Vermont Statutes Title 15 Sec. 207
Terms Used In Vermont Statutes Title 15 Sec. 207
- child: as used in this subchapter , shall mean a child who is under the age of 18 years, or is under the age of 21 years and is a student regularly attending a school, college or university or their equivalent, or is regularly attending a course of vocational or technical training designed to fit him for gainful employment, and shall include a "stepchild" under such age. See
- Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
- Statute: A law passed by a legislature.
- Testify: Answer questions in court.
§ 207. Evidence; competency of parties as witnesses
Other evidence shall not be required to prove the civil marriage of the husband and wife, or that the respondent is the father or mother or stepfather or stepmother of the child, than is or shall be required to prove such facts in a civil action. In a prosecution under this subchapter, any existing statute or rule of law prohibiting the disclosure of confidential communications between husband and wife shall not apply, and both husband and wife shall be competent witnesses to testify against each other to any and all relevant matters, including the fact of the civil marriage and the parentage of the child; provided that neither shall be compelled to give self-incriminating evidence. Proof of the desertion of the husband or wife or child in destitute circumstances or of neglect or refusal to provide for the support and maintenance of the husband, wife, or child shall be prima facie evidence that the desertion, neglect, or refusal is willful. (Amended 1973, No. 201 (Adj. Sess.), § 7; 2009, No. 3, § 12a, eff. Sept. 1, 2009.)