State laws govern the adoption process and often vary from one another, which sometimes presents challenges when families of adopted children move to other states. In Vermont, the law allows several different types of adoptions. The most common adoptions are through a direct parental placement, through a placement by a licensed adoption agency, or through a stepparent adoption.
Adopting a Foster Child
To adopt a child in foster care:
Adult Adoptions
Adult adoptions are very different from the other types of adoption mentioned above. In the case of an adult adoption the "child" being adopted is over the age of 18 or is an emancipated minor and legally considered an adult. Also unlike other adoptions, an adult adoption is the decision by the "child" and the adopting parent without any additional parties being involved in the decision.
As with an adoption involving a minor child there is still the creation of a legal parent/child relationship between the adoptee and the adopter. Since the "child" or adoptee in this type of adoption is legally an adult and able to make their own legally binding decisions the adult adoption process is simpler than that involving a minor child.
Once the adoption has occurred notice of it is given to certain relatives whose inheritance rights might be affected.
Some of the main highlights of Vermont's adoption laws are listed in the box below. Explore FindLaw's Adoption section for additional articles and resources.
| Code Section | Tit.15A ยงยง1-101, et seq |
| Who May Be Adopted | Any person; if adult, must have his or her spouse's consent |
| Age that Child's Consent Needed | 18 years and older |
| Who May Adopt | Any person. If petitioner is married, spouse must consent. Parent and partner may adopt if in best interest of the child. |
| Home Residency Required Prior to Finalization of Adoption? | Six (6) months |
| State Agency/Court |
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| Statute of Limitations to Challenge | Not specified |
| Same-Sex Adoption | Yes |
Note: Vermont adoptions laws are constantly changing--contact a Vermont adoption attorney, or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
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Vermont Adoption Laws: Related Resources
