Vermont § 502 - Standing; petition
Full text of Vermont Vermont Statutes Online § 502 — Standing; petition, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 502. Standing; petition
- (a) A person seeking to be adjudicated a de facto parent of a child shall file a petition
with the Family Division of the Superior Court before the child reaches 18 years of
age. Both the person seeking to be adjudicated a de facto parent and the child must
be alive at the time of the filing. The petition shall include a verified affidavit
alleging facts to support the existence of a de facto parent relationship with the
child. The petition and affidavit shall be served on all parents and legal guardians
of the child and any other party to the proceeding. (b) An adverse party, parent, or legal guardian may file a pleading and verified affidavit
in response to the petition that shall be served on all parties to the proceeding. (c) The court shall determine on the basis of the pleadings and affidavits whether the
person seeking to be adjudicated a de facto parent has presented prima facie evidence
of the criteria for de facto parentage as provided in subsection 501(a) of this title and, therefore, has standing to proceed with a parentage action. The court, in its
sole discretion, may hold a hearing to determine disputed facts that are necessary
and material to the issue of standing. (d) The court may enter an interim order concerning contact between the child and a person
with standing seeking adjudication under this chapter as a de facto parent of the
child. (Added 2017, No. 162 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)
Frequently Asked Questions About Vermont § 502
What does Vermont Statutes Online § 502 cover?
Section 502 ("Standing; petition") 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 § 502?
A common citation format is "Vermont Statutes Online § 502" (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 § 502 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.