Terms Used In Vermont Statutes Title 15 Sec. 294

  • Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.

§ 294. Man in the house

(a) When the mother of minor children is residing within the same household as a man unrelated to her and not otherwise liable for the support of the mother and her children, on the complaint of the mother or, if she is receiving public assistance, the Department for Children and Families, the Superior Court shall make such decree concerning the support of the mother and the care, custody, maintenance, and education of the children as in cases where the husband refuses without just cause to support his wife and children. The decree shall by its terms continue in force for so long as the defendant resides within the household or until further order of the court.

(b) This section shall not apply to persons living in boarding houses. (Added 1971, No. 98, § 4, eff. April 22, 1971; amended 1973, No. 193 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. April 9, 1974; 1999, No. 147 (Adj. Sess.), § 4; 2005, No. 174 (Adj. Sess.), § 29.)