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Welcome to the forty fourth post in our series Adopting In the 50 States. Today, we’re in Vermont, which is really beautiful in October. Remember, I am not a lawyer, nor do I play one on TV. Consult an attorney or other adoption professional with specific questions. If you have adopted in Vermont and would like to share your experience with others, please leave a comment or email me at RobynC@adoptionblogs.com.
Who May Adopt In Vermont?
Any person may adopt in Vermont.
When May Consent Be Signed?
36 hours after the child is born.
How Much Time Do the Birth Parents Have to Revoke Consent?
Consent is irrevocable 21 days after the consent was signed.
Does Vermont Have a Putative Father Registry?
No.
Does Vermont Allow the Biological Father to Give Consent Before the Child is Born?
No.
Can Adoptive Parents Advertise to Find Expectant Parents?
Yes. Advertising is not addressed in Vermont law.
Does Vermont Allow the Use of Facilitators?
No.
How Long Before Adoption Can Be Finalized?
6 months.
Which Expectant Mother Expenses Can Be Paid by the Adoptive Parents?
Medical, legal, transportation, and counseling expenses may be paid. Living expenses may be paid for a reasonable amount of time before and after the birth of the child. The law isn’t specific, however, in practice, “reasonable” is about 6 weeks postpartum.
Can Out of State Residents Finalize in Vermont?
Yes, if they are using a state-licensed agency.
Does Vermont Allow for Enforceable Open Adoption Agreements?
Only for stepparent adoptions.
Resources
- Vermont Adoption Consortium
- Adopting In Vermont
- Child Adoption Laws, Vermont
- Child Welfare Information Gateway, State Statutes
- Adamec, Christine. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Adoption. New York: Alpha Books, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc., 2004.
- Adoptive Families Magazine 2008
Photo Credit: Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collection, University of Texas
