Vermont Statutes Title 15 A. Adoption Act, § 3-503. Service of petition and notice

(1) the respondent has a right to be represented by an attorney and may be entitled to have an attorney appointed by the court; and

(2) if the respondent fails to respond within 20 days after service and, in the case of an alleged father, fails to file a claim of paternity within 20 days after service unless a claim of paternity is pending, the respondent may not appear in or receive further notice of the proceeding for adoption or termination and that the failure to respond will result in termination of the relationship of parent and child between the respondent and the minor unless the proceeding for adoption is dismissed.