Vermont Divorce Filing Fees and Costs (2026)
Court Filing Fee
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Complaint for Divorce | $100 |
| Certified copies of Decree | ~$5–$10 per copy |
Vermont's $100 filing fee is one of the lowest in the country.
Service Costs
| Method | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Acceptance of Service / Waiver | Free |
| County Sheriff or Vermont State Police | $30–$60 |
| Process server | $75–$150 |
| Publication (if spouse cannot be found) | ~$100–$300 |
Fee Waiver — Financial Hardship
Vermont waives court filing fees for qualifying low-income filers.
How to apply:
- Complete the Motion to Waive Fees (available at vermontjudiciary.org)
- File with the Complaint
- Court approves; fee waived
Vermont Legal Aid: vtlegalaid.org — free civil legal help statewide, including divorce.
Vermont Town Clerk — Deed Recording
Vermont land records are maintained by the Town Clerk of each town — NOT a county recorder. This is unique to Vermont.
After divorce, real estate deed changes are recorded at the Town Clerk's office of the town where the property is located.
Fee: approximately $15–$25 per document. Contact the specific town for current fees.
Ancillary Costs
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Property Settlement Agreement (attorney review) | $500–$2,500 |
| QDRO for retirement plan | $500–$2,000 per plan |
| Real estate appraisal | $400–$700 |
| Vermont Town Clerk recording fee | ~$15–$25 |
| Business valuation | $3,000–$15,000 |
| Mediator | $100–$350/hour |
Total Cost Estimates
| Scenario | Estimated Total (self-represented) |
|---|---|
| Agreed, no children, no real estate | $130–$400 |
| Agreed, with children | $300–$700 |
| With real estate and retirement accounts | $600–$3,000 |
| Contested divorce | $10,000–$75,000+ |
Last reviewed: March 2026 | $100 filing fee | Fee waiver available | Vermont Town Clerk — town-level land records | No county recorder | QDRO required | Vermont VSERS | vtlegalaid.org | vermontjudiciary.org/family/divorce
SoLongSoulmate.com Editorial Team
Researched using official state court websites and verified legal aid resources. Filing fees and procedures verified June 2026. General legal information only — not legal advice.
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.