V.S.A. § 1610 — VT Code / Title 15B / Chapter 16 / Section 1610
§ 1610. Effect of registration for modification
Status: in_force

A tribunal of this State and the Office of Child Support may enforce a child support order of another state registered for purposes of modification, in the same manner as if the order had been issued by a tribunal of this State, but the registered order may be modified only if the requirements of section 1611 or 1613 of this title have been met.
15C V.S.A. § 403 — VT Code / Title 15C / Chapter 4 / Section 403
§ 403. Multiple presumptions
Status: in_force

If two or more conflicting presumptions arise under this chapter, the court shall adjudicate parentage pursuant to section 206 of this title.
15 V.S.A. § 1104 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 21 / Section 1104
§ 1104. Emergency relief
Status: in_force

(a) In accordance with the Vermont Rules of Civil Procedure, temporary orders under this chapter may be issued ex parte, without notice to the defendant, upon motion and findings by the court that the defendant has abused the plaintiff or the plaintiff's children, or both. The plaintiff shall submit an affidavit in support of the order, which may be sworn to or affirmed by administration of the oath over the telephone to the applicant by an employee of the Judiciary authorized to administer oaths and shall conclude with the following statement: “I declare under the penalty of perjury pursuant to the laws of the State of Vermont that the foregoing is true and accurate. I understand that making false statements is a crime subject to a term of imprisonment or a fine, or both, as provided by 13 V.S.A. § 2904.” The authorized person shall note on the affidavit the date and time that the oath was administered. A minor 16 years of age or older, or a minor of any age who is in a dating relationship as defined in subdivision 1101(3) of this chapter, may seek relief on the minor's own behalf. Relief under this section shall be limited as follows:

(1) Upon a finding that there is an immediate danger of further abuse, an order may be granted requiring the defendant:

(A) to refrain from abusing the plaintiff or the plaintiff's children, or both, or from cruelly treating as defined in 13 V.S.A. § 352 or 352a or killing any animal owned, possessed, leased, kept, or held as a pet by either party or by a minor child residing in the household;

(B) to refrain from interfering with the plaintiff's personal liberty or the personal liberty of the plaintiff's children, or both;

(C) to refrain from coming within a fixed distance of the plaintiff, the plaintiff's children, the plaintiff's residence, or the plaintiff's place of employment;

(D) to refrain from contacting the plaintiff or the plaintiff's children, or both, in any way, whether directly, indirectly, or through a third party, with the purpose of making contact with the plaintiff, including in writing or by telephone, email, or other electronic communication; or

(E) to immediately relinquish, until the expiration of the order, all firearms that are in the defendant's possession, ownership, or control and to refrain from acquiring or possessing any firearms while the order is in effect.

(2) Upon a finding that the plaintiff or the plaintiff's children, or both, have been forced from the household and will be without shelter unless the defendant is ordered to vacate the premises, the court may order the defendant to vacate immediately the household and may order sole possession of the premises to the plaintiff.

(3) Upon a finding that there is immediate danger of physical or emotional harm to minor children, the court may award temporary custody of these minor children to the plaintiff or to other persons.

(4) Upon a finding that the plaintiff's possession of a vehicle is necessary to escape abuse or prevent further abuse, the court may award the possession of a vehicle to the plaintiff for a set period of time, provided that the plaintiff:

(A) is the owner or joint owner of the vehicle;

(B) is the primary payor on the vehicle loan;

(C) has primary possession or control of the vehicle; or

(D) has been restricted from using the vehicle by the defendant.

(b) Every order issued under this section shall contain the name of the court, the names of the parties, the date of the petition, and the date and time of the order and shall be signed by the judge. Every order issued under this section shall inform the defendant that if the defendant fails to appear at the final hearing, the temporary order will remain in effect until the final order is served on the defendant unless the temporary order is dismissed by the court. Every order issued under this section shall state upon its face a date, time, and place when the defendant may appear to petition the court for modification or discharge of the order. This opportunity to contest shall be scheduled as soon as reasonably possible, which in no event shall be more than 14 days from the date of issuance of the order. At such hearings, the plaintiff shall have the burden of proving abuse by a preponderance of the evidence. If the court finds that the plaintiff has met the burden, it shall continue the order in effect and make such other order as it deems necessary to protect the plaintiff.

(c) Form complaints and form orders shall be provided by the Court Administrator and shall be maintained by the clerks of the courts.

(d) Every order issued under this chapter shall bear the following language: “VIOLATION OF THIS ORDER IS A CRIME SUBJECT TO A TERM OF IMPRISONMENT OR A FINE, OR BOTH, AND MAY ALSO BE PROSECUTED AS CRIMINAL CONTEMPT PUNISHABLE BY FINE OR IMPRISONMENT, OR BOTH.”

(e) Affidavit forms required pursuant to this section shall bear the following language: “MAKING FALSE STATEMENTS IN THIS AFFIDAVIT IS A CRIME SUBJECT TO A TERM OF IMPRISONMENT OR A FINE, OR BOTH, AS PROVIDED BY 13 V.S.A. § 2904.”
15 V.S.A. § 520 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 11 / Section 520
§ 520. Children of civil marriage annulled
Status: in_force

Children of a civil marriage annulled pursuant to this subchapter shall be legitimate and shall succeed to the real and personal estate of both parents.
15B V.S.A. § 1709 — VT Code / Title 15B / Chapter 17 / Section 1709
§ 1709. Partial enforcement
Status: in_force

If a tribunal of this State does not recognize and enforce a Convention support order in its entirety, it shall enforce any severable part of the order. An application or direct request may seek recognition and partial enforcement of a Convention support order.
15 V.S.A. § 1103 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 21 / Section 1103
§ 1103. Requests for relief
Status: in_force

(a) Any family or household member may seek relief from abuse by another family or household member on behalf of themselves or their children by filing a complaint under this chapter. A minor 16 years of age or older, or a minor of any age who is in a dating relationship as defined in subdivision 1101(3) of this chapter, may file a complaint under this chapter seeking relief on the minor's own behalf. The plaintiff shall submit an affidavit in support of the order.

(b) Except as provided in section 1104 of this title, the court shall grant relief only after notice to the defendant and a hearing. The plaintiff shall have the burden of proving abuse by a preponderance of the evidence.

(c)(1) The court shall make such orders as it deems necessary to protect the plaintiff or the children, or both, if the court finds that the defendant has abused the plaintiff, and:

(A) there is a danger of further abuse; or

(B) the defendant is currently incarcerated and has been convicted of one of the following: murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, domestic assault, aggravated domestic assault, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, stalking, aggravated stalking, lewd or lascivious conduct with a child, use of a child in a sexual performance, or consenting to a sexual performance.

(2) The court order may include the following:

(A) An order that the defendant refrain from abusing the plaintiff or the plaintiff's children, or both, and from interfering with their personal liberty, including restrictions on the defendant's ability to contact the plaintiff or the plaintiff's children, or both, in any way, whether directly, indirectly, or through a third party, with the purpose of making contact with the plaintiff, including in writing or by telephone, email, or other electronic communication, and restrictions prohibiting the defendant from coming within a fixed distance of the plaintiff, the children, the plaintiff's residence, or other designated locations where the plaintiff or the plaintiff's children are likely to spend time.

(B) An order that the defendant immediately vacate the household and that the plaintiff be awarded sole possession of a residence.

(C) A temporary award of parental rights and responsibilities in accordance with the criteria in section 665 of this title.

(D) An order for parent-child contact under such conditions as are necessary to protect the child or the plaintiff, or both, from abuse in accordance with section 665a of this title. An order for parent-child contact may, if necessary, include conditions under which the plaintiff may deny parent-child contact pending further order of the court.

(E) If the court finds that the defendant has a duty to support the plaintiff, an order that the defendant pay the plaintiff's living expenses for a fixed period of time not to exceed three months.

(F) If the court finds that the defendant has a duty to support the child or children, a temporary order of child support pursuant to chapter 5 of this title, for a period not to exceed three months. A support order granted under this section may be extended if the relief from abuse proceeding is consolidated with an action for legal separation, divorce, or parentage.

(G) An order concerning the possession, care, and control of any animal owned, possessed, leased, kept, or held as a pet by either party or a minor child residing in the household.

(H) An order that the defendant return any personal documentation in the defendant's possession, including immigration documentation, birth certificates, and identification cards:

(i) pertaining to the plaintiff; or

(ii) pertaining to the plaintiff's children if relief is sought for the children or for good cause shown.

(I) An order awarding possession of a vehicle to the plaintiff for a set period of time, provided that the plaintiff:

(i) is the owner or joint owner of the vehicle;

(ii) is the primary payor on the vehicle loan;

(iii) has primary possession or control of the vehicle; or

(iv) has been restricted from using the vehicle by the defendant.

(J) An order requiring the defendant to complete a domestic violence accountability program approved by the Council on Domestic Violence. Failure to complete the program shall not be considered a crime for any purpose, including 13 V.S.A. § 1030, but may subject the defendant to civil contempt proceedings pursuant to Rule 16 of the Vermont Rules of Family Proceedings. Successful completion of the program shall be considered a substantial change in circumstances for purposes of requests to modify an order. A court may consider a defendant's failure to successfully complete the program when determining whether to extend an order.

(d) In a hearing under this chapter, neither opinion evidence of nor evidence of the reputation of the plaintiff's sexual conduct shall be admitted. Evidence of prior sexual conduct of the plaintiff shall not be admitted; provided, however, where it bears on the credibility of the plaintiff or it is material to a fact at issue and its probative value outweighs its private character, the court may admit:

(1) evidence of the plaintiff's past sexual conduct with the defendant;

(2) evidence of specific instances of the plaintiff's sexual conduct showing the source of origin of semen, pregnancy, or disease; and

(3) evidence of specific instances of the plaintiff's past false allegations of violations of 13 V.S.A. chapter 59 or 72.

(e) Relief shall be granted for a fixed period, at the expiration of which time the court may extend any order, upon motion of the plaintiff, for such additional time as it deems necessary to protect the plaintiff, the children, or both, from abuse. It is not necessary for the court to find that abuse has occurred during the pendency of the order to extend the terms of the order. The court may modify its order at any subsequent time upon motion by either party and a showing of a substantial change in circumstance.

(f) No filing fee shall be required.

(g) Every order under this chapter shall contain the name of the court, the names of the parties, the date of the petition, the date and time of the order, and shall be signed by the judge.

(h) Form complaints and form orders shall be provided by the Court Administrator and shall be maintained by the clerks of the courts.

(i) When findings are required under this section, the court shall make either written findings of fact or oral findings of fact on the record.

(j) Every final order issued under this section shall bear the following language: “VIOLATION OF THIS ORDER IS A CRIME SUBJECT TO A TERM OF IMPRISONMENT OR A FINE, OR BOTH, AND MAY ALSO BE PROSECUTED AS CRIMINAL CONTEMPT PUNISHABLE BY FINE OR IMPRISONMENT, OR BOTH.”

(k) Affidavit forms required pursuant to this section shall bear the following language: “MAKING FALSE STATEMENTS IN THIS AFFIDAVIT IS A CRIME SUBJECT TO A TERM OF IMPRISONMENT OR A FINE, OR BOTH, AS PROVIDED BY 13 V.S.A. § 2904.”
15 V.S.A. § 711 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 11 / Section 711
§ 711. Sale of property
Status: in_force

If a party in a cause instituted under the provisions of this chapter and sections 291-294 of this title shall be in default for the period of thirty days upon an order for the payment of money, made according to the provisions thereof, which shall have become a valid lien upon the real or personal property of such party or on the stock of such party in a corporation as provided in this chapter, the court before which such cause is pending, or a Superior judge, may order to be sold at public sale the real or personal property and stock upon which such lien shall exist, or such portion thereof as shall be necessary to satisfy the cost of the sale and the amount in arrears at the time of such order of sale, or so much thereof as such court or judge shall designate.
15B V.S.A. § 1102 — VT Code / Title 15B / Chapter 11 / Section 1102
§ 1102. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this title:

(1) “Child” means an individual, whether over or under the age of majority, who is or is alleged to be owed a duty of support by the individual's parent or who is or is alleged to be the beneficiary of a support order directed to the parent.

(2) “Child support order” means a support order for a child, including a child who has attained the age of majority under the law of the issuing state or foreign country.

(3) “Convention” means the Convention on the International Recovery of Child Support and Other Forms of Family Maintenance, concluded at the Hague on November 23, 2007.

(4) “Duty of support” means an obligation imposed or imposable by law to provide support for a child, spouse, or former spouse, including an unsatisfied obligation to provide support.

(5) “Foreign country” means a country, including a political subdivision thereof, other than the U.S., that authorizes the issuance of support orders and:

(A) which has been declared under the law of the United States to be a foreign reciprocating country;

(B) which has established a reciprocal arrangement for child support with this State as provided in section 1308 of this title;

(C) which has enacted a law or established procedures for the issuance and enforcement of support orders which are substantially similar to the procedures under this title; or

(D) in which the Convention is in force with respect to the United States.

(6) “Foreign support order” means a support order of a foreign tribunal.

(7) “Foreign tribunal” means a court, administrative agency, or quasi-judicial entity of a foreign country which is authorized to establish, enforce, or modify support orders or to determine parentage of a child. The term includes a competent authority under the Convention.

(8) “Home state” means the state or foreign country in which a child lived with a parent or a person acting as parent for at least six consecutive months immediately preceding the time of filing of a petition or comparable pleading for support and, if a child is less than six months old, the state or foreign country in which the child lived from birth with any of them. A period of temporary absence of any of them is counted as part of the six-month or other period.

(9) “Income” includes earnings or other periodic entitlements to money from any source and any other property subject to withholding for support under the law of this State.

(10) “Income withholding order” means an order or other legal process directed to an obligor's employer or other debtor, as defined by 15 V.S.A. chapter 11, to withhold support from the income of the obligor.

(11) “Initiating tribunal” means the tribunal of a state or foreign country from which a petition or comparable pleading is forwarded or in which a petition or comparable pleading is filed for forwarding to another state or foreign country.

(12) “Issuing foreign country” means the foreign country in which a tribunal issues a support order or a judgment determining parentage of a child.

(13) “Issuing state” means the state in which a tribunal issues a support order or renders a judgment determining parentage of a child.

(14) “Issuing tribunal” means the tribunal of a state or foreign country that issues a support order or renders a judgment determining parentage of a child.

(15) “Law” includes decisional and statutory law and rules and regulations having the force of law.

(16) “Obligee” means:

(A) an individual to whom a duty of support is or is alleged to be owed or in whose favor a support order has been issued or a judgment determining parentage of a child has been issued;

(B) a foreign country, state, or political subdivision of a state to which the rights under a duty of support or support order have been assigned or which has independent claims based on financial assistance provided to an individual obligee in place of child support;

(C) an individual seeking a judgment determining parentage of the individual's child; or

(D) a person that is a creditor in a proceeding under chapter 17 of this title.

(17) “Obligor” means an individual or the estate of a decedent that:

(A) owes or is alleged to owe a duty of support;

(B) is alleged but has not been adjudicated to be a parent of a child;

(C) is liable under a support order; or

(D) is a debtor in a proceeding under chapter 17 of this title.

(18) “Outside this State” means a location in another state or a country other than the United States, whether or not the country is a foreign country.

(19) “Person” means an individual, corporation, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture, public corporation, government or governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality, or any other legal or commercial entity.

(20) “Record” means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.

(21) “Register” means to file in a tribunal of this State a support order or judgment determining parentage of a child issued in another state or a foreign country.

(22) “Registering tribunal” means a tribunal in which a support order or judgment determining parentage of a child is registered.

(23) “Responding state” means a state in which a petition or comparable pleading for support or to determine parentage of a child is filed or to which a petition or comparable pleading is forwarded for filing from another state or a foreign country.

(24) “Responding tribunal” means the authorized tribunal in a responding state or foreign country.

(25) “Spousal support order” means a support order for a spouse or former spouse of the obligor.

(26) “State” means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, or Native American Indian nation or tribe.

(27) “Support enforcement agency” means a public official, governmental entity, or private agency authorized to:

(A) seek enforcement of support orders or laws relating to the duty of support;

(B) seek establishment or modification of child support;

(C) request a determination of parentage of a child;

(D) attempt to locate obligors or their assets; or

(E) request a determination of the controlling child support order.

(28) “Support order” means a judgment, decree, order, decision, or directive whether temporary, final, or subject to modification, issued in a state or foreign country for the benefit of a child, a spouse, or a former spouse, which provides for monetary support, health care, arrearages, retroactive support, or reimbursement for financial assistance provided to an individual obligee in place of child support. The term may include related costs and fees, interest, income withholding, automatic adjustment, reasonable attorney's fees, and other relief.

(29) “Tribunal” means a court, administrative agency, or quasi-judicial entity authorized to establish, enforce, or modify support orders or to determine parentage of a child.
15B V.S.A. § 1605 — VT Code / Title 15B / Chapter 16 / Section 1605
§ 1605. Notice of registration of an order
Status: in_force

(a) When a support order or income withholding order issued in another state or a foreign support order is registered, the registering tribunal of this State must notify the nonregistering party. The notice shall be accompanied by a copy of the registered order and the documents and relevant information accompanying the order.

(b) Notice issued pursuant to this section must inform the nonregistering party:

(1) that a registered support order is enforceable as of the date of registration in the same manner as an order issued by a tribunal of this State;

(2) that a hearing to contest the validity or enforcement of the registered order must be requested within 20 days after notice unless the registered order is under section 1707 of this title;

(3) that failure to contest the validity or enforcement of the registered order in a timely manner will result in confirmation of the order and enforcement of the order and the alleged arrearages; and

(4) of the amount of any alleged arrearages.

(c) If the registering party asserts that two or more orders are in effect, notice issued pursuant to this section must also:

(1) identify the two or more orders and the order alleged by the registering party to be the controlling order and the consolidated arrears, if any;

(2) notify the nonregistering party of the right to a determination of which is the controlling order;

(3) state that the procedures provided in subsection (b) of this section apply to the determination of which is the controlling order; and

(4) state that failure to contest the validity or enforcement of the order alleged to be the controlling order in a timely manner may result in confirmation that the order is the controlling order.

(d) Upon registration of an income withholding order for enforcement, the Office of Child Support shall notify the obligor's employer pursuant to 15 V.S.A. chapter 11.
15B V.S.A. § 1316 — VT Code / Title 15B / Chapter 13 / Section 1316
§ 1316. Special Rules of Evidence and Procedure
Status: in_force

(a) The physical presence of a nonresident party who is an individual in a tribunal of this State is not required for the establishment, enforcement, or modification of a support order or the rendition of a judgment determining parentage of a child.

(b) An affidavit, a document substantially complying with federally mandated forms, or a document incorporated by reference in any of them, which would not be excluded under the hearsay rule if given in person, is admissible in evidence if given under penalty of perjury by a party or witness residing outside this State.

(c) A copy of the record of child support payments certified as a true copy of the original by the custodian of the record may be forwarded to a responding tribunal. The copy is evidence of facts asserted in it, and is admissible to show whether payments were made.

(d) Copies of bills for testing for parentage of a child, and for prenatal and postnatal health care of the mother and child, furnished to the adverse party at least 10 days before trial, are admissible in evidence to prove the amount of the charges billed and that the charges were reasonable, necessary, and customary.

(e) Documentary evidence transmitted from outside this State to a tribunal of this State by telephone, telecopier, or other electronic means that do not provide an original record may not be excluded from evidence on an objection based on the means of transmission.

(f) In a proceeding under this title, a tribunal of this State shall permit a party or witness residing outside this State to be deposed or to testify under penalty of perjury by telephone, audiovisual means, or other electronic means at a designated tribunal or other location. A tribunal of this State shall cooperate with other tribunals in designating an appropriate location for the deposition or testimony.

(g) If a party called to testify at a civil hearing refuses to answer on the ground that the testimony may be self-incriminating, the trier of fact may draw an adverse inference from the refusal.

(h) A privilege against disclosure of communications between spouses does not apply in a proceeding under this title.

(i) The defense of immunity based on the relationship of husband and wife or parent and child does not apply in a proceeding under this title.

(j) A voluntary acknowledgment of paternity, certified as a true copy, is admissible to establish parentage of the child.
15 V.S.A. § 513 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 11 / Section 513
§ 513. Party under age of 16 years
Status: in_force

A complaint to annul a civil marriage on the ground that one of the parties was under the age of 16 years may be brought by the parent or guardian entitled to the custody of such minor or by a person admitted by the court to prosecute the same as the next friend of such minor. However, such marriage shall not be annulled on the complaint of a party of legal age at the time it was contracted nor when the parties, after they attained the age of consent, freely cohabited as husband and wife.
15A V.S.A. § 405 — VT Code / Title 15A / Chapter 3 / Section 405
§ 3-405. Waiver of notice
Status: in_force

(a) A person entitled to receive notice required under this part may waive the notice before the court or in a consent, relinquishment, or other written document signed by the person or on behalf of the person.

(b) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a person who has waived the requisite notice is not required to appear in the adoption proceeding.

(c) A parent who has executed a consent or relinquishment containing a waiver of notice may appear in the adoption proceeding for the limited purpose of moving to set aside the consent or relinquishment on the ground that it was obtained by fraud or coercion or for purposes as the court may permit as necessary to determine whether or not to grant the petition.
15 V.S.A. § 687 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 11 / Section 687
§ 687. Duty to cooperate and disclose information
Status: in_force

(a) Because military necessity may preclude court adjudication before deployment, the parties shall cooperate with each other in an effort to reach a mutually agreeable resolution of parental rights and responsibilities, parent-child contact, and child support. Each party shall provide information to the other in an effort to facilitate agreement on these issues.

(b) Within 14 days of receiving notification of deployment or mobilization in the near future from his or her military leadership, the military parent shall provide written notice to the nondeploying parent of the same. If less than 14 days' notice is received by the military parent, then notice must be given immediately upon receipt of notice to the nondeploying parent.
15 V.S.A. § 1183 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 21 / Section 1183
§ 1183. Hearing; procedure
Status: in_force

At the hearing, evidence of any of the following shall create a rebuttable presumption that litigation is being initiated, advanced, or continued primarily for the purpose of harassing, intimidating, or maintaining contact with the other party:

(1) The same or substantially similar issues between the same or substantially similar parties have been litigated within the past five years in the same court or any other court of competent jurisdiction.

(2) The same or substantially similar issues between the same or substantially similar parties have been raised, pled, or alleged in the past five years and were decided on the merits or dismissed.

(3) Within the last 10 years, the party allegedly engaging in abusive litigation has been sanctioned by any court for filing one or more cases, petitions, motions, or other filings that were found to have been frivolous, vexatious, intransigent, or brought in bad faith involving the same opposing party.

(4) Any court has determined that the party allegedly engaging in abusive litigation has previously engaged in abusive litigation or similar conduct and has been subject to a court order imposing prefiling restrictions.
15 V.S.A. § 714 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 11 / Section 714
§ 714. Disposition of proceeds
Status: in_force

(a) The sheriff or constable selling such property upon such execution, after deducting his or her lawful fees, shall pay the proceeds to the clerk of such court, who shall disburse such proceeds to the petitioner or other persons entitled to the same pursuant to the terms of such order.

(b) If the terms of such order are not fully satisfied by the proceeds so disbursed, the lien upon such property or stock shall attach to the balance of such proceeds. Such proceeds shall be retained by the clerk of such court or deposited in some savings bank, trust company, or other banking institution in this State to the credit of such clerk in such manner as shall be directed in such order of sale.

(c) From time to time, out of the proceeds so deposited or held by him or her, the clerk shall thereafterwards pay to such petitioner or other persons designated in such order, such amount as, from time to time, shall become due by the terms thereof, unless the person against whom such order is made shall deposit with the clerk other funds to carry out the terms of such order.

(d) When the terms of such order have been fully and finally complied with, all of such proceeds in the hands of the clerk or deposited as shall be paid to the party against whom such order is made.
15 V.S.A. § 1156 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 21 / Section 1156
§ 1156. Nondisclosure of address in criminal and civil proceedings
Status: in_force

No person shall be compelled to disclose a Program participant's actual address during the discovery phase of or during a proceeding before a court of competent jurisdiction or administrative tribunal unless the court or administrative tribunal finds, based upon a preponderance of the evidence, that the disclosure is required in the interests of justice. A court or administrative tribunal may seal that portion of any record that contains a Program participant's actual address. Nothing in this subchapter shall prevent the State, in its discretion, from using a Program participant's actual address in any document or record filed with a court or administrative tribunal if, at the time of filing, the document or record is not a public record.
15 V.S.A. § 1015 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 18 / Section 1015
§ 1015. Limit on refiling
Status: in_force

Absent a real, substantial, and unanticipated change of circumstances, no person whose petition under this section is denied with prejudice may file another petition under this section sooner than one year after that denial.
15B V.S.A. § 1307 — VT Code / Title 15B / Chapter 13 / Section 1307
§ 1307. Duties of support enforcement
Status: in_force

(a) A support enforcement agency of this State, upon request, shall provide services to a petitioner in a proceeding under this title.

(b) A support enforcement agency of this State that is providing services to the petitioner shall:

(1) take all steps necessary to enable an appropriate tribunal of this State or another state or a foreign country to obtain jurisdiction over the respondent;

(2) request an appropriate tribunal to set a date, time, and place for a hearing;

(3) make a reasonable effort to obtain all relevant information, including information as to income and property of the parties;

(4) within two days, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, after receipt of notice in a record from an initiating, responding, or registering tribunal, send a copy of the notice to the petitioner;

(5) within two days, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, after receipt of a communication in a record from the respondent or the respondent's attorney, send a copy of the communication to the petitioner; and

(6) notify the petitioner if jurisdiction over the respondent cannot be obtained.

(c) A support enforcement agency of this State that requests registration of a child support order in this State for enforcement or for modification shall make reasonable efforts:

(1) to ensure that the order to be registered is the controlling order; or

(2) if two or more child support orders exist and the identity of the controlling order has not been determined, to ensure that a request for such a determination is made in a tribunal having jurisdiction to do so.

(d) A support enforcement agency of this State that requests registration and enforcement of a support order, arrears, or judgment stated in a foreign currency shall convert the amounts stated in the foreign currency into the equivalent amounts in dollars under the applicable official or market exchange rate as publicly reported.

(e) A support enforcement agency of this State shall issue or request a tribunal of this State to issue a child support order and an income withholding order that redirect payment of current support, arrears, and interest if requested to do so by a support enforcement agency of another state pursuant to section 1319 of this title.

(f) This title does not create or negate a relationship of attorney and client or other fiduciary relationship between a support enforcement agency or the attorney for the agency and the individual being assisted by the agency.
15 V.S.A. § 555 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 11 / Section 555
§ 555. Legal separation
Status: in_force

A legal separation forever or for a limited time may be granted for any of the causes for which an absolute divorce may be granted.
15C V.S.A. § 607 — VT Code / Title 15C / Chapter 6 / Section 607
§ 607. Additional genetic testing
Status: in_force

The court shall order additional genetic testing upon the request of a party who contests the result of the initial testing. If the initial genetic testing identified a person as a genetic parent of the child under section 604 of this title, the court shall not order additional testing unless the party provides advance payment for the testing.
15A V.S.A. § 107 — VT Code / Title 15A / Chapter 5 / Section 107
§ 5-107. Dispositional hearing
Status: in_force

(a) Both petitioners shall appear in person at the hearing unless an appearance is excused for good cause shown. In the latter event an appearance may be made for either or both of them by an attorney authorized in writing to make the appearance, or a hearing may be conducted by telephone or other electronic medium.

(b) The court shall examine the petitioners, or the attorney for a petitioner not present in person, and shall grant the petition for adoption if it determines that:

(1) at least 30 days have elapsed since the service of notice of hearing the petition for adoption;

(2) notice has been served, or dispensed with, as to any person whose consent is required under section 5-103 of this title;

(3) every necessary consent, waiver, document, or judicial order has been obtained and filed with the court;

(4) the adoption is for the purpose of creating the relationship of parent and child between the petitioners and the petitioners understand the consequences of the relationship; and

(5) there has been substantial compliance with this title.
15A V.S.A. § 206 — VT Code / Title 15A / Chapter 2 / Section 206
§ 2-206. Review of evaluation
Status: in_force

(a) Within 90 days after a person receives a preplacement evaluation with a finding that he or she is not suited to be an adoptive parent, the person may petition the Probate Division of the Superior Court for review of the evaluation.

(b) If the court determines that the petitioner has failed to prove suitability by a preponderance of the evidence, it shall order that the petitioner not be permitted to adopt a minor and shall send a copy of the order to the Department to be retained with the copy of the original evaluation. If, at the time of the court's determination, the petitioner has custody of a minor for purposes of adoption, the court shall make an appropriate order for the care and custody of the minor.

(c) If the court determines that the petitioner has proved suitability, the court shall find the petitioner suitable to be an adoptive parent and the petitioner may commence or continue a proceeding for adoption of a minor. The court shall send a copy of its order to the Department to be retained with the copy of the original evaluation.
15 V.S.A. § 657 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 11 / Section 657
§ 657. Shared or split physical custody
Status: in_force

(a) When each parent exercises physical custody for 30 percent or more of a calendar year, the total child support obligation shall be increased by 50 percent to reflect the additional costs of maintaining two households. Each parental support obligation shall be determined by dividing the total support obligation between the parents in proportion to their respective available incomes and in proportion to the amount of time each parent exercises physical custody. The parental support obligations shall then be offset, with the parent owing the larger amount being required to pay the difference between the two amounts to the other parent.

(b) When one parent exercises physical custody for 25 percent or more but less than 30 percent of a calendar year, each parent's respective share of the total support obligation shall be determined in accordance with a shared costs table adopted by the Agency of Human Services by rule. The shared costs table shall be developed in such a way as to minimize economic disputes over parent-child contact or visitation and shall reflect the additional costs of maintaining two households by increasing the total support obligation by 50 percent.

(c) In no event shall a parent be required to pay child support under subsection (a) or (b) of this section in an amount greater than the amount that would have been ordered under the support guidelines.

(d) For purposes of this section, “physical custody” means keeping the children overnight. The parent having custody for the greater period of time shall be considered the custodial parent for the purposes of section 661 of this title.

(e) When each parent has physical custody of at least one of the children, a theoretical support payment shall be determined for each parent for the children in the custody of the other, prorating the obligations among all children in the household. The obligations shall then be offset, with the parent owing the larger amount being required to pay the difference between the two amounts to the other parent.
15 V.S.A. § 1158 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 21 / Section 1158
§ 1158. Voting by Program participant
Status: in_force

A Program participant who is otherwise qualified to vote may register to vote and apply for an early voter absentee ballot pursuant to rules adopted by the Secretary of State under section 1160 of this title. Such rules shall enable a town clerk to substitute, on all voting records of the town, the designation “blind ballot” wherever the name or address of the voter might otherwise appear. The Program participant shall receive early voter absentee ballots for all elections in the jurisdictions for which that individual resides in the same manner as early or absentee voters who qualify under 17 V.S.A. § 2531. The town clerk shall transmit the early voter absentee ballot to the Program participant at the address designated by the participant in his or her application. Neither the name nor the address of a Program participant shall be included in any list of registered voters available to the public.
15B V.S.A. § 1309 — VT Code / Title 15B / Chapter 13 / Section 1309
§ 1309. Private counsel
Status: in_force

An individual may employ private counsel to represent the individual in proceedings authorized by this title.
15A V.S.A. § 406 — VT Code / Title 15A / Chapter 2 / Section 406
§ 2-406. Content of consent or relinquishment
Status: in_force

(a) A consent or relinquishment required from a parent or guardian under this title shall be in writing and contain, in plain English or, if the native language of the parent or guardian is a language other than English, in that language:

(1) the name, date of birth, and current mailing address of the individual executing the consent or relinquishment;

(2) the date of birth and the name of the minor adoptee;

(3) if a consent, the name, address, and telephone number of the attorney representing the prospective adoptive parent with whom the individual executing the consent has placed or intends to place the minor for adoption;

(4) if a relinquishment, the name, address, and telephone number of the agency to which the minor is being relinquished;

(5) specific instructions as to how to revoke the consent or relinquishment and how to commence an action to set it aside;

(6) the name and address of the court, if known to the parent, in which the petition for adoption has been or will be filed, or if unknown to the parent, the name and address of a court in which a motion to set aside a consent on the ground of fraud or coercion may be filed.

(b) A consent shall state that the parent or guardian executing the document is voluntarily and unequivocally consenting to the transfer of legal and physical custody to, and the adoption of the minor by, a specific adoptive parent whom the parent or guardian has selected.

(c) A relinquishment shall state that the individual executing the relinquishment voluntarily consents to the permanent transfer of legal and physical custody of the minor to the agency for the purposes of adoption.

(d) A consent or relinquishment shall state:

(1) an understanding that after the consent or relinquishment is executed in substantial compliance with section 2-405 of this title, it is final and, except under a circumstance stated in sections 2-408 or 2-409 of this title, or subsection (e) of this section may not be revoked or set aside for any reason, including the failure of an adoptive parent to permit the individual executing the consent or relinquishment to visit or communicate with the minor adoptee;

(2) an understanding that the consent or relinquishment will extinguish all parental rights and obligations the individual executing the consent or relinquishment has with respect to the minor adoptee;

(3) an understanding that the adoption will terminate completely every aspect of the legal relationship between the adoptee and the person executing the consent or relinquishment has with respect to the minor adoptee, except for arrearages of child support, and will remain valid whether or not any agreement for visitation or communication with the minor adoptee is later performed;

(4) that the individual executing the consent or relinquishment has:

(A) received a copy of the consent or relinquishment;

(B) been advised, if a parent who is a minor, by an attorney who is not representing an adoptive parent or the agency to which the minor adoptee is being relinquished, or, if an adult, has been informed of the right to have an attorney who is not representing an adoptive parent or the agency;

(C) been provided the information described in subsection 2-404(e) of this title;

(D) been advised of the obligation to provide the information required under section 2-105 of this title;

(E) if a parent, understands that personal counseling was available by a certified adoption counselor or other counselor of his or her choice; and

(F) been informed that it is in the best interests of the child to keep the court or agency informed of his or her current address and any family health problem which the parent develops or becomes aware of which could affect the child, in order for the court or agency to respond to any inquiry concerning the adoptee's medical or social history;

(5) that the individual executing the consent or relinquishment has not received or been promised any money or anything of value for the consent or the relinquishment, except for payments authorized by Article 7 of this title that are itemized on a schedule attached to the consent or relinquishment;

(6) that the minor is or is not an Indian child as defined in the Indian Child Welfare Act, 25 U.S.C. §§ 1901 et seq.;

(7) that the individual believes the adoption of the minor is in the minor's best interests;

(8) that the individual who is consenting or relinquishing:

(A) does not waive notice of any proceeding for adoption; or

(B) waives notice of any proceeding for adoption; or

(C) waives notice unless the adoption is contested, appealed, or denied; and

(9) an understanding that the adoption will make an order or agreement for visitation or communication with the minor unenforceable; and

(10) for the purpose of evaluating the reasonableness of reimbursement or expenses as provided for in section 7-103 of this title, whether the individual executing the consent or relinquishment has received any public assistance during the last 12 months.

(e) A consent or relinquishment may provide for its revocation if:

(1) another consent or relinquishment is not executed within a specified period;

(2) a court decides not to terminate another individual's parental relationship to the minor; or

(3) in a direct placement for adoption, a petition for adoption by a prospective adoptive parent, named or described in the consent, is denied or withdrawn.
15 V.S.A. § 713 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 11 / Section 713
§ 713. Execution
Status: in_force

Execution signed by the clerk of such court shall issue to carry the order of sale mentioned in sections 711 and 712 of this title into effect and shall be governed by all the provisions and limitations touching executions issued on judgments so far as shall be consistent with sections 714 and 715 of this title.
15B V.S.A. § 1210 — VT Code / Title 15B / Chapter 12 / Section 1210
§ 1210. Application to a nonresident subject to personal jurisdiction
Status: in_force

A tribunal of this State exercising personal jurisdiction over a nonresident in a proceeding under this title, under other law of this State relating to a support order, or recognizing a foreign support order may receive evidence from outside this State pursuant to section 1316 of this title, communicate with a tribunal outside this State pursuant to section 1317 of this title, and obtain discovery through a tribunal outside this State pursuant to section 1318 of this title. In all other respects, chapters 13 through 16 of this title do not apply, and the tribunal shall apply the procedural and substantive law of this State.
15 V.S.A. § 684 — VT Code / Title 15 / Chapter 11 / Section 684
§ 684. Emergency motion to modify; permanent modification
Status: in_force

(a) Upon the return of the deploying parent, either parent may file a motion to modify the temporary order on the grounds that compliance with the order will result in immediate danger of irreparable harm to the child, and may request that the court issue an ex parte order. The deploying parent may file such a motion prior to his or her return. The motion shall be accompanied by an affidavit in support of the requested order. Upon a finding of irreparable harm based on the facts set forth in the affidavit, the court may issue an ex parte order modifying parental rights and responsibilities and parent-child contact. If the court issues an ex parte order, the court shall set the matter for hearing within 14 days from the issuance of the order.

(b) Nothing in this chapter shall preclude the court from hearing a motion for permanent modification of parental rights and responsibilities or parent-child contact prior to or upon return of the deploying parent. The moving party shall bear the burden of showing a real, substantial, and unanticipated change in circumstances and that resumption of the parental rights and responsibilities or parent-child order in effect before the deployment is no longer in the child's best interests. Absence created by deployment or mobilization or the potential for future deployment or mobilization shall not be the sole factor supporting a real, substantial, and unanticipated change in circumstances pursuant to section 668 of this title.