Filing for divorce in Vermont without an attorney costs $295 in court fees. You must meet the residency requirement of 6 months in Vermont. Vermont is a equitable distribution state with a 6 months (living apart) waiting period. An uncontested divorce typically takes 3-6 months. Victoria AI guides you through every step with Vermont-specific instructions.
Last updated: February 1, 2026 • Reviewed by Divorce.law Legal Team
| Filing Fee | $295 (The filing fee is $295 statewide in Vermont. Additional fees may apply for service and certified copies.) |
| Residency Requirement | 6 months in Vermont |
| Waiting Period | 6 months (living apart) |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (fair, not equal) |
| Grounds for Divorce | Living apart for 6 months (no-fault), Adultery, Intolerable severity, Willful desertion for 7 years, Confinement for 3+ years for crime, Incurable insanity |
| No-Fault Only? | No (fault grounds available) |
| Uncontested Timeline | 3-6 months |
| Contested Timeline | 6 months to 2 years |
| Fee Waiver Available? | Yes |
To file for divorce in Vermont, you must meet the following residency requirement: 6 months in Vermont.
At least one spouse must have been a resident of Vermont for at least 6 months before the final divorce hearing (not filing). You can file before meeting residency if you'll meet it by the final hearing.
Tip: Victoria AI can help you determine if you meet Vermont's residency requirements and guide you through the documentation needed to prove residency.
Follow these steps to file for divorce in Vermont without an attorney. Victoria AI guides you through each step with state-specific instructions.
At least one spouse must have been a resident of Vermont for at least 6 months before the final divorce hearing (not filing). You can file before meeting residency if you'll meet it by the final hearing.
Download the official Vermont divorce forms: Complaint for Divorce, Summons, Financial Affidavit. All forms are available from the Vermont courts website.
Fill out the divorce petition (800) with your information, grounds for divorce, and what you're requesting (property division, custody, support).
File your completed petition with the Vermont court and pay the filing fee of $295. Fee waivers are available if you qualify financially.
Properly serve your spouse with the divorce papers according to Vermont rules. Options typically include sheriff service, process server, or certified mail with acknowledgment.
Exchange mandatory financial disclosure documents as required by Vermont law. This typically includes income verification, tax returns, bank statements, and a sworn financial affidavit.
Vermont requires that spouses live separate and apart for 6 consecutive months before a divorce can be granted. This is built into the residency requirement.
Submit your final judgment to the court. For uncontested divorces in Vermont, this typically takes 3-6 months. The court will issue your final divorce decree.
These are the primary forms you'll need to file for divorce in Vermont. Victoria AI guides you through completing each form correctly.
Initiates the case
Notifies your spouse
Financial disclosure
Settlement document
The filing fee to start a divorce in Vermont is $295. The filing fee is $295 statewide in Vermont. Additional fees may apply for service and certified copies.
| Cost Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $295 |
| Service of Process | $50-$100 (varies by method) |
| Certified Copies | $5-$25 per copy |
| Total DIY Uncontested | $400-$1,500 (uncontested DIY) |
If you cannot afford the filing fee, Vermont offers fee waivers for qualifying individuals. You'll need to complete a fee waiver application demonstrating financial hardship. This typically requires showing income below a certain threshold (often 125-200% of federal poverty guidelines) or receiving public assistance benefits.
Victoria can help: Our AI guides you through the fee waiver application process and helps you gather the required documentation.
After filing your divorce petition in Vermont, you must legally "serve" your spouse with the divorce papers. This ensures they receive official notice of the divorce and have an opportunity to respond.
A sheriff, constable, or private process server personally delivers the papers to your spouse. Most reliable method.
Papers sent via certified mail with return receipt requested. Your spouse must sign to acknowledge receipt.
Your spouse voluntarily signs an acknowledgment that they received the papers. Fastest and cheapest option if cooperative.
If your spouse cannot be located, you may be able to publish notice in a newspaper. Requires court approval.
You must file proof of service with the court showing your spouse was properly served. Without valid proof of service, your divorce cannot proceed. Vermont courts are strict about service requirements.
Vermont is a equitable distribution state.
Vermont is an equitable distribution state where all property may be divided regardless of title. The court considers each party's contribution, duration of marriage, age, health, and occupation.
Victoria's Financial Tools: Our AI-powered financial tools help you identify, categorize, and value marital assets. Victoria can help you understand how Vermont law applies to your specific property.
Vermont uses the Income shares model.
Vermont uses the income shares model. Support is calculated based on both parents' gross incomes, the number of children, and parenting time arrangements.
Understanding the timeline helps you plan and set realistic expectations for your Vermont divorce.
When both spouses agree on all terms including property division, custody, and support. This is the fastest and least expensive option.
When spouses cannot agree and need court intervention to resolve disputes. Involves hearings, discovery, and potentially trial.
File Petition
Day 1 - Submit your divorce paperwork and pay the $295 filing fee
Serve Your Spouse
Within 30 days - Ensure proper legal service of divorce papers
Response Period
20-30 days - Your spouse has time to file a response
Waiting Period
6 months (living apart) - Vermont requires that spouses live separate and apart for 6 consecutive months before a divorce can be granted. This is built into the residency requirement.
Final Judgment
Court issues your final divorce decree
Speed up your divorce: Victoria AI helps you complete forms correctly the first time, avoiding delays from rejected paperwork. Our checklists ensure you don't miss any steps or deadlines.
6-month separation required for no-fault
Can divide all property (not just marital)
Both fault and no-fault available
Residency met by final hearing, not filing
Strong mediation programs
Same procedures for civil unions
Common questions about filing for divorce in Vermont without an attorney.
Get 24/7 guidance specific to Vermont's forms, procedures, and requirements.
Vermont-specific forms
Guidance through every required form
Financial disclosure wizard
Complete your financial affidavit step-by-step
Child support calculator
Using Vermont's exact guidelines
AI document drafting
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Evidence notebook
Organize and categorize case documents
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Victoria provides legal information, not legal advice. For advice specific to your case, consult an attorney.
All Vermont divorce information verified from official state court sources.
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