Vermont § 4-101 - Standing to adopt minor stepchild
Full text of Vermont Vermont Statutes Online § 4-101 — Standing to adopt minor stepchild, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 4-101. Standing to adopt minor stepchild
- (a) A stepparent has standing under this article to petition to adopt a minor stepchild
who is the child of the stepparent’s spouse if: (1) the spouse has sole legal and physical custody of the child and the child has been
in the physical custody of the spouse and the stepparent during the six months prior
to the filing of a petition for adoption; (2) the spouse has joint legal custody of the child with the child’s other parent and
the child has resided primarily with the spouse and the stepparent during the 12 months
next preceding the filing of the petition; (3) the spouse is deceased or mentally incompetent, but before dying or being judicially
declared mentally incompetent, had legal and physical custody of the child, and the
child has resided primarily with the stepparent during the 12 months prior to the
filing of the petition; or (4) an agency placed the child with the stepparent pursuant to section 2-103 of this title. (b) For good cause shown, a court may allow a person who does not meet the requirements
of subdivisions (a)(1) through (4) of this section, but has the consent of the custodial
parent of a minor to file a petition for adoption under this article. A petition allowed
under this subsection shall be treated as if the petitioner were a stepparent. (c) A petition for adoption by a stepparent may be joined with a petition under Article
3, Part 5 of this title to terminate the relationship of parent and child between
a minor adoptee and the adoptee’s parent who is not the stepparent’s spouse. (Added 1995, No. 161 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)
Source: official Vermont text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Vermont § 4-101
What does Vermont Statutes Online § 4-101 cover?
Section 4-101 ("Standing to adopt minor stepchild") 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 § 4-101?
A common citation format is "Vermont Statutes Online § 4-101" (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 § 4-101 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.