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The 5 Vermont Adoption Laws You Need to Know
Adoption laws vary in each state. Everything from a birth father's rights to open adoption can be different from state to state. We've gathered the five most important Vermont adoption laws you need to know about when considering this for your family.
Top 5 Vermont Adoption Laws
Birth Father's Legal Rights
Does my baby's father have to agree to the adoption in Vermont?
The father’s consent to adoption is required when:
- The biological father is identified by the mother or made known to the court
- The father has been married to the mother when the child was born or the child was born within 300 days of separation; or
- The father has declared paternity and committed to responsibilities of taking care of the child.
Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 15A § 2-401 (2020)
Consent is not required of a parent who’s parental rights have been terminated, found not to exist, or denies paternity.
Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 15A § 2-402 (2020)
Vermont does not have a putative father registry. An alleged father must file a claim of paternity within twenty days of being served with a notice of a petition to terminate parental rights.
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Expectant/Birth Mother Living Expenses
Can I get help with my living expenses during my pregnancy in a Vermont adoption?
An expectant mother may receive money towards medical expenses, counseling services, living expenses up to six weeks postpartum, costs of ascertaining required information, legal expenses, and travel expenses.
Separate Legal Representation
Will I be offered my own Vermont adoption lawyer?
A minor parent will have separate legal counsel for consent proceedings. Regardless of your age, make sure you have your own attorney paid for by the agency or adoptive parents. Any family you choose from AdoptMatch will make sure you have your own attorney.
Open Adoption
How does Open Adoption work in Vermont?
A post-adoption contact agreement must be in writing and signed by both parties, and specify several different required aspects of the agreement. The court may approve the adoption if it finds it is in the best interest of the child, it has reviewed the sworn affidavit acknowledging the agreement was entered into voluntarily, written acknowledgement that consent to adoption is irrevocable and that compliance with the agreement will not determine the validity of the adoption, agreement from the child if they are over fourteen years old, and agreement from the department, agency, or guardian ad litem.
Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 33 § 5124 (2020)
Click here for a map showing which states enforce open adoption agreements.
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How does Consent to Adoption work in Vermont?
How does the legal process for adoption work in Vermont?
Consent may be given thirty-six hours after the birth of the child and in the presence of a judge or officer authorized to take such acknowledgements.
Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 15A §§2-404(a,d), 2-405(a-c) (2020)
How long will I have to change my mind about adoption in Vermont?
“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”
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AdoptMatch is an initiative of Ethical Family Building, a nonprofit organization working to safeguard domestic adoptions through education, transparency, and accountability.
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