Updated

Free Divorce Papers
For Vermont

Vermont stacks two clocks — six months living apart before you can file, then a 90-day nisi period after the judge grants the divorce.

Reviewed by our editorial team Based on official state court forms

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free divorce papers for vermont
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Templates reviewed for the 2026 filing year · Based on official state forms

Document Templates

Vermont divorce template samples

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Uncontested Divorce Sample See the full text of the agreement both spouses sign together.

Complaint for Divorce — Uncontested

IN THE FAMILY DIVISION OF THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF VERMONT, UNIT OF [1. County] Docket No. [2. Case Number] [3. Plaintiff Full Name], Plaintiff, vs. [4. Defendant Full Name], Defendant. Comes now the Plaintiff, [3. Plaintiff Full Name], and files this Complaint for Divorce against the Defendant, [4. Defendant Full Name], and in support thereof respectfully states:

Jurisdiction and Residency

Plaintiff has been a resident of the State of Vermont for at least six months immediately preceding the filing of this Complaint, in accordance with 15 V.S.A. § 592. This Court has jurisdiction over the parties and the subject matter of this action.

Marriage Information

The parties were lawfully married on [5. Date of Marriage] in [6. City and State of Marriage], and separated on [7. Date of Separation]. There are no minor children born of or adopted during this marriage.

Grounds for Divorce

Irreconcilable differences have caused the breakdown of the marriage and have existed for at least six months, in accordance with 15 V.S.A. § 551(7). The marriage should be dissolved.

Property and Debt Division

The parties have reached a full and complete agreement regarding the division of all marital property, assets, and debts. The terms of this division are as follows: [8. Property and Debt Division Terms]

Spousal Maintenance

The parties have agreed that spousal maintenance shall be as follows: [9. Spousal Maintenance Terms]

Request for Relief

WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests that this Court: (a) enter a Decree of Divorce dissolving the marriage of the parties; (b) approve the parties' agreement regarding property, debts, and spousal maintenance; (c) restore Plaintiff's former name of [10. Former Name], if requested; and (d) grant such other and further relief as the Court deems just and proper. Dated: [11. Date of Signing]

Verification

I, [3. Plaintiff Full Name], declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing statements are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief. Executed this [12. Execution Date] day of [13. Execution Month, Year], at [14. City and State of Execution].
Contested Divorce Sample See how disputed terms are laid out before you fill anything in.

Complaint for Divorce — Contested

IN THE FAMILY DIVISION OF THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF VERMONT, UNIT OF [1. County] Docket No. [2. Case Number] [3. Plaintiff Full Name], Plaintiff, vs. [4. Defendant Full Name], Defendant. Comes now the Plaintiff, [3. Plaintiff Full Name], and files this Complaint for Divorce against the Defendant, [4. Defendant Full Name], and in support thereof respectfully states:

Jurisdiction and Residency

Plaintiff has been a resident of the State of Vermont for at least six months immediately preceding the filing of this Complaint, in accordance with 15 V.S.A. § 592. This Court has jurisdiction over the parties and the subject matter of this action.

Marriage Information

The parties were lawfully married on [5. Date of Marriage] in [6. City and State of Marriage], and separated on [7. Date of Separation]. There are no minor children born of or adopted during this marriage.

Grounds for Divorce

Irreconcilable differences have caused the breakdown of the marriage and have existed for at least six months, in accordance with 15 V.S.A. § 551(7). The marriage should be dissolved.

Property and Debt Division

The parties are unable to agree on the division of their marital property, assets, and debts. Plaintiff requests that this Court equitably divide the parties' marital property and debts. The relevant marital assets and liabilities include: [8. Property and Debt Description]

Spousal Maintenance

The parties are unable to agree on spousal maintenance. Plaintiff requests that the Court award spousal maintenance in an amount and for a duration that is just and equitable, considering the factors set forth in 15 V.S.A. § 751. Relevant facts include: [9. Spousal Maintenance Facts]

Request for Relief

WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests that this Court: (a) enter a Decree of Divorce dissolving the marriage of the parties; (b) equitably divide the parties' marital property and debts; (c) award spousal maintenance as the Court deems just and equitable; (d) restore Plaintiff's former name of [10. Former Name], if requested; and (e) grant such other and further relief as the Court deems just and proper. Dated: [11. Date of Signing]

Verification

I, [3. Plaintiff Full Name], declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing statements are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief. Executed this [12. Execution Date] day of [13. Execution Month, Year], at [14. City and State of Execution].
Uncontested Divorce with Children Sample See the agreement plus the parenting plan section in full.

Complaint for Divorce — Uncontested with Children

IN THE FAMILY DIVISION OF THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF VERMONT, UNIT OF [1. County] Docket No. [2. Case Number] [3. Plaintiff Full Name], Plaintiff, vs. [4. Defendant Full Name], Defendant. Comes now the Plaintiff, [3. Plaintiff Full Name], and files this Complaint for Divorce against the Defendant, [4. Defendant Full Name], and in support thereof respectfully states:

Jurisdiction and Residency

Plaintiff has been a resident of the State of Vermont for at least six months immediately preceding the filing of this Complaint, in accordance with 15 V.S.A. § 592. This Court has jurisdiction over the parties and the subject matter of this action.

Marriage Information

The parties were lawfully married on [5. Date of Marriage] in [6. City and State of Marriage], and separated on [7. Date of Separation]. There are [8. Number of Children] minor child(ren) born of or adopted during this marriage: [9. Children Names and Birthdates].

Grounds for Divorce

Irreconcilable differences have caused the breakdown of the marriage and have existed for at least six months, in accordance with 15 V.S.A. § 551(7). The marriage should be dissolved.

Parental Rights and Responsibilities

The parties have reached a full agreement regarding parental rights and responsibilities for the minor child(ren), in accordance with the best interests of the child(ren) under 15 V.S.A. § 665. The agreed parenting plan is as follows: [10. Parenting Plan Terms]

Child Support

The parties have reached an agreement on child support consistent with the Vermont Child Support Guidelines (15 V.S.A. § 653). The agreed monthly child support amount is [11. Child Support Amount], payable by [12. Paying Parent] to [13. Receiving Parent]. Additional terms: [14. Child Support Additional Terms]

Medical and Childcare Expenses

Unreimbursed medical, dental, vision, and childcare expenses for the minor child(ren) shall be shared as follows: [15. Medical and Childcare Terms]

Property and Debt Division

The parties have reached a full and complete agreement regarding the division of all marital property, assets, and debts. The terms of this division are as follows: [16. Property and Debt Division Terms]

Spousal Maintenance

The parties have agreed that spousal maintenance shall be as follows: [17. Spousal Maintenance Terms]

Request for Relief

WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests that this Court: (a) enter a Decree of Divorce dissolving the marriage of the parties; (b) approve the parties' agreement regarding parental rights and responsibilities for the minor child(ren); (c) order child support in accordance with the parties' agreement and the Vermont Child Support Guidelines; (d) approve the parties' property and debt division; (e) restore Plaintiff's former name of [18. Former Name], if requested; and (f) grant such other and further relief as the Court deems just and proper. Dated: [19. Date of Signing]

Verification

I, [3. Plaintiff Full Name], declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing statements are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief. Executed this [20. Execution Date] day of [21. Execution Month, Year], at [22. City and State of Execution].
Contested Divorce with Children Sample See how custody and parenting terms appear in the full document.

Complaint for Divorce — Contested with Children

IN THE FAMILY DIVISION OF THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF VERMONT, UNIT OF [1. County] Docket No. [2. Case Number] [3. Plaintiff Full Name], Plaintiff, vs. [4. Defendant Full Name], Defendant. Comes now the Plaintiff, [3. Plaintiff Full Name], and files this Complaint for Divorce against the Defendant, [4. Defendant Full Name], and in support thereof respectfully states:

Jurisdiction and Residency

Plaintiff has been a resident of the State of Vermont for at least six months immediately preceding the filing of this Complaint, in accordance with 15 V.S.A. § 592. This Court has jurisdiction over the parties and the subject matter of this action.

Marriage Information

The parties were lawfully married on [5. Date of Marriage] in [6. City and State of Marriage], and separated on [7. Date of Separation]. There are [8. Number of Children] minor child(ren) born of or adopted during this marriage: [9. Children Names and Birthdates].

Grounds for Divorce

Irreconcilable differences have caused the breakdown of the marriage and have existed for at least six months, in accordance with 15 V.S.A. § 551(7). The marriage should be dissolved.

Parental Rights and Responsibilities

The parties are unable to agree on parental rights and responsibilities for the minor child(ren). Plaintiff requests that the Court determine parental rights and responsibilities and establish a parenting plan in accordance with the best interests of the child(ren) under 15 V.S.A. § 665. Relevant facts include: [10. Parenting Dispute Facts]

Child Support

The parties are unable to agree on child support. Plaintiff requests that the Court order child support in accordance with the Vermont Child Support Guidelines (15 V.S.A. § 653). Relevant facts include: [11. Child Support Facts]

Medical, Dental, and Childcare Expenses

Unreimbursed medical, dental, vision, and childcare expenses for the minor child(ren) shall be allocated as follows, or as the Court determines equitable: [12. Medical and Childcare Terms]

Property and Debt Division

The parties are unable to agree on the division of their marital property, assets, and debts. Plaintiff requests that the Court equitably divide the parties' marital property and debts. The relevant marital assets and liabilities include: [13. Property and Debt Description]

Spousal Maintenance

The parties are unable to agree on spousal maintenance. Plaintiff requests that the Court award spousal maintenance as the Court deems just and equitable under 15 V.S.A. § 751. Relevant facts include: [14. Spousal Maintenance Facts]

Request for Relief

WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests that this Court: (a) enter a Decree of Divorce dissolving the marriage of the parties; (b) determine parental rights and responsibilities and establish a parenting plan in the best interests of the minor child(ren); (c) order child support in accordance with the Vermont Child Support Guidelines; (d) equitably divide the parties' marital property and debts; (e) award spousal maintenance as the Court deems just and equitable; (f) restore Plaintiff's former name of [15. Former Name], if requested; and (g) grant such other and further relief as the Court deems just and proper. Dated: [16. Date of Signing]

Verification

I, [3. Plaintiff Full Name], declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing statements are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief. Executed this [17. Execution Date] day of [18. Execution Month, Year], at [19. City and State of Execution].
At a Glance

Vermont divorce at a glance

Residency requirement 6 months (1 year before final hearing)
Waiting period 90 days (Nisi)
Filing fee $295
Grounds accepted 6 months living separate and apart (no-fault)
Official forms Form 836 (Summons and Complaint), Form 878 (Final Stipulation)

Confirm with your county before filing — fees and rules can vary.

Overview

Divorce in Vermont: the two-clock rule

Vermont is one of the few states where the no-fault ground is measured by the calendar: the parties must live separate and apart for six consecutive months with no reasonable prospect of reconciliation before filing — and Vermont does not call it irreconcilable differences. The state then adds a second clock, a 90-day nisi period after the judge grants the divorce, before the judgment becomes final. Stipulated divorces can agree to shorten or waive the nisi, which is the escape hatch agreeing couples use.

Residency is two-tier as well under 15 V.S.A. § 592: one spouse must live in Vermont for six months to file, and the plaintiff or defendant must have a full year in the state before the final hearing. The Summons and Complaint (Form 836) goes to the Superior Court Family Division, with Form 878 for the final stipulation and Form 841 to waive the final hearing in uncontested cases.

Property follows equitable distribution under the all-property doctrine, and spousal maintenance is called spousal maintenance. Child support uses the income shares model with a self-support reserve. The filing fee is $295, and the COPE parenting class adds $79 when children are involved.