The Vermont Parentage Act of 2018 provides equal protection for all children. The method you should use to establish parentage depends on the circumstances of your child's birth or conception.
IF YOU ESTABLISH IT THROUGH |
HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO DO |
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MARRIAGE:
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VOLUNTARY ACKNOWLEDGMENT: If your child has a presumed parent who is not the genetic parent, they must file a Denial of Parentage at the same time that you complete the steps that follow. |
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COURT ACTION:
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ASSISTED REPRODUCTION: |
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SURROGACY: |
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Parentage forms
- Voluntary Acknowledgment of Parentage
- Denial of Parentage
- Consent to Parentage from Assisted Reproduction
- Rescission or Removal of Acknowledgment or Denial of Parentage
Learn more
Where to get help
The Parentage Act can be straightforward or complicated — depending on the circumstances of your child's birth. If you need help, reach out!
- If you want to establish parentage for the purpose of child support, contact the Office of Child Support at 1-800-786-3214 or OCSCSU@vermont.gov.
- If you need advice but your situation does not involve child support, consult an attorney.
Why parentage is important
It's a legal parent-child relationship that gives:
- Parents rights and responsibilities (e.g., custody, visitation and child support)
- Children the right to get certain things from both parents (e.g., an inheritance, financial support, health care, life insurance and benefits such as Social Security)