Securing a child’s relationship to their parent is one of the most important components of stability and security for a child.

On July 1, 2018, the new Vermont Parentage Act (VPA) went into effect. Through the VPA, the Vermont Legislature re-wrote Vermont’s laws on parentage to be modern and reflective of the great diversity of families in Vermont. What this means for children and families in Vermont is that there is greater clarity on who can establish parentage and how to establish parentage. Why is this so important? Securing a child’s relationship to their parent is one of the most important components of stability and security for a child.

The bill as enacted can be found online here. And new court forms can be found online here.

Since this law is new and comprehensive, it will take some time for everyone – families, lawyers, courts, hospitals – to learn and adjust their practices. Vermont has been working hard to update court forms to implement the new law. Vermont set itself an ambitious goal – the VPA was signed into law in late May and became effective on July 1. That is an incredibly short period of time to update and disseminate new forms and information.  Vermont’s ambitious timeline recognizes the need of Vermonters for a modernized parentage code.

GLAD’s FAQ about the Vermont Parentage Act provides information and answers about these new protections. And GLAD Answers is available to answer questions and provide legal information about Vermont’s ground-breaking new parentage laws.

GLAD has been advocating for LGBTQ families in Vermont for decades, including working with partners and legislators to ensure the VPA offers robust protections. This new law will support LGBTQ families and all families across the state.

The VPA means that every child in Vermont now has a path to legal family security.  In a time when our Federal government is actively undermining the safety and security of children and families, GLAD recognizes Vermont’s leadership to protect its children and ensure recognition of and respect for their most cherished and fundamental ties.

 If you have questions about how to protect your family, contact GLAD Answers at www.GLADAnswers.org or 800.455.GLAD.