VERMONT Part 10

Best Interests of the Child Standard in Vermont

A family court in Vermont will order custody based on the best interests of the child. The court uses the following factors to determine a child's best interests:

The child's relationship with his/her parents

Each parent's ability to provide the child with love, affection, and proper guidance

The child's adjustment to present housing, school, and community, and the potential effect on any change

Each parent's ability to provide financially for the child

Each parent's ability to provide a safe environment for the child

Each parent's willingness to encourage a positive and continuous relationship with the other parent

Any history of abuse and the impact of that abuse on the child and on the relationship between the child and the abusing parent