Source: http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=151&state_code=VT&open_id=all
Timestamp: 2017-10-17 22:27:48
Document Index: 570535364

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 665', '§ 1101', '§ 665', '§ 665', '§ 665', '§ 665', '§ 665', '§ 665', '§ 665', '§ 665', '§ 665', '§ 665', '§ 665', '§ 665', '§ 1104', '§ 1104', '§ 1011', '§ 1012', '§ 1013', '§ 1015', '§ 1011', '§ 1012', '§ 1013', '§ 1015', '§ 666', '§ 666', '§ 1101', '§ 650', '§ 655', '§ 665', '§ 665', '§ 1101', '§ 650', '§ 655', '§ 665', '§ 665', '§ 312', '§ 312', '§ 668', '§ 668', '§ 668', '§ 668', '§ 2451', '§ 2451']

WomensLaw.org | Vermont: Custody |
http://www.womenslaw.org//laws_state_type.php?id=151&state_code=VT&open_id=all〈=en
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=151&state_code=VT&open_id=all〈=en
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=151&state_code=VT&open_id=all〈=en#content-4914
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=151&state_code=VT&open_id=all〈=en#content-13142
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=151&state_code=VT&open_id=all〈=en#content-13143
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=151&state_code=VT&open_id=all〈=en#content-4915
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=151&state_code=VT&open_id=all〈=en#content-4916
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=151&state_code=VT&open_id=all〈=en#content-13369
back to topCan a parent who committed violence get parental rights and responsibilities (custody) or parent-child contact (visitation)?
It is possible, yes. Evidence of abuse, and the impact of abuse on the child is only one of the factors that the court will use in determining parental rights and responsibilities.* It is important to note that for these purposes, "abuse" can be any one of the following: attempting to cause or causing you physical harm; placing you in fear of immediate serious physical harm; child abuse; stalking; or sexual assault.** Evidence of abuse is considered in the following manner. If the other parent has been convicted of domestic assault against you within the past 10 years or a court found that the parent committed abuse against you, or a member of your family or household, then the judge can only let the abusive parent have contact with the child if protections can be put in place to keep you and the child safe.*** These are some of the protections that the court can order: * the exchange of the child will occur in a protected setting; * visitation with the child will be supervised by another person or by an agency (with the agency's fee to be paid by the abuser); * the abuser must go to counseling; * the abuser must stop using alcohol or drugs during the visitation and 24 hours before it begins (if alcohol or drugs were involved in the domestic abuse); * the abuser cannot have overnight visits; * keeping the address of the child confidential; and * any other condition to keep you and the child safe.**** Note: If your child was conceived as a result of sexual assault by the other parent, there are different laws that apply. For more information, see If my child was conceived as a result of sexual assault, can the offender get parental rights and responsibilities? [/laws_state_type.php?id=151&state_code=VT&open_id=11758#content-15438] * 15 V.S.A. § 665(b)(9) ** 15 V.S.A. § 1101(1) *** 15 V.S.A. § 665a(a) **** 15 V.S.A. § 665a(b), (c)
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=151&state_code=VT&open_id=all〈=en#content-4918
back to topIf my child was conceived as a result of sexual assault, can the offender get parental rights and responsibilities?
If your child was conceived due to sexual assault, the other parent (the offender) can be denied all contact with the child. However, the situation is slightly different if the offender was convicted in criminal court of the sexual assault or not.
When there is a criminal conviction:
If the other parent was convicted in a criminal court of one of the following crimes, and your child was conceived as a result, the judge can grant you sole parental rights and responsibilities and deny all parent-child contact to the offender. The following crimes are included under sexual assault for the purpose of this law: sexual assault as explained in subsections(a),(b),(d),(e); aggravated sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault of a child, lewd and lascivious conduct with a child, or similar crimes in other states.*
If a judge issues an order granting you sole custody and denying parent-child contact, the order is permanent and cannot be modified. If there was a prior parental rights and responsibilities order in place regarding the child and the offender, the judge is supposed to terminate (end) that order.*1
When there is not a criminal conviction:
Even if the other parent was not convicted of a crime related to sexual assault but you can still prove to a judge by clear and convincing evidence that you were sexually assaulted or sexually exploited and the child was conceived as a result, the judge can still grant you sole custody, deny all parent-child contact to the other parent, and terminate any existing parent-child contact order between the child and the offender. However, the judge has to first determine whether or not it would be in the child's best interests to do so and it may be possible to modify the order in the future if the party can prove there are extraordinary, real, substantial, and unanticipated change of circumstances.*2
For the purpose of this part of the law, you must prove that even though the other parent was not convicted of any of these crimes, he committed one of the following against you: sexual assault as explained in subsections(a),(b),(d),(e); aggravated sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault of a child, lewd and lascivious conduct with a child, or similar crimes in other states; sexual exploitation of an inmate; sexual exploitation of a minor; sexual abuse of a vulnerable adult, or similar crimes in other states.*3
Note: Getting an order under either of these above scenarios that denies the offender all parent-child contact does not affect your right to file for child support against him. You can still seek child support if you choose to do so.*4
* VT ST T. 15 § 665(f)(1)
*1 VT ST T. 15 § 665(f)(1)(A),(B)
*2 VT ST T. 15 § 665(f)(2), (f)(2)(C)
*3 VT ST T. 15 § 665(f)(2)(A)
*4 VT ST T. 15 § 665(f)(3)
If your child was conceived due to sexual assault, the other parent (the offender) can be denied all contact with the child. However, the situation is slightly different if the offender was convicted in criminal court of the sexual assault or not. When there is a criminal conviction: If the other parent was convicted in a criminal court of one of the following crimes, and your child was conceived as a result, the judge can grant you sole parental rights and responsibilities and deny all parent-child contact to the offender. The following crimes are included under sexual assault for the purpose of this law: sexual assault [/statutes_detail.php?statute_id=6916#statute-top] as explained in subsections(a),(b),(d),(e); aggravated sexual assault [/statutes_detail.php?statute_id=6917#statute-top], aggravated sexual assault of a child [/statutes_detail.php?statute_id=7025#statute-top], lewd and lascivious conduct with a child [/statutes_detail.php?statute_id=6912#statute-top], or similar crimes in other states.* If a judge issues an order granting you sole custody and denying parent-child contact, the order is permanent and cannot be modified. If there was a prior parental rights and responsibilities order in place regarding the child and the offender, the judge is supposed to terminate (end) that order.*1 When there is not a criminal conviction: Even if the other parent was not convicted of a crime related to sexual assault but you can still prove to a judge by clear and convincing evidence that you were sexually assaulted or sexually exploited and the child was conceived as a result, the judge can still grant you sole custody, deny all parent-child contact to the other parent, and terminate any existing parent-child contact order between the child and the offender. However, the judge has to first determine whether or not it would be in the child's best interests to do so and it may be possible to modify the order in the future if the party can prove there are extraordinary, real, substantial, and unanticipated change of circumstances.*2 For the purpose of this part of the law, you must prove that even though the other parent was not convicted of any of these crimes, he committed one of the following against you: sexual assault [/statutes_detail.php?statute_id=6916#statute-top] as explained in subsections(a),(b),(d),(e); aggravated sexual assault [/statutes_detail.php?statute_id=6917#statute-top], aggravated sexual assault of a child [/statutes_detail.php?statute_id=7025#statute-top], lewd and lascivious conduct with a child [/statutes_detail.php?statute_id=6912#statute-top], or similar crimes in other states; sexual exploitation of an inmate [/statutes_detail.php?statute_id=7026#statute-top]; sexual exploitation of a minor [/statutes_detail.php?statute_id=7027#statute-top]; sexual abuse of a vulnerable adult [/statutes_detail.php?statute_id=7745#statute-top], or similar crimes in other states.*3 Note: Getting an order under either of these above scenarios that denies the offender all parent-child contact does not affect your right to file for child support against him. You can still seek child support if you choose to do so.*4 * VT ST T. 15 § 665(f)(1) *1 VT ST T. 15 § 665(f)(1)(A),(B) *2 VT ST T. 15 § 665(f)(2), (f)(2)(C) *3 VT ST T. 15 § 665(f)(2)(A) *4 VT ST T. 15 § 665(f)(3)
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=151&state_code=VT&open_id=all〈=en#content-15438
back to topCan I get temporary custody as a part of a relief from abuse order (restraining order) against the other parent?
Maybe. If a judge believes that there is immediate danger of physical or emotional harm to children under 18, the judge court may award temporary custody of these minor children to the non-abusive parent or to other persons.* Under the Vermont Abuse Prevention law, if you go to court and the court finds enough evidence of abuse, the judge must make a temporary order to protect you, your child or both, which may include:
1. a temporary award of parental rights and responsibilities (custody), or
2. an order which restricts parent-child contact in whatever way is necessary to protect you or your child, or both, from abuse. This order could include conditions under which you may deny parent-child contact until going back to court.**
If the court finds that there is an immediate danger of physical abuse, an order of emergency relief may be granted requiring the abuser:
1. To refrain from abusing the victim, the children, or both, and
2. To refrain from abusing the victim’s personal liberty, the personal liberty of the children, or both.
For more information on relief from abuse orders and how to get one, see our VT Restraining Orders page.
* VT ST T. 15 § 1104
Maybe. If a judge believes that there is immediate danger of physical or emotional harm to children under 18, the judge court may award temporary custody of these minor children to the non-abusive parent or to other persons.* Under the Vermont Abuse Prevention law, if you go to court and the court finds enough evidence of abuse, the judge must make a temporary order to protect you, your child or both, which may include: 1. a temporary award of parental rights and responsibilities (custody), or 2. an order which restricts parent-child contact in whatever way is necessary to protect you or your child, or both, from abuse. This order could include conditions under which you may deny parent-child contact until going back to court.** If the court finds that there is an immediate danger of physical abuse, an order of emergency relief may be granted requiring the abuser: > 1. To refrain from abusing the victim, the children, or both, and > 2. To refrain from abusing the victim’s personal liberty, the personal liberty of the children, or both. For more information on relief from abuse orders and how to get one, see our VT Restraining Orders [/laws_state_type.php?id=100&state_code=VT] page. * VT ST T. 15 § 1104
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=151&state_code=VT&open_id=all〈=en#content-4942
In certain cases, grandparents can ask the court for visitation. If there is a court which has considered or is considering the custody or visitation of a child, the grandparent can file a written request with the court to ask for visitation. The court can grant it if it would be in the best interest of the child.*
If there is no such case going on regarding custody or visitation, a grandparent can start his/her own case for visitation in superior court ONLY if a parent of the child:
is deceased (dead),
is physically or mentally unable to make a decision about visitation, or
has abandoned the child.**
When deciding whether or not visitation with the grandparent would be in the child’s best interest, a judge may look at:
the love, affection and other emotional ties existing between the grandparent and the child;
the ability and willingness of the parties involved to give the child love, affection and guidance;
the nature of the relationships between the grandparent and the grandchild and the desirability of maintaining the relationship;
the child’s reasonable preference, if the court believes the child is old enough to express a preference;
the willingness and ability of the grandparent to help and encourage a close and continuing relationship between the child and the other parties and; and
any other factor which the court considers to be relevant.***
If you are denied visitation by the judge, you have to wait one year before you can file for it again unless there has been a substantial and unanticipated change of circumstances since you were denied the visitation -- then you can re-file before the one year period is up.****
* VT ST T. 15 § 1011
** VT ST T. 15 § 1012
*** VT ST T. 15 § 1013
**** VT ST T. 15 § 1015
In certain cases, grandparents can ask the court for visitation. If there is a court which has considered or is considering the custody or visitation of a child, the grandparent can file a written request with the court to ask for visitation. The court can grant it if it would be in the best interest of the child.* If there is no such case going on regarding custody or visitation, a grandparent can start his/her own case for visitation in superior court ONLY if a parent of the child: * is deceased (dead), * is physically or mentally unable to make a decision about visitation, or * has abandoned the child.** When deciding whether or not visitation with the grandparent would be in the child’s best interest, a judge may look at: * the love, affection and other emotional ties existing between the grandparent and the child; * the ability and willingness of the parties involved to give the child love, affection and guidance; * the nature of the relationships between the grandparent and the grandchild and the desirability of maintaining the relationship; * the moral fitness of the parties; * the mental and physical health of the parties; * the child’s reasonable preference, if the court believes the child is old enough to express a preference; * the willingness and ability of the grandparent to help and encourage a close and continuing relationship between the child and the other parties and; and * any other factor which the court considers to be relevant.*** If you are denied visitation by the judge, you have to wait one year before you can file for it again unless there has been a substantial and unanticipated change of circumstances since you were denied the visitation -- then you can re-file before the one year period is up.**** * VT ST T. 15 § 1011 ** VT ST T. 15 § 1012 *** VT ST T. 15 § 1013 **** VT ST T. 15 § 1015
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=151&state_code=VT&open_id=all〈=en#content-13144
back to topIf I have moved away from the home where the father and children currently live, will this hurt my chances of gaining custody?
Perhaps. It will depend on the facts of the case. If you left the home due to abuse, and your children were also being abused, the judge might fault you for leaving your children with the abuser. However, if there is a valid reason that you were unable to take the children with you, the judge might consider this as well. If you are considering moving away from the home where your children and the father live, you may want to speak with an attorney for advice first about how it will impact your case. For a list of legal resources, go to our VT Finding a Lawyer page.
Perhaps. It will depend on the facts of the case. If you left the home due to abuse, and your children were also being abused, the judge might fault you for leaving your children with the abuser. However, if there is a valid reason that you were unable to take the children with you, the judge might consider this as well. If you are considering moving away from the home where your children and the father live, you may want to speak with an attorney for advice first about how it will impact your case. For a list of legal resources, go to our VT Finding a Lawyer [/gethelp_state_type.php?type_name=Finding%20a%20Lawyer&state_code=VT] page.
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=151&state_code=VT&open_id=all〈=en#content-4927
back to topHow are parental rights and responsibilities decided?
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=151&state_code=VT&open_id=all〈=en#content-4919
back to topIf both parents can agree about PR&R, what will the agreement look like?
If both parents agree to divide or share parental rights and responsibilities, the court will usually assume that the agreement is in the child's best interests and will enforce the parents’ agreement. If you want an agreement between you and the other parent to be complete and enforceable, the agreement must include statements about the following:
when and how often there will be contact between the child and the non-custodial parent (parent-child contact);
who will make decisions about the child’s education;
who will provide for and decide about the child’s medical, dental and health care;
travel arrangements for the child;
how the parents will communicate with each other about the child; and
if PR&R are shared between the parents, how the parents will resolve disputes about the child when they cannot agree (such as mediation or binding arbitration).*
* VT ST T. 15 § 666
If both parents agree to divide or share parental rights and responsibilities, the court will usually assume that the agreement is in the child's best interests and will enforce the parents’ agreement. If you want an agreement between you and the other parent to be complete and enforceable, the agreement must include statements about the following: * where the child will live; * when and how often there will be contact between the child and the non-custodial parent (parent-child contact); * who will make decisions about the child’s education; * who will provide for and decide about the child’s medical, dental and health care; * travel arrangements for the child; * how the parents will communicate with each other about the child; and * if PR&R are shared between the parents, how the parents will resolve disputes about the child when they cannot agree (such as mediation or binding arbitration).* * VT ST T. 15 § 666
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=151&state_code=VT&open_id=all〈=en#content-4921
back to topIf the parents can’t agree about PR&R, what factors will a judge consider?
If the parents cannot agree about PR&R, there will be a contested hearing in front of a judge. A judge makes a decision that s/he thinks will be in the child’s best interests. Vermont laws say that after parents have separated or divorced, it is in the child’s best interests to have continuing, regular physical and emotional contact with both parents. The exception to this, however, is when the child or the parent will suffer direct physical harm or significant emotional harm from seeing an abusive parent.*
If the parents cannot agree to divide or share parental rights and responsibilities, the judge will usually award rights and responsibilities to just one parent - but the other parent may still have parent-child contact.**
In Vermont, the courts do not choose one parent over the other because of the gender of the child, the gender of either parent, or the financial resources of a parent.***
A judge will consider factors like these when determining the child’s best interests:
the relationship of the child with each parent, including each parent’s ability to provide love, affection and guidance;
each parent’s ability to provide the child with enough food, clothing, medical care, a safe environment, and other needs;
the child’s present housing, school and community and how the child would be affected by any change and adjustment to new surroundings;
each parent’s ability to create and keep a positive relationship with the other parent, and to see the other parent often and regularly. This includes seeing the other parent in person, not just over the phone, except where physical contact could result in harm to the child or to a parent;
the quality of the relationship between the child and whoever takes care of the child most of the time (“the primary caretaker”);
the relationship of the child with anyone else who might significantly affect the child (this could include relatives, babysitters, friends, etc.);
if the responsibility is shared or divided, the judge compares each parent’s ability to communicate/cooperate with the other parent and to make decisions together with the other parent about the child; and
evidence of abuse of a family or household member, and the impact of the abuse on the child and on the relationships between the child and the abusing parent.**** (See VT ST T. 15 § 1101(1) for the definition of "abuse.")
* VT ST T. 15 § 650
** VT ST T. 15 § 655
*** VT ST T. 15 § 665(b)
**** VT ST T. 15 § 665(c)
If the parents cannot agree about PR&R, there will be a contested hearing in front of a judge. A judge makes a decision that s/he thinks will be in the child’s best interests. Vermont laws say that after parents have separated or divorced, it is in the child’s best interests to have continuing, regular physical and emotional contact with both parents. The exception to this, however, is when the child or the parent will suffer direct physical harm or significant emotional harm from seeing an abusive parent.* If the parents cannot agree to divide or share parental rights and responsibilities, the judge will usually award rights and responsibilities to just one parent - but the other parent may still have parent-child contact.** In Vermont, the courts do not choose one parent over the other because of the gender of the child, the gender of either parent, or the financial resources of a parent.*** A judge will consider factors like these when determining the child’s best interests: * the relationship of the child with each parent, including each parent’s ability to provide love, affection and guidance; * each parent’s ability to provide the child with enough food, clothing, medical care, a safe environment, and other needs; * each parent’s ability to meet the child’s present and future developmental needs; * the child’s present housing, school and community and how the child would be affected by any change and adjustment to new surroundings; * each parent’s ability to create and keep a positive relationship with the other parent, and to see the other parent often and regularly. This includes seeing the other parent in person, not just over the phone, except where physical contact could result in harm to the child or to a parent; * the quality of the relationship between the child and whoever takes care of the child most of the time (“the primary caretaker”); * the relationship of the child with anyone else who might significantly affect the child (this could include relatives, babysitters, friends, etc.); * if the responsibility is shared or divided, the judge compares each parent’s ability to communicate/cooperate with the other parent and to make decisions together with the other parent about the child; and * evidence of abuse of a family or household member, and the impact of the abuse on the child and on the relationships between the child and the abusing parent.**** (See VT ST T. 15 § 1101(1) [/statutes_detail.php?statute_id=1805#statute-top] for the definition of "abuse.") * VT ST T. 15 § 650 ** VT ST T. 15 § 655 *** VT ST T. 15 § 665(b) **** VT ST T. 15 § 665(c)
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=151&state_code=VT&open_id=all〈=en#content-4920
back to topWhat is mediation? What is a parent coordination?
In Vermont, mediation is not mandatory. Parents might be referred to mediation by the family court after you file for PR&R or parents sometimes choose mediation before filing in court. Mediation means that a neutral third party (a mediator) tries to help the arguing parties agree on a solution without going to a judge. If you try mediation and you don’t come to an agreement, you can always go to court and see a judge, because mediation is not binding. Mediation is also called conciliation, case evaluation and facilitated negotiation. When there is current or past abuse between the parties, mediation may not be a good solution since you cannot have an open exchange of ideas and make comprimises with someone who intimidates you.
The family court judge might also refer you to parent coordination in which a parent coordinator meets with the parties separately and might meet with the children, teachers, counselors and others who know the children to help come up with an agreement about PR&R. If the parents agree to a plan, it would be referred to the judge to be signed and turned into an official order.
Both mediation and parent coordination cost money but the fee is adjusted according to the parties' income. The Vermont Judiciary website has more information on mediation, parent coordination and the specific costs.
In Vermont, mediation is not mandatory. Parents might be referred to mediation by the family court after you file for PR&R or parents sometimes choose mediation before filing in court. Mediation means that a neutral third party (a mediator) tries to help the arguing parties agree on a solution without going to a judge. If you try mediation and you don’t come to an agreement, you can always go to court and see a judge, because mediation is not binding. Mediation is also called conciliation, case evaluation and facilitated negotiation. When there is current or past abuse between the parties, mediation may not be a good solution since you cannot have an open exchange of ideas and make comprimises with someone who intimidates you. The family court judge might also refer you to parent coordination in which a parent coordinator meets with the parties separately and might meet with the children, teachers, counselors and others who know the children to help come up with an agreement about PR&R. If the parents agree to a plan, it would be referred to the judge to be signed and turned into an official order. Both mediation and parent coordination cost money but the fee is adjusted according to the parties' income. The Vermont Judiciary website [http://www.vermontjudiciary.org/GTC/Family/faqs.aspx] has more information on mediation, parent coordination and the specific costs.
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=151&state_code=VT&open_id=all〈=en#content-4928
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=151&state_code=VT&open_id=all〈=en#content-4922
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=151&state_code=VT&open_id=all〈=en#content-4925
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=151&state_code=VT&open_id=all〈=en#content-4923
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=151&state_code=VT&open_id=all〈=en#content-4924
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=151&state_code=VT&open_id=all〈=en#content-4933
back to topIf a court denies a request for PR&R, does the judge have to explain why?
Generally, yes, if you ask the court to do so.
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=151&state_code=VT&open_id=all〈=en#content-4930
back to topCan a parent who does not have PR&R have access to the child’s records?
Usually yes. A parent who does not have PR&R can still access records and information about a minor child, including medical, dental, law enforcement and school records. However, if you can show that it’s not in your child’s best interest to give the other parent access to these records, or that it could cause you harm (such as abuse), a judge may order that the other parent not have access to the records. Also, if a judge believes giving the other parent access to your address and other identifying information will put you or your children in danger, s/he can order that your address and identifying information be kept secret.*
* VT ST T. 15B § 312
Usually yes. A parent who does not have PR&R can still access records and information about a minor child, including medical, dental, law enforcement and school records. However, if you can show that it’s not in your child’s best interest to give the other parent access to these records, or that it could cause you harm (such as abuse), a judge may order that the other parent not have access to the records. Also, if a judge believes giving the other parent access to your address and other identifying information will put you or your children in danger, s/he can order that your address and identifying information be kept secret.* * VT ST T. 15B § 312
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=151&state_code=VT&open_id=all〈=en#content-4931
back to topIf a PR&R order is already in place, how can I get it changed?
Either party can try to modify (change) a PR&R order if you can show a “real, substantial and unanticipated change of circumstances” has happened since the order was issued. If you can prove this, then the the judge will evaluate whether changing the order would be in the child's best interests.* (Note: The law regarding modification is different for orders issued when a child is conceived as the result of a sexual assault. For more information, go to If my child was conceived as a result of sexual assault, can the offender get parental rights and responsibilities?)
Note: If the judge modifies an order for physical responsibility, s/he is supposed to set a date for a child support modification hearing. At the same time, the judge can issue a temporary support order pending the modification hearing so that the amount of child support reflects the change in physical responsibility.**
Some examples of “real, substantial and unanticipated change of circumstances” may include:
Relocation due to a job or a family emergency;
A complete breakdown in communication between parents who have shared custody; or
The other parent becomes abusive toward the child.
However, there can be many other situations that meet the definition of “real, substantial and unanticipated change of circumstances” that are not mentioned here. Talk to a lawyer in your area to find out if your situation might qualify you to get the custody order changed. Go to VT Finding a Lawyer for free and paid legal resources.
* VT ST T. 15 § 668(a)
** VT ST T. 15 § 668(b)
Either party can try to modify (change) a PR&R order if you can show a “real, substantial and unanticipated change of circumstances” has happened since the order was issued. If you can prove this, then the the judge will evaluate whether changing the order would be in the child's best interests.* (Note: The law regarding modification is different for orders issued when a child is conceived as the result of a sexual assault. For more information, go to If my child was conceived as a result of sexual assault, can the offender get parental rights and responsibilities? [/laws_state_type.php?id=151&state_code=VT&open_id=11758#content-15438]) Note: If the judge modifies an order for physical responsibility, s/he is supposed to set a date for a child support modification hearing. At the same time, the judge can issue a temporary support order pending the modification hearing so that the amount of child support reflects the change in physical responsibility.** Some examples of “real, substantial and unanticipated change of circumstances” may include: * Disability; * Illness; * Relocation due to a job or a family emergency; * A complete breakdown in communication between parents who have shared custody; or * The other parent becomes abusive toward the child. However, there can be many other situations that meet the definition of “real, substantial and unanticipated change of circumstances” that are not mentioned here. Talk to a lawyer in your area to find out if your situation might qualify you to get the custody order changed. Go to VT Finding a Lawyer [/gethelp_type.php?type_name=FindingaLawyer] for free and paid legal resources. * VT ST T. 15 § 668(a) ** VT ST T. 15 § 668(b)
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=151&state_code=VT&open_id=all〈=en#content-4932
back to topIf I have PR&R, can I take my kids out of the state?
This may depend on the terms of the order. Your order may say you can take the children out-of-state; it may say you can’t take the children out-of-state; or it may not address the issue at all. If your order does not specifically allow you to leave the state, you may need to get permission from a judge before leaving. You may want to have an attorney look over your specific order, to get legal advice about whether or not you can leave the state with your children.
If you take your children out of state in violation of a custody order, you could possibly be charged with custodial interference or the other parent could file for contempt of court. Contempt of court is when a judge finds that you’ve violated a court order and takes steps to try to force you to follow the order. Custodial interference is a criminal charge where one parent takes the minor child away from the other parent who has a legal right to see the child.*
Custodial interference and contempt of court can have serious legal consequences. If you are considering taking your child away from an abusive parent, please talk to an attorney. For a list of legal resources, please see our VT Finding a Lawyer page.
* VT ST T. 13 § 2451(a)
This may depend on the terms of the order. Your order may say you can take the children out-of-state; it may say you can’t take the children out-of-state; or it may not address the issue at all. If your order does not specifically allow you to leave the state, you may need to get permission from a judge before leaving. You may want to have an attorney look over your specific order, to get legal advice about whether or not you can leave the state with your children. If you take your children out of state in violation of a custody order, you could possibly be charged with custodial interference or the other parent could file for contempt of court. Contempt of court is when a judge finds that you’ve violated a court order and takes steps to try to force you to follow the order. Custodial interference is a criminal charge where one parent takes the minor child away from the other parent who has a legal right to see the child.* Custodial interference and contempt of court can have serious legal consequences. If you are considering taking your child away from an abusive parent, please talk to an attorney. For a list of legal resources, please see our VT Finding a Lawyer [/gethelp_state_type.php?type_name=Finding%20a%20Lawyer&state_code=VT] page. * VT ST T. 13 § 2451(a)
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=151&state_code=VT&open_id=all〈=en#content-4934