the non-paying parent to reimburse the state for welfare benefits paid to the custodial parent. The state, through the Office of Child Support, can also request the court to order an on-going child support amount. If you are behind in your child support obligation, the department may, among other things, intercept your tax refunds or suspend your license to drive a car, to practice a profession, fish, or hunt.


Unmarried parents may allow their child to be adopted. Both the biological father and the biological mother must consent, in writing, to the adoption. If one biological parent has never supported the child, never tried to visit the child, and never had any other contact with the child, the court may terminate parental rights and allow the adoption to proceed without that parent’s consent. All adoption proceedings are heard in probate court.


Being a parent is more of a responsibility than a right. If you cannot meet your responsibility to your child and place your child in circumstances that jeopardize the child’s health or welfare, the law permits the state to remove your child from your home. This law applies to parents of all ages. Do not make a decision to have a child unless you know you can provide a good home.


Some organizations offer free or low-cost legal advice to low- income Vermonters in certain types of cases. A good place to start is Vermont Legal Aid, at 1-800-889-2047. Also, you can find a great deal of information, including pamphlets and forms, about parentage actions, divorce, dissolution, relief from abuse, and other family-related matters on the Vermont Judiciary website, at www. vermontjudiciary.org/default.aspx.


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On Your Own, 2008 Edition


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