Add Checkmark To Legal Vermont Divorce Forms For Free

If you have minor children, your divorce will usually take at least six months. If you don't have minor children, it's possible to get through the process more quickly. That could happen if you separated before either party filed for divorce. The most important factor is how much you and your spouse agree.

You can achieve a legal separation by filing a petition (request) with the court, which allows the judge to divide your marital property, establish child support and alimony, and create a parenting plan for your children.

Legal Grounds for Divorce in Vermont. As in all states, you need a legally accepted reason (or "ground") for divorce in Vermont. The state allows divorce based on both "fault" grounds and "no-fault" grounds.

The court fees for filing the paperwork for a basic divorce in a Vermont court is $263.00. However, the total costs for a divorce can be much higher - especially in the case of a contested divorce, where attorney fees and mediation costs average from $15,000 to $20,000 or more.

The final stipulation shows your mutual agreement to divorce, and your agreement on all financial and property issues. That includes the division of your property, allocation of your debts, and whether either of you will pay the other any ongoing spousal support. Both of you must sign the stipulation.

On some of the forms you will see a place to select a legal separation. This is a legal status that is different than a divorce. In a legal separation you can divide your finances and property, and plan the custody and support of your children. But you are still married and you cannot marry someone else.