The case law in some U.S. states provides that a man and woman living together as husband and wife for a certain length of time may possess the benefits and obligations of married couples, even if they were not officially married. Vermont does not recognize such common law marriages. The nature and concept of marriage will be addressed by the Vermont Supreme Court in 1998 or 1999 in an appeal from the Superior Court's Opinion and Order involving homosexual or lesbian marriages in Vermont. Name changes under Vermont law are governed by 15 V.S.A. 811 et. Any adult who wishes to change his or her name files a petition with the Probate Court in the county in which he or she resides.
Married persons require the consent of their spouse.
Notice of the change of name is published in a local newspaper for three successive weeks. The petitioner must file with the Probate Court a copy of his birth and, if appropriate, marriage certificate and certificates of any minor children, if any. After the petition is filed, the Court will schedule a hearing at which time the Probate Judge will approve the certificate. The Register of Probate will then forward to the appropriate keeper of vital records a certified copy of the change of name so that the records can be appropriately amended. A minor can change his name only by a petition signed by a parent or guardian with notification to any non-consenting parent or guardian.