Vermont divorce at a glance
Official source: Vermont court forms & self-help. Always confirm current forms and fees with the court before filing.
How to file for divorce in Vermont: step by step
Vermont’s no-fault ground is a 6-month separation, followed by a 3-month "nisi" period after the decree. Here is the path to your final divorce.
- Confirm you can file in Vermont
You must have lived in Vermont 6 months to file (and one spouse a year before the final hearing). The no-fault ground is living separate and apart for 6 months (which can be under the same roof).Source: 15 V.S.A. § 592 - Generate your forms
Prepare the Complaint for Divorce (plus a stipulation for an agreed case).Source: Vermont Family Division forms - File with the Family Division
File with the Superior Court, Family Division, and pay about $90 for a stipulated resident divorce, or apply to waive fees.Source: VT Application to Waive Filing Fees - Serve your spouse (or file jointly)
Serve your spouse, or file jointly with a signed stipulation.Source: V.R.F.P. - Complete the child-support worksheet (if children)
If you have children, complete the Vermont child-support worksheet (Form 813) with a financial affidavit.Source: 15 V.S.A. § 654 - Finalize after the nisi period
The court issues a final order; a 3-month "nisi" period follows before the divorce is absolute (it can be shortened).Source: VT final decree (nisi)
What does filing “pro se” (without a lawyer) mean in Vermont?
Pro se — also called self-represented — means you handle your own divorce without hiring an attorney. In Vermont you have the right to file your own divorce, and the court publishes the official forms for you to use. The large majority of uncontested divorces, where both spouses agree the marriage is over and can agree on the terms, are handled pro se every day.
Filing pro se is usually a good fit when: you both agree on the divorce, you can agree on splitting property and debts, and any parenting time and support are worked out. It’s worth talking to a lawyer when: you disagree about custody or money, one spouse hides assets or won’t cooperate, there’s a business or significant property to divide, or there has been any abuse.
LawCat prepares your Vermont pro-se divorce documents for free and walks you through every filing step — so doing it yourself never means doing it alone.
How child support is calculated in Vermont
Income-shares model using the Vermont child-support guideline calculator. (15 V.S.A. 654)
Because Vermont uses an income-shares approach, the exact number comes from an official table based on both parents’ combined income. Use your court’s official child-support calculator for a precise figure.
How long does a Vermont divorce take?
A 3-month "nisi" period after the decree before it becomes final (can be shortened/waived). After that, the timeline depends on the court’s calendar and how quickly each step is completed. An uncontested, pro-se divorce is typically the fastest path — most of the wait is the statutory period, not paperwork.
Common reasons Vermont divorce filings get rejected
- Missing signatures, or forms that aren’t notarized where the court requires it.
- Skipping the financial disclosure both spouses are required to exchange.
- Filing before meeting the residency requirement.
- Mistakes serving the other spouse, or forgetting to file the proof of service.
- Not following local county rules. Low. A unified statewide Family Division and one form set; units differ only in scheduling.
LawCat’s guided questions and filing checklist are built to prevent exactly these — the errors that send self-represented filers back to the clerk’s window.
Vermont document generation is on the way
LawCat already prepares complete divorce packets free in New York, Massachusetts, and New Jersey, and is expanding to Vermont. In the meantime, the official Vermont court forms are linked below.
Official Vermont forms → See how it worksWhy LawCat is free
Most “online divorce” sites charge $137–$499 for the same public court forms, and some add monthly fees. LawCat gives document preparation away because it is built by a law firm that helps people who later decide they want an attorney. You keep the free documents either way.
Compare divorce filing fees in every state →
Vermont divorce FAQ
Do I need a lawyer to get divorced in Vermont?
No. Vermont allows you to file for divorce yourself (pro se). LawCat prepares your Vermont divorce documents free, and you pay only the court’s filing fee. You can hire an attorney at any point if your case becomes complicated.
How long do I have to live in Vermont to file for divorce?
6 months to file; 1 year before final hearing/decree.
How much does it cost to file for divorce in Vermont?
$90 for stipulated (fully agreed) divorce with at least one VT-resident spouse; $180 stipulated non-resident; $295 without complete stipulation. Fee waiver application available (Application to Waive Filing Fees and Service Costs). With LawCat your documents are free, so the filing fee is typically your only unavoidable cost — and it can often be waived if you can’t afford it.