Support Child-Centered Family-Law Reform in Vermont
Vermont law should protect children’s safety while preserving the safe, stable, and meaningful family relationships they need to thrive.
Current law can prevent courts from preserving shared parenting when one parent refuses to agree. After a parent dies, children may also lose important relationships with grandparents and the deceased parent’s extended family.
We are asking Vermont lawmakers to modernize family law so that decisions are based on children’s safety, actual family relationships, and long-term well-being.
The Petition
Support Child-Centered Family-Law Reform in Vermont
Support Child-Centered Family-Law Reform in Vermont
To the Vermont General Assembly,
We support balanced, child-centered reform of Vermont family law.
We urge lawmakers to adopt legislation that:
- Protects children and parents from abuse and genuine safety risks
- Allows courts to preserve shared parenting when it is safe and serves the child
- Considers children’s established caregiving and family relationships
- Protects family continuity after the death of a parent
- Requires significant restrictions on important relationships to be supported by evidence and specific findings
- Reduces incentives for strategic conflict and unnecessary litigation
- Gives Vermont courts clearer and more consistent legal standards
Children should not unnecessarily lose safe and loving parents, grandparents, siblings, or extended family members during separation, divorce, parental death, relocation, or other major family transitions.
Vermont can protect children’s safety while also preserving the relationships that support their stability, identity, and sense of belonging.
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What Happens After You Sign?
Your signature will be counted as support for the principles stated above.
Vermont Kids Connected may provide lawmakers with:
- The petition text
- The total number of signatures
- Names and towns of people who gave permission to be identified
- Comments that signers authorized us to share
Your email address and other private contact information will not be published or provided as part of the public petition.
Signing the petition does not make you a member of Vermont Kids Connected, create governance rights, or authorize you to speak on behalf of the organization.
Your Story Can Make a Difference
Lawmakers also need to understand how current law affects real children and families.
You may share your experience privately, anonymously, or with permission for public use.
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