Merits stipulation (a) At any time after the filing of the CHINS petition and prior to an order of adjudication on the merits, the court may approve a written stipulation to the merits of the petition and any or all elements of the disposition plan, including the permanency goal, placement, visitation, or services. (b) The court may approve a written stipulation if:(1) the parties to the petition, as defined in subdivision 5102(22) of this title, agree to the terms of the stipulation; and (2) the court determines that:(A) the agreement between the parties is voluntary;(B) the parties to the agreement understand the nature of the allegation; and(C) the parties to the agreement understand the rights waived if the court approves of and issues an order based upon the stipulation. (Added 2015, No. 153 (Adj. Sess.), § 29.)
Vermont Legal Code