Vermont § 4-110 - Evaluation of stepparent

§ 4-110. Evaluation of stepparent

• (a) After a petition for adoption of a minor stepchild is filed, the court may order that
  an evaluation be made by a person qualified under section 2-202 of this title to assist the court in determining whether the proposed adoption is in the best interests
  of the minor. (b) The court shall provide an evaluator with copies of the petition for adoption and
  of the items filed with the petition. (c) Unless otherwise directed by the court, an evaluator shall base the evaluation on
  a personal interview with the petitioner and the petitioner’s spouse in the petitioner’s
  residence, observation of the relationship between the minor and the petitioner, a
  personal interview with others who know the petitioner and may have information relevant
  to the examination, and any information received pursuant to subsection (d) of this
  section. (d) An evaluation under this section shall be in writing and contain the following: (1) the information required by subsections 2-203(d) and (e) of this title; and (2) the information required by subdivisions 3-602(b)(2) through (5) of this title. (e) Subsection 3-603(b) of this title shall apply to an evaluation under this section. (f) If the court does not order an evaluation, the preference of the minor who is less
  than 14 years old shall be taken into consideration, if the minor is mature enough
  to express a preference. (g) Whether or not an evaluation is ordered, the court shall obtain the information required
  by subdivisions 2-203(d)(7)-(9). (h) The court may charge a reasonable fee for services it performs pursuant to this section. (Added 1995, No. 161 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)