Vermont § 3-705 - Decree of adoption

Full text of Vermont Vermont Statutes Online § 3-705 — Decree of adoption, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 3-705. Decree of adoption

  • (a) A decree of adoption shall state or contain: (1) the original name of the minor adoptee, if the adoption is by a stepparent or relative
    and, in all other adoptions, the original name or initials; (2) the name of the petitioner for adoption; (3) whether the petitioner is married or unmarried; (4) whether the petitioner is a stepparent of the adoptee; (5) the name by which the adoptee is to be known and when the name takes effect; (6) information to be incorporated into a new birth certificate to be issued by the State
    Registrar of Vital Records, unless the petitioner or an adoptee who has attained 14
    years of age requests that a new certificate not be issued; (7) the adoptee’s date, time, and place of birth, if known, or in the case of an adoptee
    born outside the United States, as determined pursuant to subsection (b) of this section; (8) the effect of the decree of adoption as stated in sections 1-104 through 1-106 of this title; and (9) that the adoption is in the best interests of the adoptee. (b) In determining the date and place of birth of an adoptee born outside the United States,
    the court shall: (1) enter the date and place of birth as stated in the birth certificate from the country
    of origin, the U.S. Department of State’s report of birth abroad, or the documents
    of the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service; (2) if the exact place of birth is unknown, enter the information that is known and designate
    a place of birth according to the best information known with respect to the country
    of origin; (3) if the exact date of birth is unknown, determine a date of birth based upon medical
    evidence as to the probable age of the adoptee and other evidence the court considers
    appropriate; and (4) if documents described in subdivision (1) of this subsection are not available, determine
    the date and place of birth based upon evidence the court finds appropriate to consider. (c) Except for a decree of adoption of a minor by a stepparent which is issued pursuant
    to Article 4 of this title, a decree of adoption of a minor shall contain a statement
    that any order or agreement for visitation or communication with the minor that was
    in effect before the decree is issued shall be unenforceable. (d) A decree that substantially complies with the requirements of this section is not
    subject to challenge solely because one or more items required by this section are
    not contained in the decree. (Added 1995, No. 161 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 2017, No. 46, § 58, eff. July 1, 2019.)

Source: official Vermont text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Vermont § 3-705

What does Vermont Statutes Online § 3-705 cover?

Section 3-705 ("Decree of adoption") is part of the Vermont Statutes Online, the codified statutory law of Vermont. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Vermont § 3-705?

A common citation format is "Vermont Statutes Online § 3-705" (Vermont). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Vermont law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Vermont official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Vermont attorney.

How does Vermont § 3-705 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Vermont can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Vermont.