Can My Child Choose Which Parent to Live With in Vermont?
May 18, 2025

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When Vermont parents go through a divorce or separation, one of the most emotionally charged questions is where the child will live—and whether the child gets a say in that decision. Many parents ask, “Can my child choose which parent to live with in Vermont?”


The short answer is: not exactly, but the child’s preferences may be considered depending on age, maturity, and circumstances. Vermont courts always prioritize the best interests of the child, and while a child's wishes can be a factor, they are never the sole deciding factor.


How Vermont Courts Make Custody Decisions


In Vermont, the legal term for custody is parental rights and responsibilities (PR&R). Courts can allocate these responsibilities in several ways:

  • Sole legal and physical responsibility to one parent
  • Shared legal and/or physical responsibility between both parents
  • Split or hybrid arrangements depending on the child’s needs


When determining these arrangements, courts must assess what is in the best interest of the child. To do so, judges use a set of statutory factors, including:

  • The child’s relationship with each parent
  • Each parent’s ability to meet the child’s needs
  • The child’s adjustment to home, school, and community
  • The ability of the parents to communicate and cooperate
  • The stability of each parent’s household
  • And, in some cases, the child’s wishes


When Do a Child’s Preferences Matter?


Vermont does not set a specific age at which a child can choose which parent to live with. Instead, courts look at:

  • The child’s age and maturity
  • The child’s reasoning for their preference
  • Whether the child is being influenced or pressured by either parent


For example, a thoughtful and well-articulated preference from a 14-year-old who wants to remain in the same school district might carry more weight than a 10-year-old who prefers one parent because they have fewer rules or more video games.

Courts are cautious to ensure that a child’s preference is genuine, well-reasoned, and not coerced, and they may also consider how expressing that preference could emotionally affect the child.


Does My Child Have to Testify in Court?


In most cases, Vermont courts try to avoid putting children on the witness stand, recognizing that testifying against a parent can be stressful and traumatic.


Instead, the child’s preferences may be gathered in other ways:

  • Through a Guardian ad Litem, appointed to represent the child’s best interests
  • In a custody evaluation by a mental health professional
  • During in-camera interviews with the judge (in chambers and off the record)
  • Through input from a family therapist or social worker

These options help preserve the child’s emotional well-being while still giving the court access to their views.


What If My Teenager Refuses to Visit the Other Parent?


As children get older—especially in their mid to late teens—it becomes more difficult to force visitation that they strongly oppose. While the court order must still be followed, judges and attorneys recognize that real-world enforcement with older teens can be challenging and sometimes counterproductive.

If a teenager is refusing visitation, it’s important for both parents to:

  • Explore the reasons behind the resistance
  • Avoid blaming or alienating the other parent
  • Consider seeking a modification of the parenting schedule, if appropriate

Ignoring the court order or encouraging a child to resist visitation can backfire legally. Instead, it’s best to seek legal guidance to address the issue constructively.


Tips for Parents Handling Custody Preferences


  • Be respectful of your child’s feelings, but don’t promise outcomes you can’t control.
  • Don’t pressure your child to “choose sides.” Courts frown upon any signs of parental manipulation.
  • Communicate with the other parent and stay focused on your child’s well-being.
  • Seek legal advice before making changes to a court-ordered custody arrangement.


Speak with a Vermont Family Law Attorney


Child custody decisions are never easy, especially when your child’s preferences come into play. At Deppman Law PLC, we help Vermont families manage these complex and emotional issues with care, clarity, and experience. If you’re facing a custody dispute or need help understanding your rights and options, our team is here to guide you. Contact Deppman Law today to schedule a consultation and find out how we can support you and your family through the custody process.

How to Protect Your Business in Vendor and Service Agreements

March 16, 2026
Vendor and service agreements are a routine part of running a small business, but they are also one of the most common sources of legal disputes. Whether you are hiring a vendor, providing services to a client, or entering into a long-term business relationship, a well-drafted agreement is essential to protecting your interests. Taking the time to get these contracts right on the front end can prevent costly issues down the road. Scope of Work At its core, a vendor or service agreement should clearly define the scope of work. This includes what services or goods will be provided, the timeline for performance, and any specific deliverables. Vague or overly broad descriptions can lead to misunderstandings and disagreements about whether obligations have been fulfilled. The more specific the agreement, the easier it is to hold all parties accountable. Payment Terms Payment terms are another critical component. Your agreement should outline how much will be paid, when payments are due, and what happens if a payment is late or not made at all. For service providers, this may include requiring deposits or including interest or penalties for late payment. For businesses hiring vendors, it is equally important to ensure that payment is tied to satisfactory performance. Liability Limits Limiting liability is also key to protecting your business. Many agreements include provisions that cap the amount of damages one party can recover or exclude certain types of damages altogether. While these clauses must be carefully drafted to be enforceable, they can significantly reduce your financial exposure in the event of a dispute. Similarly, indemnification provisions can require one party to cover certain losses or claims, such as those arising from negligence or third-party actions. Disputes Another important consideration is how disputes will be handled. Your agreement should specify whether disputes will be resolved through litigation, mediation, or arbitration, as well as the location and governing law. For Vermont businesses, including a clause that applies Vermont law and designates a local venue can provide greater predictability and convenience if a dispute arises. Termination Termination provisions are often overlooked but can be just as important as the initial terms of the agreement. A strong contract will outline when and how either party can terminate the relationship, including for cause (such as a breach) or for convenience. It should also address what happens upon termination, such as final payments, return of property, or transition of work in progress. Confidentiality In addition, businesses should consider including provisions related to confidentiality and intellectual property. If sensitive business information is being shared, a confidentiality clause can help prevent misuse or disclosure. If the agreement involves the creation of content, designs, or other work product, it should clearly state who owns that work and how it can be used. Finally, it is important to ensure that all agreements are properly executed and reflect the actual understanding of the parties. Relying on informal arrangements or handshake deals can leave your business exposed if a disagreement arises. Even when using templates, contracts should be reviewed and tailored to fit the specific transaction and applicable law. Contact Deppman Law PLC For more information about drafting or reviewing vendor and service agreements, contact Deppman Law PLC. Our team can help you create contracts that protect your business and support your day-to-day operations with confidence.

What to Expect at a Vermont Real Estate Closing

February 11, 2026
Buying or selling real estate is one of the most significant financial transactions most people will make, and the closing is where everything comes together. While the process can feel intense, understanding what to expect at a Vermont real estate closing can help you feel more prepared and confident on the big day. In Vermont, real estate closings are typically handled by an attorney or title company, and the process is often more attorney-driven than in some other states. Whether you are buying or selling, your attorney plays a central role in ensuring that the transaction is legally sound and that your interests are protected throughout the process. Leading up to the closing, several important steps take place behind the scenes. One of the most critical is the title search. This involves reviewing public records to confirm that the seller has clear ownership of the property and that there are no outstanding liens or legal issues that could affect the transfer. If any issues are discovered, they must be resolved before closing can proceed. At the same time, the buyer will typically finalize financing, secure homeowners insurance, and review the closing disclosure, a document that outlines the final terms of the loan, as well as all costs associated with the transaction. It is important to review this document carefully in advance so there are no surprises at closing. On the day of closing, the parties will meet—either in person or, in some cases, remotely—to sign the necessary documents. Buyers can expect to sign a number of documents related to their mortgage, including the promissory note and mortgage deed. Sellers will sign documents transferring ownership of the property, most notably the deed. In Vermont, the deed is often a warranty deed, which provides assurances to the buyer that the seller has clear title to the property and the legal right to transfer it. Along with the deed, various affidavits and tax forms are also executed to complete the transaction. Funds are also exchanged at closing. Buyers will provide the balance of their down payment and closing costs, typically via wire transfer, while the lender provides the loan funds. The closing agent then distributes these funds to the appropriate parties, including paying off any existing mortgages, covering taxes and fees, and delivering the remaining proceeds to the seller. Once all documents are signed and funds are disbursed, the final step is recording the deed in the local land records. This officially transfers ownership of the property to the buyer. In many cases, the buyer will receive the keys to the property shortly after this step is complete. While most closings proceed smoothly, issues can arise. Delays in financing, title defects, or last-minute changes to terms can all impact the timeline. Having experienced legal guidance can help address these challenges quickly and keep the transaction on track. Ultimately, a Vermont real estate closing is a structured process designed to ensure that ownership is transferred properly and that both parties’ rights are protected. With the right preparation and support, it can be a straightforward and even rewarding experience. Contact Deppman Law PLC For more information about Vermont real estate transactions or to ensure your closing proceeds smoothly, contact Deppman Law PLC. Our team is available to guide you through each step of the process and protect your interests from contract to closing.