Vermont Divorce Without Children (2026)

With no minor children, Vermont divorce is straightforward — file the day you arrive, complete Financial Affidavits for both parties, and wait for the 6-month residency requirement to be satisfied.

Overview

Step-by-Step (No Children)

1 — File the Complaint (Day 1 if Desired)

Vermont allows filing the day you arrive. File Complaint for Divorce at the Family Court unit for your county. Pay $100.

2 — Both Parties Complete Financial Affidavits (Required)

Vermont requires Financial Affidavits from both parties in all divorce cases. These are sworn disclosures of income, assets, debts, and expenses.

3 — Negotiate and Execute Property Settlement Agreement

Resolve all property, debts, and spousal maintenance. Both sign and notarize.

4 — Serve the Defendant

Defendant has 30 days to respond.

5 — Wait for 6-Month Residency

If not yet 6 months, case pends until satisfied.

6 — Final Hearing or Entry on Papers

Vermont Family Courts often allow entry on papers for uncontested no-children cases; some require a brief hearing.

7 — Decree Entered

Property Settlement Agreement — What to Cover (No Children)

Marital Real Property

• Address; legal description; FMV; mortgage; equity; assignment
• One keeps: buyout + refinancing deadline + Deed → Vermont Town Clerk
• Or sale: net proceeds split

Marital Financial Accounts

Institution, type, balance; assignment; transfer

Retirement Accounts

• QDRO for employer plans
• IRA: transfer incident to divorce
• Vermont VSERS (state employees): DRO procedures

Vehicles

Assignment; loan assumption; Vermont DMV

Marital Debts

Creditor, balance, who assumes, indemnification

Spousal Maintenance

Award with terms — or explicit waiver

Separate Property Acknowledgment

Confirm each spouse's separate property

Post-Divorce Steps (No Children)

• Record Deed at Vermont Town Clerk's office for the town where property is located
• QDRO for employer retirement plans
• Vermont VSERS DRO (state employees)
• Vermont DMV for vehicle titles
• Name restoration: Vermont DMV → Social Security → bank accounts
• Update all beneficiary designations immediately

Last reviewed: March 2026 | File immediately (no minimum to file) | 6 months before DECREE (15 V.S.A. § 592) | No waiting period | $100 fee | Financial Affidavit required — both parties | Spousal maintenance (15 V.S.A. § 752) | Vermont Town Clerk — land records | Equitable distribution (15 V.S.A. § 751) | vermontjudiciary.org/family/divorce | vtlegalaid.org

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