15A V.S.A. § 3-302: Time for filing petition

(a) Unless the court for good cause extends the time for filing, a petition for adoption shall be filed no later than 45 days after a minor is placed with the petitioner for the specific purpose of adoption. This provision does not apply to foster parent, relative, or stepparent adoptions.

(b) If a petition is not filed within 45 days after placement or within any extended period of time approved by the court, any interested person or agency may file an action challenging the prospective adoptive parent’s custody of the minor.