How to File for Divorce in Vermont Without a Lawyer (2026)

Vermont has one of the most distinctive residency rules in the country: you can file for divorce the day you arrive in Vermont. The 6-month residency requirement applies to when the Decree is entered — not when you file.

File immediately on arrival: Vermont allows you to file for divorce from day one of living in Vermont. The 6 months of residency runs while your case is pending (15 V.S.A. § 592).

No waiting period: Vermont imposes no mandatory waiting period after filing.

$100 filing fee: One of the lowest divorce filing fees in the country.

"Irreconcilable differences": Vermont's no-fault ground — but the irreconcilable differences must have existed for at least 6 months (15 V.S.A. § 551(7)).

Family Court — Vermont "units": Vermont's Family Court uses the term "unit" for its county-level subdivisions. File in the unit serving the county where either spouse lives.

Financial Affidavit required: Both parties must file a Financial Affidavit in Vermont — mandatory in all divorce cases.

Spousal maintenance: Vermont's term — not "alimony" or "spousal support" — for post-divorce financial support.

Disclaimer: General legal information only. Not legal advice. Consult a licensed Vermont attorney for your specific situation.

Vermont Divorce at a Glance

Vermont's Distinctive Residency Rule

Vermont law (15 V.S.A. § 592) requires that at least one party have been a Vermont resident for 6 months before the Decree is entered. This is different from nearly every other state, which requires residency before filing.

What this means in practice:

• You can file the day you arrive in Vermont. No waiting.
• The 6-month clock runs while your case is pending. If you arrived in Vermont on January 1 and file on January 15, the court can enter the Decree any time on or after July 1 — as long as all other requirements are satisfied.
• This is the opposite of most states, where you must wait 6 months (or more) before you can even file.

If you are not yet at 6 months when the case is otherwise ready: The court will wait until the 6-month mark. The case does not get dismissed — it simply pends until residency is satisfied.

"Irreconcilable Differences" — Vermont's 6-Month Qualifier

Vermont's no-fault ground (15 V.S.A. § 551(7)) requires that irreconcilable differences have caused the irremediable breakdown of the marriage AND that the irreconcilable differences have existed for at least 6 months. This is typically not a problem for most cases — but it is Vermont-specific.

Financial Affidavit — Mandatory in All Vermont Divorces

Both parties must complete and file a Financial Affidavit — a comprehensive sworn statement of income, assets, debts, and expenses. This is required in all Vermont divorces, not just contested cases. Vermont's Family Court uses this to evaluate equitable property division, spousal maintenance, and child support.

Step-by-Step Overview (Uncontested)

Step 1 — File Immediately (No Waiting to File)

File the Complaint for Divorce at the Vermont Family Court unit for your county. Pay $100. Vermont is your current domicile — even if you arrived recently.

Step 2 — Both Parties Complete Financial Affidavits

Required in all cases. Complete both.

Step 3 — Draft and Execute the Property Settlement Agreement

Cover all property, debts, spousal maintenance, and (if applicable) children.

Step 4 — Serve the Defendant

Service required unless Defendant files an Appearance or Waiver.

Step 5 — Attend Final Hearing (or Submit Without Hearing)

Many Vermont Family Courts allow uncontested divorces to be entered on the papers; some require a brief final hearing. Check with your local court unit.

Step 6 — Decree Entered When 6-Month Residency Satisfied

If you were not yet at 6 months when the case was ready, the court waits and then enters the Decree.

Step 7 — Post-Divorce Steps

Record deeds at Vermont Town Clerk's office (Vermont uses towns, not counties, for land records).

Last reviewed: March 2026 | File immediately — 6 months required before DECREE (15 V.S.A. § 592) | "Irreconcilable differences" — must have existed 6 months (15 V.S.A. § 551(7)) | No waiting period | $100 fee | Family Court — unit | Financial Affidavit required | Equitable distribution (15 V.S.A. § 751) | Spousal maintenance | Vermont Town Clerk for deeds | vermontjudiciary.org/family/divorce

Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.