VT H0007

Reinstates court authority to consider whether a parent asserting rights has made reasonable and consistent child support payments when deciding if termination of parental rights serves the child's best interests

Applies to adoption proceedings involving minors over six months old where a parent has not exercised parental responsibility for at least six months before the petition was filed

Adds failure to make support payments (in accordance with financial means) as a factor courts may weigh alongside failure to communicate, visit, or demonstrate willingness to assume custody

Amends 15A V.S.A. § 3-504, which governs grounds for terminating the parent-child relationship

Takes effect immediately upon passage