Vermont Adoption Laws, Page 3

Statute: Tit. 15A, § 2-401

The birth mother
The biological father
The man married to the mother at the time of conception or who has acknowledged paternity
The child's guardian, adoptive or other legally recognized parents
The agency that placed the child for adoption

Statute: Tit. 15A, § 2-401

A child 14 years of age or older must consent, unless the court dispenses with the need.

Statute: Tit. 15A, § 2-402

Persons whose consent is not required:
- A person who has relinquished parental rights to an agency
- A person whose rights have been terminated or determined not to exist
- A representative of a deceased parent's estate
- A man who denies paternity or fails to appear at proceedings
Consent of a guardian or agency is not required if the court finds it is being withheld unreasonably or contrary to the child's best interest.

Statute: Tit. 15A, § 2-404

Consent by a parent may not be executed earlier than 36 hours after the child's birth.
Consent by a guardian can be made any time after being authorized by the court.
Consent by an agency may be made any time before or during the hearing on adoption.

Statute: Tit. 15A, § 2-405

Consent executed by a parent or guardian shall be signed in the presence of the probate judge or the court's authorized agent.
A minor must consent in the presence of a judge.

Statute: Tit. 15A, §§ 2-407; 2-408; 2-409

Consent is irrevocable after 21 days.
Consent is revoked if the parent notifies the court within 21 days; or the parent and prospective adoptive parent agree.
Consent may also be set aside if it was obtained by fraud or duress, or if a condition permitting revocation has occurred.

Credits: Child Welfare Information Gateway (http://www.childwelfare.gov)