In the latter event an appearance may be made for either or both of them by an attorney authorized in writing to make the appearance, or a hearing may be conducted by telephone or other electronic medium. (b) The court shall examine the petitioners, or the attorney for a petitioner not present in person, and shall grant the petition for adoption if it determines that: (1) at least 30 days have elapsed since the service of notice of hearing the petition for adoption; (2) notice has been served, or dispensed with, as to any person whose consent is required under section 5-103 of this title; (3) every necessary consent, waiver, document, or judicial order has been obtained and filed with the court; (4) the adoption is for the purpose of creating the relationship of parent and child between the petitioners and the petitioners understand the consequences of the relationship; and (5) there has been substantial compliance with this title. (Added 1995, No. 161 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)
Vermont Legal Code