Vermont | Divorce.Pro

Uncontested Divorce in Vermont

To be eligible for an uncontested divorce in Vermont, both spouses must meet the following legal requirements:

Residency:
At least one spouse must have lived in Vermont for at least 6 months before filing.
- The filing spouse must have lived in the state for 1 year before the divorce is finalized.
Grounds for Divorce
- Most uncontested divorces are filed on no-fault grounds, meaning the couple has lived separately for at least 6 consecutive months, and the marriage is irretrievably broken
Mutual Agreement:

Both spouses must fully agree on:
- Division of assets and debts
- Spousal support (alimony), if any
- Child custody, parenting plan, and support (if applicable)

Forms vary slightly depending on whether you have children. Basic forms include:

2. File with the Family Division

File your documents with the Family Division of the Superior Court in the county where either spouse lives.
Filing Fee: Approximately $90–$300
You may file jointly or one spouse may file alone and serve the other.

3. Serve Your Spouse or Obtain Waiver

If filing individually, you must serve your spouse with divorce papers unless they sign an Acceptance of Service or file a Notice of Appearance.

4. Submit Final Agreement

File a Stipulation or Separation Agreement signed by both parties
Also submit your Parenting Plan and Child Support Worksheet if children are involved.

5.Wait for Hearing or Court Review

In some cases, a court hearing is required. In others, the court may issue a Final Divorce Decree after reviewing your paperwork.

Filing Fee: $90 (joint) or ~$180–$300 (individual filing, depending on service needs)
Attorney Flat Fee: $500–$1,200 (optional)
Online Divorce Services: $150–$300
Fee Waiver: You can apply using the Application to Waive Filing Fees and Service Costs

With Children:
- You must submit a Parenting Plan and complete a Child Support Calculation Worksheet
- Child support must follow Vermont’s guidelines
Property Division:
- Vermont follows equitable distribution, meaning property is divided fairly (not necessarily equally)
Spousal Support:
- Can be included in the settlement if both parties agree, or may be ordered by the court based on financial disparity
Legal Review Recommended:
- Particularly important if your case involves real estate, retirement plans, or custody issues