Your experience matters

Your story can help shape better law.

Personal experiences help Vermont lawmakers understand how family law and court practices affect children and families in real life. You do not need legal language or every detail—share only what feels comfortable.

Share only what feels right

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You choose how it is used

Private, anonymous, or contact first

Your identity stays protected

No name published without approval

A safe place to begin

You remain in control.

You may keep your story private, allow anonymous use, or ask us to contact you before using it.

  • You may skip any optional question.
  • Nothing will be published with your name without separate, express approval.
  • Sharing does not commit you to supporting a particular bill or proposal.

Please protect children’s privacy.
Do not include names, addresses, case numbers, or other identifying information.

Share your experience

Your name and email help us follow up if needed. Your email will not be published or shared publicly.

Share Your Story

Why stories matter

Help lawmakers see the human impact.

Research and legal analysis can identify systemic problems. Personal experiences show how those problems affect children, parents, grandparents, siblings, and extended families across Vermont.

Relationships

How a child’s connection with a safe and capable parent—or with grandparents, siblings, and extended family—was affected.

Everyday conflict

Whether ordinary disagreement was treated as a reason to reduce a parent’s involvement or created recurring uncertainty.

Practical guidance

Whether an order offered enough clarity to prevent repeated conflict and help families move forward.

What worked

What served children and families well, what should be preserved, and what lawmakers should understand when considering reform.

What we are especially interested in understanding
  • How a child’s relationship with a safe and capable parent was affected.
  • How separation, parental death, or a court decision affected grandparents, siblings, or extended family.
  • Whether ordinary disagreement was treated as a reason to reduce a parent’s involvement.
  • Whether an order provided enough practical guidance to prevent recurring conflict.
  • What worked well and should be preserved.
  • What you believe lawmakers should understand when considering reform.

What happens after you submit?

Your submission is reviewed by Vermont Kids Connected. Stories may help identify recurring issues, inform reform proposals, and help lawmakers understand how current law affects Vermont children and families.

Your privacy choice guides us.

We will follow the option you select and will not publish your name or identify you without separate permission.

Please note: Vermont Kids Connected is an advocacy organization, not a legal service. Submitting this form does not create an attorney-client relationship or provide advice about an individual case.

Not ready to share?

There are other ways to help.

You can sign the petition, explore the proposed reforms, or find another way to get involved.