Legal consequences of adoption of stepchild (a) Except as otherwise provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, the legal consequences of an adoption of a stepchild by a stepparent are the same as under sections 1-103 through 1-106 of this title. (b) An adoption by a stepparent does not affect:(1) the legal relationship between the adoptee and the adoptee’s parent who is the adoptive stepparent’s spouse or deceased spouse; (2) the right of the adoptee or a descendant of the adoptee to inheritance or intestate succession through or from the adoptee’s former parent; or (3) an existing court order for visitation or communication with a minor adoptee by a person related to the adoptee through the parent who is the adoptive stepparent’s spouse or deceased spouse; or (4) a court order or agreement for visitation or communication with a minor adoptee approved by the court pursuant to section 4-112 of this title. (c) Failure to comply with an agreement or order for visitation or communication is not a ground for challenging the validity of an adoption by a stepparent. (Added 1995, No. 161 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 1997, No. 53, § 5, eff. June 26, 1997.)
Vermont Legal Code