The Vermont Statutes Online
NOTE: The Vermont Statutes Online is an unofficial copy of the Vermont Statutes Annotated that is provided as a convenience.
NOTE: The online version of the Vermont Statutes does NOT yet include the actions of the 2023 legislative session. The 2023 updates should be available by the end of October.
Title 33 : Human Services
Chapter 053 : CHILDREN IN NEED OF CARE OR SUPERVISION
(Cite as: 33 V.S.A. § 5315a)-
§ 5315a. 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.)