reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 14A - Trusts › Chapter 11 - Trusts Protectors and Trust Advisors › § 1105. Fiduciary’s liability for action or inaction of trustee, trust advisor, and trust protector

§ 1105. Fiduciary’s liability for action or inaction of trustee, trust advisor, and trust protector
An excluded fiduciary is not liable for:
(1) any loss resulting from any action or inaction of a trustee, trust advisor, or trust protector; or
(2) any loss that results from the failure of a trustee, trust advisor, or trust protector to take any action proposed by the excluded fiduciary where such action requires the authorization of the trustee, trust advisor, or trust protector, provided that an excluded fiduciary who had a duty to propose such action timely sought but failed to obtain the authorization. (Added 2009, No. 20, § 1.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 14A - Trusts › Chapter 12 - Miscellaneous Provisions › § 1201. Uniformity of application and construction

§ 1201. Uniformity of application and construction
In applying and construing this title, consideration must be given to the need to promote uniformity of the law with respect to its subject matter among states that enact it. (Added 2009, No. 20, § 1.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 14A - Trusts › Chapter 12 - Miscellaneous Provisions › § 1202. Electronic records and signatures

§ 1202. Electronic records and signatures
The provisions of this title governing the legal effect, validity, or enforceability of electronic records or electronic signatures and of contracts formed or performed with the use of such records or signatures conform to the requirements of Section 102 of the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (15 U.S.C. § 7002) and supersede, modify, and limit the requirements of the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act. (Added 2009, No. 20, § 1.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 14A - Trusts › Chapter 12 - Miscellaneous Provisions › § 1203. Severability clause

§ 1203. Severability clause
If any provision of this title or its application to any person or circumstances is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of this title which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this title are severable. (Added 2009, No. 20, § 1.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 14A - Trusts › Chapter 12 - Miscellaneous Provisions › § 1204. Application to existing relationships

§ 1204. Application to existing relationships
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this title, on the effective date of this title:
(1) this title applies to all trusts created before, on, or after its effective date;
(2) this title applies to all judicial proceedings concerning trusts commenced on or after its effective date;
(3) this title applies to judicial proceedings concerning testamentary trusts commenced before its effective date except that accountings shall continue to be due from the trustees of such trusts in the same manner and in the same frequency as required by the Probate Division of the Superior Court prior to this title unless otherwise ordered by the Probate Division of the Superior Court;
(4) this title applies to all other judicial proceedings concerning trusts commenced before its effective date unless the Probate Division of the Superior Court finds that application of a particular provision of this title would substantially interfere with the effective conduct of the judicial proceedings or prejudice the rights of the parties, in which case the particular provision of this title does not apply and the superseded law applies;
(5) any rule of construction or presumption provided in this title applies to trust instruments executed before the effective date of this title unless there is a clear indication of a contrary intent in the terms of the trust; and
(6) an act done before the effective date of this title is not affected by this title.
(b) If a right is acquired, extinguished, or barred upon the expiration of a prescribed period that has commenced to run under any other statute before the effective date of this title, that statute continues to apply to the right even if it has been repealed or superseded. (Added 2009, No. 20, § 1; amended 2009, No. 154 (Adj. Sess.), § 236, eff. February 1, 2011.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 1 - Civil Marriage › § 1a. Person forbidden to marry a relative

§ 1a. Person forbidden to marry a relative
No person shall marry his or her parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, sibling’s child, or parent’s sibling. (Added 2009, No. 3, § 3, eff. Sept. 1, 2009.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 1 - Civil Marriage › § 3. Bar though civil marriage dissolved

§ 3. Bar though civil marriage dissolved
If the relationship in those cases mentioned in section 1 of this title is founded on a civil marriage, the prohibition shall continue in force notwithstanding the dissolution of such marriage by death or divorce, unless the divorce is for a cause that shows the marriage to have been originally unlawful or void. (Amended 2009, No. 3, § 12a, eff. Sept. 1, 2009.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 1 - Civil Marriage › § 4. Civil marriage contracted while one in force

§ 4. Civil marriage contracted while one in force
Civil marriages contracted while either party is legally married or joined in civil union to a living person other than the party to that marriage shall be void. (Amended 1999, No. 91 (Adj. Sess.), § 24; 2009, No. 3, §§ 4, 12a, eff. Sept. 1, 2009.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 1 - Civil Marriage › § 7. Affirmance of civil marriage by decree of court

§ 7. Affirmance of civil marriage by decree of court
When the validity of a civil marriage is denied or doubted by either of the parties, the other party may file a libel for affirming the marriage. Upon proof of the validity thereof, it shall be declared valid by a decree of the court. Such decree shall be conclusive upon persons concerned. (Amended 2009, No. 3, § 12a, eff. Sept. 1, 2009.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 1 - Civil Marriage › § 8. Marriage definition

§ 8. Marriage definition
Marriage is the legally recognized union of two people. When used in this chapter or in any other statute, the word “marriage” shall mean a civil marriage. Terms relating to the marital relationship or familial relationships shall be construed consistently with this section for all purposes throughout the law, whether in the context of statute, administrative or court rule, policy, common law, or any other source of civil law. (Added 1999, No. 91 (Adj. Sess.), § 25; 2009, No. 3, §§ 5, 12a, eff. Sept. 1, 2009.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 3 - Rights of Married Women › § 61. Contracts; suits on contracts; partnership with husband

§ 61. Contracts; suits on contracts; partnership with husband
A married woman may make contracts with any person other than her husband and bind herself and her separate property in the same manner as if she were unmarried. She may sue and be sued as to all such contracts made by her, either before or during coverture, without her husband being joined in the action as plaintiff or defendant, and execution may issue against her and be levied on her sole and separate goods, chattels and estate. Irrespective of the provisions herein, a married woman may enter into a contract of general or limited business partnership in which partnership her husband is also a partner, may contract with him for such purpose and may be a partner with him.
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 3 - Rights of Married Women › § 62. Woman marrying pending action to which she is party

§ 62. Woman marrying pending action to which she is party
If an unmarried woman, who is party to an action, marries during the pendency thereof, such civil marriage may be suggested upon the record. Such action shall not abate by reason of the marriage, but shall proceed to final judgment, decree, or execution in the same manner as if she had remained unmarried. (Amended 2009, No. 3, § 12a, eff. Sept. 1, 2009.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 3 - Rights of Married Women › § 63. Executrix, administratrix, guardian, or trustee

§ 63. Executrix, administratrix, guardian, or trustee
A married woman may be appointed executrix, administratrix, guardian, or trustee, and the marriage of a single woman shall not affect her authority to so act under a previous appointment. (Amended 2009, No. 3, § 12a, eff. Sept. 1, 2009.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 3 - Rights of Married Women › § 64. Sole deed

§ 64. Sole deed
A married woman may convey or mortgage by her sole deed the real estate of which she is seized in her own right to her sole and separate use as she might do by her separate deed if unmarried. She may by her sole deed convey or mortgage and manage and control any other real estate acquired by her on or after February 13, 1919, except that a homestead interest therein and the real estate of which she is seized jointly with her husband may be conveyed or mortgaged only by the joint deed of herself and husband.
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 3 - Rights of Married Women › § 65. Name on deed

§ 65. Name on deed
When a conveyance of real estate is made by a married woman and such real estate was acquired by her under a name other than her present married name, such conveyance shall set forth both her present married name and the name under which such real estate was acquired. Such conveyance shall be indexed by a town or county clerk receiving the same for record under both her present married name and the name under which such real estate was acquired. However, a deed which fails to describe the grantor, as aforesaid, shall not impair the grantee’s title conveyed by such deed.
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 3 - Rights of Married Women › § 66. Rights in personalty

§ 66. Rights in personalty
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.
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 3 - Rights of Married Women › § 67. Estates by entirety

§ 67. Estates by entirety
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.
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 3 - Rights of Married Women › § 68. Income and monies from sale of real estate

§ 68. Income and monies from sale of real estate
The rents, issues, and products of the real estate of a married woman, and monies and obligations arising from the sale of such real estate, and the interest of her husband in her right in real estate that belonged to her before marriage, or that she acquires by gift, grant, devise, or inheritance during coverture, shall be exempt during coverture from attachment or levy of execution for the sole debts of her husband. However, such annual products may be attached or levied upon for a debt or liability of her husband for the necessaries for the wife and family of such husband, and for debts for labor or materials furnished upon or for the cultivation or improvement of such real estate. (Amended 2009, No. 3, § 12a, eff. Sept. 1, 2009.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 3 - Rights of Married Women › § 69. Liability for debts or torts of spouse

§ 69. Liability for debts or torts of spouse
A married person shall not be liable for a debt contracted by his or her spouse before marriage, nor for the torts of his or her spouse unless committed by the person’s authority or direction. (Amended 2009, No. 3, § 12a, eff. Sept. 1, 2009.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 3 - Rights of Married Women › § 102. Complaint by wife to sell real estate

§ 102. Complaint by wife to sell real estate
When a married man is incapacitated for supporting his family, or deserts, neglects, or abandons his wife, or by ill-usage or criminal conduct gives her cause to live apart from him, or is committed to the Commissioner of Corrections, if the wife is of age, a presiding judge of the Superior Court, upon her complaint for that purpose, may authorize such wife to sell and convey her real estate, or personal property that came to the husband by reason of the civil marriage and that remains in the State undisposed of by him. Such judge may authorize a person holding money or other personal estate, to which the husband is entitled in her right, to pay or deliver the same to the wife. A married woman who is of age and lives apart from her husband and has lived apart from her husband more than one year from any cause other than her adultery, and who has real estate in her own right, may petition a presiding judge of the Superior Court for leave to sell and convey such real estate. (Amended 1973, No. 193 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. April 9, 1974; 2009, No. 3, § 12a, eff. Sept. 1, 2009.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 3 - Rights of Married Women › § 103. Determination of amount contributed to property by husband; sole and separate deed of wife

§ 103. Determination of amount contributed to property by husband; sole and separate deed of wife
If it appears to the presiding judge that such real estate was acquired by such married woman, in whole or in part, otherwise than by gift or conveyance from her husband, and otherwise than as a result of his industry, accumulations, or savings, and that her needs or comforts or the needs or comforts of her minor children require the income or proceeds of such real estate or her interest therein, the judge shall determine what amount, if any, the husband has contributed toward such property. Such judge shall authorize such married woman to sell and convey such real estate by her sole and separate deed upon payment or tender to her husband of such sum, if any, as the judge finds he has contributed to the purchase of such property, to be proportionately increased or decreased to correspond with any material change in value, found by the judge, of such property subsequent to the date of the first contribution, if any made by the husband. Such deed shall have the same effect to pass title to such property as if joined in by the husband.
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 3 - Rights of Married Women › § 104. Proceedings on complaint and enforcement of orders and decrees; appeal of husband

§ 104. Proceedings on complaint and enforcement of orders and decrees; appeal of husband
The same proceedings shall be had on such complaint and in relation to enforcing orders and decrees as in other proceedings in the Superior Court. An appeal on the part of the husband shall not be allowed to the Supreme Court from an order or decree until he has indemnified the plaintiff for delays and costs as the judge directs. (Amended 1973, No. 193 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. April 9, 1974.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 5 - Desertion and Support › § 201. Definitions

§ 201. Definitions
The word “child,” as used in this subchapter, shall mean a child who is under the age of 18 years, or is under the age of 21 years and is a student regularly attending a school, college or university or their equivalent, or is regularly attending a course of vocational or technical training designed to fit him for gainful employment, and shall include a “stepchild” under such age. The words “adult child,” as so used, shall mean a child over the age of minority. (Amended 1971, No. 98, § 1, eff. April 22, 1971.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 5 - Desertion and Support › § 202. Penalty for desertion or nonsupport

§ 202. Penalty for desertion or nonsupport
A married person who, without just cause, shall desert or willfully neglect or refuse to provide for the support and maintenance of his or her spouse and children, leaving them in destitute or necessitous circumstances or a parent who, without lawful excuse, shall desert or willfully neglect or refuse to provide for the support and maintenance of his or her child or an adult child possessed of sufficient pecuniary or physical ability to support his or her parents, who unreasonably neglects or refuses to provide such support when the parent is destitute, unable to support himself or herself, and resident in this State, shall be imprisoned not more than two years or fined not more than $300.00, or both. Should a fine be imposed, the court may order the same to be paid in whole or in part to the needy spouse, parent,or to the guardian, custodian, or trustee of the child. The Office of Child Support attorneys, in addition to any other duly authorized person, may prosecute cases under this section in Vermont Superior Court. (Amended 1973, No. 201 (Adj. Sess.), § 2; 2009, No. 146 (Adj. Sess.), § C21.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 5 - Desertion and Support › § 203. Institution of proceedings

§ 203. Institution of proceedings
Proceedings under this subchapter may be instituted by any prosecuting officer upon complaint made by the deserted married person, child, or by any other person, including a parent in proper cases, against a spouse, parent, or adult child, accused of an offense named in section 202 of this title. (Amended 1965, No. 194, § 10, operative Feb. 1, 1967; 1973, No. 201 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; 1973, No. 249 (Adj. Sess.), § 68, eff. April 9, 1974; 1987, 1973, No. 174 (Adj. Sess.), § 4.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 5 - Desertion and Support › § 204. Temporary orders

§ 204. Temporary orders
At any time before the trial, upon application of the complainant and upon notice to the respondent, the court, or a judge thereof in vacation, may enter such temporary order as may seem just providing for the support of the deserted spouse or child, or both, or of such parents, pendente lite, and may punish for violation of such order as for contempt. (Amended 1973, No. 201 (Adj. Sess.), § 4.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 5 - Desertion and Support › § 205. Order for payment; probation; recognizance

§ 205. Order for payment; probation; recognizance
Before the trial, with the consent of the respondent, or at the trial on entry of a plea of guilty, or after conviction, instead of imposing the penalty provided in section 202 of this title, or in addition thereto, the court, in its discretion, having regard to the circumstances and to the financial ability or earning capacity of the respondent, may make an order that shall be subject to change by the court from time to time, as circumstances may require, directing the respondent to pay a certain sum periodically to the spouse or to the guardian or custodian of the child or to an organization or individual approved by the court as trustee or to a parent or his or her guardian. Such court may order the respondent released from custody and placed on probation, upon his or her entering into a recognizance, with or without surety, in such sum as the court, or a judge thereof in vacation, may order and approve. The condition of the recognizance shall be such that if the respondent shall make his or her personal appearance in court whenever ordered so to do and shall further comply with the terms of such order of support, or of any subsequent modification thereof, such recognizance shall be void, otherwise in full force and effect. (Amended 1973, No. 201 (Adj. Sess.), § 5.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 5 - Desertion and Support › § 206. Proceedings on failure to comply

§ 206. Proceedings on failure to comply
If the court is satisfied by information and due proof under oath that the respondent has violated the terms of such order, it may forthwith proceed with the trial of the respondent under the original charge, or sentence him or her under the original conviction or enforce the suspended sentence, as the case may be. In case of forfeiture of a recognizance and enforcement thereof by execution, the sum recovered, in the discretion of the court, may be paid in whole or in part to the spouse or to the guardian, custodian or trustee of the child, or to a parent or his or her guardian. (Amended 1973, No. 201 (Adj. Sess.), § 6.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 5 - Desertion and Support › § 207. Evidence; competency of parties as witnesses

§ 207. Evidence; competency of parties as witnesses
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. (Amended 1973, No. 201 (Adj. Sess.), § 7; 2009, No. 3, § 12a, eff. Sept. 1, 2009.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 5 - Desertion and Support › § 209. Disposition, care, and maintenance of children

§ 209. Disposition, care, and maintenance of children
When a parent is found guilty of nonsupport or desertion of his or her child, the court may enter such order or judgment relating to the disposition, care, and maintenance of such child, either by committing the child to the Department for Children and Families or to some person or suitable institution, as shall be equitable in the premises. The court may enforce the same by execution or by any proper proceedings. The property of such parent shall not be exempt from levy and sale under execution. (Amended 1999, No. 147 (Adj. Sess.), § 4; 2005, No. 174 (Adj. Sess.), § 27.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 5 - Desertion and Support › § 291. When a married person deserts or fails to support his or her spouse

§ 291. When a married person deserts or fails to support his or her spouse
(a) When a married person without just cause fails to furnish suitable support for that person’s spouse, or has deserted such spouse, or when a married person, for a justifiable cause, is actually living apart from such spouse, on the complaint of either married person, or, if the deserted spouse has a mental condition or psychiatric disability, on the complaint of a guardian or next friend, the Superior Court, by its order, may prohibit either spouse from imposing restraint on the other’s personal liberty for such time as the court in such order directs, or until further order.
(b) Upon the application of the husband or wife, or of the guardian or next friend of either spouse, such court may make such orders as it deems expedient concerning the support of either spouse and the care, custody, education, and maintenance of the minor children of the parties. It may determine with which of the parents the children, or any of them, shall remain, and thereafter, from time to time, on similar application, may revise and alter such order, or make a new order or decree, as the case requires.
(c) The complaint may be brought in the county in which either of the parties resides, except that, if the complainant has left the county in which the parties have lived together, the adverse party still residing therein, the complaint shall be brought in that county.
(d) When complaint is made as provided in this section, a summons shall be issued to the other party directing him or her to cause his or her appearance therein to be entered not later than 21 days after the date of the service thereof and show cause why the prayer of the complaint should not be granted, which summons and the complaint shall be served on such party as provided by section 596 of this title.
(e) After filing such complaint the Superior Court in which the cause is pending, or a Superior judge, on application of either party, may make such order concerning the care and custody of such minor children, or the support of either spouse, during the pendency of the complaint, as is deemed expedient and for the benefit of either spouse or the children.
(f) When filed and recorded in the office of the clerk of a town, or served upon a private corporation, such order shall be a lien upon such of the real estate and personal property of the defendant in such town, and upon the stock of the defendant in such corporation as is mentioned in the order.
(g) For the purposes of this section, “children” shall include stepchildren. (Amended 1971, No. 98, § 2, eff. April 22, 1971; 1973, No. 193 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. April 9, 1974; 1973, No. 201 (Adj. Sess.), § 8; 2013, No. 96 (Adj. Sess.), § 66.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 5 - Desertion and Support › § 293. When parents live separately

§ 293. When parents live separately
(a) When parents of minor children, or parents and stepparents of minor children, whether said parents are married or unmarried, are living separately, on the complaint of either parent or stepparent or, if it is a party in interest, the Department for Children and Families, the Family Division of the Superior Court may make such decree concerning parental rights and responsibilities and parent-child contact (as defined in section 664 of this title), and the support of the children, as in cases where either parent deserts or without just cause fails to support. Thereafter on the motion of either of the parents, the stepparent, or the Department for Children and Families, the court may annul, vary or modify the decrees.
(b) Any legal presumption of parentage as set forth in section 308 of this title shall be sufficient basis for initiating a support action under this section without any further proceedings to establish parentage. If a party raises an objection to the presumption, the court may determine the issue of parentage as part of the support action. If no written objection to the presumption is raised, an order under this section shall constitute a judgment on the issue of parentage. (Amended 1971, No. 98, § 3, eff. April 22, 1971; 1973, No. 193 (Adj. Sess.), § 3 eff. April 9, 1974; 1993, No. 228 (Adj. Sess.), § 10; 1995, No. 161 (Adj. Sess.), § 2; 1999, No. 147 (Adj. Sess.), § 4; 2005, No. 174 (Adj. Sess.), § 28; 2009, No. 154 (Adj. Sess.), § 238.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 5 - Desertion and Support › § 294. Man in the house

§ 294. Man in the house
(a) When the mother of minor children is residing within the same household as a man unrelated to her and not otherwise liable for the support of the mother and her children, on the complaint of the mother or, if she is receiving public assistance, the Department for Children and Families, the Superior Court shall make such decree concerning the support of the mother and the care, custody, maintenance, and education of the children as in cases where the husband refuses without just cause to support his wife and children. The decree shall by its terms continue in force for so long as the defendant resides within the household or until further order of the court.
(b) This section shall not apply to persons living in boarding houses. (Added 1971, No. 98, § 4, eff. April 22, 1971; amended 1973, No. 193 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. April 9, 1974; 1999, No. 147 (Adj. Sess.), § 4; 2005, No. 174 (Adj. Sess.), § 29.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 5 - Desertion and Support › § 295. Substitute husband and father

§ 295. Substitute husband and father
When complaint is made under section 292, 293 or 294 of this title, a summons shall be issued to the other party directing him to cause his appearance therein to be entered not later than 21 days after the date of the service thereof and show cause why the prayer of the complaint should not be granted, which summons and the complaint shall be served on such party as provided by section 596 or by section 597 of this title. After the filing of such complaint, the Superior Court in which the cause is pending, or any Superior judge, may, on application of either party make such order concerning the care and custody of the minor children during the pendency of the complaint, as is deemed expedient and for the benefit of such children. (Amended 1971, No. 98, § 5, eff. April 22, 1971; 1973, No. 193 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. April 9, 1974.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 5 - Desertion and Support › § 296. Liability of stepparents

§ 296. Liability of stepparents
A stepparent has a duty to support a stepchild if they reside in the same household and if the financial resources of the natural or adoptive parents are insufficient to provide the child with a reasonable subsistence consistent with decency and health. The duty of a stepparent to support a stepchild under this section shall be coextensive with and enforceable according to the same terms as the duty of a natural or adoptive parent to support a natural or adoptive child including any such duty of support as exists under the common law of this State, for so long as the marital bond creating the step relationship shall continue. (Added 1971, No. 247 (Adj. Sess.), § 2, eff. April 7, 1972; amended 1985, No. 180 (Adj. Sess.), § 12, eff. April 1, 1987.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 11 - Annulment and Divorce › § 511. Void civil marriages; consanguinity, affinity, or living spouse

§ 511. Void civil marriages; consanguinity, affinity, or living spouse
(a) Civil marriages prohibited by law on account of consanguinity or affinity between the parties or on account of either party having a wife or husband living, if solemnized within this State, shall be void without decree of divorce or other legal process.
(b) When the validity of a civil marriage is uncertain for causes mentioned in subsection (a) of this section, either party may file a complaint to annul the same. Upon proof of the nullity of the marriage it shall be declared void by a decree of nullity. (Amended 2009, No. 3, § 12a, eff. Sept. 1, 2009.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 11 - Annulment and Divorce › § 512. Voidable civil marriages—Grounds for annulment generally

§ 512. Voidable civil marriages—Grounds for annulment generally
The civil marriage contract may be annulled when, at the time of marriage, either party had not attained the age of 16 years or was physically or mentally incapable of entering into the civil marriage state or when the consent of either party was obtained by force or fraud. (Amended 2009, No. 3, § 12a, eff. Sept. 1, 2009; 2013, No. 96 (Adj. Sess.), § 67.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 11 - Annulment and Divorce › § 513. Party under age of 16 years

§ 513. Party under age of 16 years
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. (Amended 2009, No. 3, § 12a, eff. Sept. 1, 2009.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 11 - Annulment and Divorce › § 514. Party is mentally incapable of entering into civil marriage

§ 514. Party is mentally incapable of entering into civil marriage
(a) When a civil marriage is sought to be annulled on the ground of one of the parties’ mental incapability to enter into the civil marriage, it may be declared void on the complaint of a relative of such person at any time during the life of either of the parties.
(b) When a civil marriage is sought to be annulled on the ground of one of the parties’ mental incapability to enter into the civil marriage, on the complaint of a relative of the person, such marriage may be declared void during the continuance of such mental incapacity, or after the death of the person who is mentally incapacitated in that condition and during the lifetime of the other party to the marriage.
(c) The civil marriage of a person who is mentally incapacitated may be declared void upon the complaint of the person after restoration to health, but a decree of nullity shall not be pronounced if the parties freely cohabited as spouses after the spouse who was mentally incapacitated had restored capacity.
(d) If an action is not prosecuted by a relative, the civil marriage of a person who is mentally incapacitated may be annulled during the lifetime of both the parties to the marriage, on the complaint of a person admitted by the court to prosecute as the next friend of such person who is mentally incapacitated.
(e) The phrases “mentally incapacitated,” “incapacitated,” “mental incapacity,” “mentally incapable,” “mental incapability,” and other similar phrases as used in sections 511-514 of this title shall extend only to persons who have a severe psychiatric, cognitive, or other severe mental disability. (Amended 2009, No. 3, § 12a, eff. Sept. 1, 2009; 2013, No. 96 (Adj. Sess.), § 68.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 11 - Annulment and Divorce › § 515. Party physically incapacitated

§ 515. Party physically incapacitated
A suit to annul a civil marriage on the ground of the physical incapacity of one of the parties shall be maintained only by the injured party against the party whose incapacity is alleged and shall be brought within two years from the solemnization of the marriage. (Amended 2009, No. 3, § 12a, eff. Sept. 1, 2009.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 11 - Annulment and Divorce › § 516. Force or fraud

§ 516. Force or fraud
A civil marriage may be annulled during the lifetime of the parties, or one of them, on the ground that the consent of one of the parties was obtained by force or fraud, or the threat of force, or other forms of coercion or deception on the complaint of the party whose consent was so obtained or of the parent or guardian of such party or of some relative interested to contest the validity of the marriage. When such proceedings have been commenced and the party whose consent was so obtained dies before final decree, a parent or relative interested to contest the validity of the civil marriage may enter and prosecute such complaint. (Amended 2009, No. 3, § 12a, eff. Sept. 1, 2009; 2017, No. 140 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. May 21, 2018.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 11 - Annulment and Divorce › § 517. Custody and maintenance of issue

§ 517. Custody and maintenance of issue
If there is issue of a civil marriage annulled on the ground of force or fraud, the court shall decree their custody to the innocent parent and may provide for their education and maintenance out of the estate and property of the guilty party. (Amended 2009, No. 3, § 12a, eff. Sept. 1, 2009.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 11 - Annulment and Divorce › § 518. Declarations of parties not sufficient proof

§ 518. Declarations of parties not sufficient proof
A civil marriage shall not be declared null solely on the declarations or confessions of the parties, but the court shall require other satisfactory evidence of the facts on which the allegation of nullity is founded. (Amended 2009, No. 3, § 12a, eff. Sept. 1, 2009.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 11 - Annulment and Divorce › § 519. Decree of nullity

§ 519. Decree of nullity
A decree of nullity of civil marriage, if pronounced during the lifetime of the parties, shall be conclusive evidence of the invalidity of the marriage in all courts and proceedings. If such decree is pronounced after the death of either of the parties to the civil marriage, it shall be conclusive only as against the parties in the action and those claiming under them. (Amended 2009, No. 3, § 12a, eff. Sept. 1, 2009.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 11 - Annulment and Divorce › § 520. Children of civil marriage annulled

§ 520. Children of civil marriage annulled
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. (Amended 2009, No. 3, § 12a, eff. Sept. 1, 2009.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 11 - Annulment and Divorce › § 551. Grounds for divorce from bond of matrimony

§ 551. Grounds for divorce from bond of matrimony
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. (Amended 1969, No. 264 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; 1971, No. 39, eff. May 1, 1971; 1971, No. 238 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. April 6, 1972; 1973, No. 201 (Adj. Sess.), § 9; 2013, No. 96 (Adj. Sess.), § 69.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 11 - Annulment and Divorce › § 552. Reconciliation

§ 552. Reconciliation
If one of the parties had denied under oath or affirmation that the parties have lived apart for the requisite period of time or has alleged that reconciliation is reasonably probable, the court shall consider all relevant factors, including the circumstances that gave rise to the filing of the complaint and the prospect of reconciliation, and shall:
(1) make a finding whether the parties have lived apart for the requisite period of time or not and whether the reconciliation of the parties to the civil marriage is reasonably probable or not; or
(2) continue the matter for further hearing not less than 30 or more than 60 days later, and may suggest to the parties that they seek counseling. At the adjourned hearing, the court shall make a finding whether the parties have lived apart for the requisite period of time or not and whether the reconciliation of the parties to the civil marriage is reasonably probable or not. (Added 1971, No. 238 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. April 6, 1972; amended 2009, No. 3, § 12a, eff. Sept. 1, 2009.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 11 - Annulment and Divorce › § 553. Collusion

§ 553. Collusion
The term “collusion,” as used in divorce actions, shall not be construed to include conversations or negotiations of the parties carried on in good faith in an effort to resolve their marital difficulties, where the purpose or result of the conference is not to hinder or obstruct justice or to suppress evidence as to the merits of the case.
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 11 - Annulment and Divorce › § 554. Decrees nisi

§ 554. Decrees nisi
(a) A decree of divorce from the bonds of matrimony in the first instance shall be a decree nisi and shall become absolute at the expiration of 90 days from the entry thereof but, in its discretion, the court that grants the divorce may fix an earlier date upon which the decree shall become absolute. If one of the parties dies prior to the expiration of the nisi period, the decree shall be deemed absolute immediately prior to death.
(b) Either party may file any post-trial motions under the Vermont Rules of Civil Procedure. The time within which any such motion shall be filed shall run from the date of entry of the decree of divorce and not from the date the nisi period expires. The court shall retain jurisdiction to hear and decide the motion after expiration of the nisi period. A decree of divorce shall constitute a civil judgment under the Vermont Rules of Civil Procedure.
(c) If the stated term at which the decree nisi was entered has adjourned when a motion is filed, the presiding judge of the stated term shall have power to hear and determine the matter and make new decree therein as fully as the court might have done in term time; but, in the judge’s discretion, the judge may strike off the decree and continue the cause to the next stated term. (Amended 1969, No. 264 (Adj. Sess.), § 2; 1989, No. 227 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. June 4, 1990; 1995, No. 94 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; 2018, No. 8 (Sp. Sess.), § 13, eff. June 28, 2018.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 11 - Annulment and Divorce › § 560. Remarriage

§ 560. Remarriage
When a civil marriage is dissolved pursuant to this chapter, the parties shall be deemed single and may lawfully marry again. (Amended 1969, No. 264 (Adj. Sess.), § 4; 2009, No. 3, § 12a, eff. Sept. 1, 2009.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 11 - Annulment and Divorce › § 562. Recrimination

§ 562. Recrimination
Recrimination shall not constitute a defense or a bar to a complaint for divorce. (Added 1969, No. 264 (Adj. Sess.), § 5; amended 1971, No. 14, § 3, eff. March 11, 1971.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 11 - Annulment and Divorce › § 563. Condonation

§ 563. Condonation
Condonation shall not constitute a defense or a bar to a complaint for divorce. (Added 1969, No. 264 (Adj. Sess.), § 8; amended 1971, No. 14, § 4, eff. March 11, 1971.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 11 - Annulment and Divorce › § 591. Jurisdiction and power of courts

§ 591. Jurisdiction and power of courts
Superior Courts shall hear and determine complaints for divorce and for affirming or annulling the civil marriage contract and may issue process of attachment, execution, and other proper process necessary for the dispatch and final determination of such causes. The judges of the Superior Court shall be triers of questions of fact as well as of law. Their determination of questions of fact shall be final, and exceptions may be taken and questions of law heard in the Supreme Court as in other causes. (Amended 1973, No. 193 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. April 9, 1974; 2009, No. 3, § 12a, eff. Sept. 1, 2009.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 11 - Annulment and Divorce › § 592. Residence

§ 592. Residence
(a) A complaint for divorce or annulment of civil marriage may be brought if either party to the marriage has resided within the State for a period of six months or more, but a divorce shall not be decreed for any cause, unless the plaintiff or the defendant has resided in the State one year next preceding the date of final hearing. Temporary absence from the State because of illness, employment without the State, service as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, or other legitimate and bona fide cause shall not affect the six months’ period or the one-year period specified in the preceding sentence, provided the person has otherwise retained residence in this State.
(b) Notwithstanding provisions to the contrary, a complaint for divorce may be filed in the Family Division of Superior Court in the county in which the marriage certificate was filed by parties who are not residents of Vermont provided all of the following criteria are met:
(1) The marriage was established in Vermont.
(2) Neither party’s state of legal residence recognizes the couple’s Vermont marriage for purposes of divorce.
(3) There are no minor children who were born or adopted during the marriage.
(4) The parties file a stipulation together with a complaint that resolves all issues in the divorce 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 divorce.
(B) The facts upon which the court may base a decree of divorce 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 divorce before a Vermont court, one of the parties must meet the residency requirement set forth in subsection (a) of this section.
(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 marriage.
(iv) Neither party’s state of legal residence recognizes the couple’s Vermont marriage for purposes of divorce.
(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 divorce 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 divorce action shall be conducted by telephone unless one or both of the parties choose to appear in person. (Amended 1981, No. 2, eff. Feb. 12, 1981; 2009, No. 3, § 12a, eff. Sept. 1, 2009; 2011, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 2.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 11 - Annulment and Divorce › § 593. Place for bringing action; caption of divorce action

§ 593. Place for bringing action; caption of divorce action
(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, complaints for divorce for any cause and for affirming or annulling the civil marriage contract shall be brought in the county in which the parties or one of them resides. Petitions directed to a Superior judge for temporary orders under the provisions of Vermont Rule of Civil Procedure 80(c) may be heard within or without the county where the cause is pending at a place convenient for the parties and the judge hearing the same.
(b) A complaint for divorce or dissolution of a civil union shall be brought in the county in which the marriage certificate or the civil union certificate was filed if neither of the parties resides in Vermont.
(c) An action for divorce or annulment may be captioned as follows:
Complaint for Divorce [Annulment]-Involving: [Names of Parties] (Amended 1995, No. 59, § 13; 2009, No. 3, § 12a, eff. Sept. 1, 2009; 2011, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 3.)