What are the requirements for stepparent adoption in Vermont?

Here are the key requirements for stepparent adoption in Vermont:

1. Marriage: You must be legally married to the child's biological parent

2. Residency: 6 months in Vermont (15A V.S.A. § 1-102)

3. Consent or Abandonment: Either the other biological parent consents, or abandonment (12+ months no contact) is established under 15A V.S.A. § 3-504

4. Child Consent: Children age 14+ must consent (15A V.S.A. § 2-401)

5. Background Check: Required for the adopting stepparent

6. Home Study: Typically waived for stepparents in Vermont (15A V.S.A. § 2-202)

7. Filing: Petition filed in Probate Court

Our document package includes everything you need — petition, consent forms or abandonment affidavit, background check forms, home study waiver request, and step-by-step filing instructions for your specific countie.