When a marriage ends in Vermont, the state creates official records of that divorce. These documents serve many important purposes, from proving your marital status to settling legal matters. Whether you're going through a divorce yourself, need proof of a past divorce, or are researching family history, understanding Vermont divorce records is essential.
What Are Vermont Divorce Records?
Vermont divorce records are official documents created when a marriage or civil union legally ends. These records contain information about both people involved in the divorce, the date it became final, and sometimes details about children, property, and financial arrangements.
The state takes these records seriously because they serve as legal proof that a marriage has ended. You might need these documents when you're applying for Social Security benefits, getting remarried, updating immigration paperwork, or handling other legal matters.
Vermont creates about 6.3 divorces for every 1,000 women aged 15 and older. Each of these divorces generates multiple records that the state carefully maintains and stores.
Types of Divorce Records Available in Vermont
Vermont maintains three main types of divorce records, each serving a different purpose:
Divorce Case Files
These are all the papers created during your divorce process, from start to finish. They include:
- The original divorce complaint (the document that starts the divorce)
- Financial records showing income, assets, and debts
- Affidavits (sworn written statements)
- Summons and notices sent between parties
- Motions and orders from the judge
- Correspondence between lawyers and the court
The Clerk of Court keeps these files. Some parts of these records appear in public searches, but certain information, like financial details and anything involving children, stays private.
Divorce or Civil Union Dissolution Certificates
Think of this as the "birth certificate" of your divorce. It's a concise official document that proves your divorce happened. Lawyers or the people getting divorced create this certificate at the start of the process.
The certificate stays with the court until the divorce becomes final, which happens 90 days after the judge signs the final order. Once that waiting period ends, the Court Clerk signs the certificate and sends it to the Vermont Department of Health for safekeeping.
A certified copy of this certificate is what most people need for legal purposes. It's the document you'll show when you need official proof of your divorce.
Final Decree and Order of Divorce
This is the judge's official decision about your divorce. It's usually several pages long and includes all the important details:
- Who gets custody of the children
- Child support amounts and payment schedules
- Spousal support (alimony) arrangements
- How property gets divided
- Who pays which debts
- Visitation schedules
- Name changes
This document is legally enforceable, meaning both people must follow what it says. The Clerk of Court or your lawyer will mail you copies after your divorce is final.
How the Divorce Process Creates Records in Vermont
Divorce in Vermont generates a variety of official records at multiple stages of the process. From the initial filing to the final decree, each step produces documentation that becomes part of the legal and administrative record. These records serve important purposes, including verifying the divorce, tracking court proceedings, enforcing support orders, and maintaining public and historical records.
Filing the Complaint
One person (called the Plaintiff) files divorce papers with the Family Division of the Superior Court in their county. This creates the first records.
Serving Papers
The other person (the Defendant) must receive official notice of the divorce. This creates service records.
Court Proceedings
Both people submit financial information, attend hearings, and file various documents. All of this becomes part of the case file.
Judge's Decision
The judge issues a final decree. This gets recorded with the court.
Waiting Period
Vermont requires a 90-day waiting period after the judge signs the decree before the divorce becomes final. However, both people can agree to skip this waiting period.
Certificate Filing
Once the divorce is final, the Court Clerk signs the divorce certificate and sends it to the Vermont Department of Health.
Long-Term Storage
After about five years, the Department of Health transfers older records to the Vermont State Archives and Records Administration for permanent storage.
Are Vermont Divorce Records Public?
Most divorce records in Vermont are public information. This means anyone can request and view them. However, Vermont protects certain sensitive information from public access.
What's Public
Basic information about who got divorced, when, and where appears in public records. The divorce certificate and most case file information is available to the public.
Vermont law protects several types of information:
- Details about children or minors
- Information about witnesses
- Records involving victims of abuse or domestic violence
- Most financial information
- Information specifically sealed by court order
If you're worried about privacy, you can ask the court to seal all or part of your divorce records. The court might agree to seal records to protect abuse victims, prevent damaging false statements from becoming public, or protect business secrets.
Where Vermont Keeps Divorce Records
Vermont stores divorce records in three main locations, depending on when the divorce happened:
- Vermont Department of Health - Vital Records Office
Holds divorce and civil union dissolution certificates from 2014 to the present. This office issues certified copies that you can use for legal purposes.
- Vermont State Archives and Records Administration
Maintains divorce certificates from 2013 and earlier. This archive also receives records from the Department of Health after they've been stored there for about five years.
- County Superior Courts
The Family Division of the Superior Court in each county keeps the complete case files and final decrees for divorces processed in that county.
How to Get Vermont Divorce Records
You have several options for requesting Vermont divorce records, depending on what type of record you need and how quickly you need it.
Online Requests
The Vermont State Archives and Records Administration offers the Vital Records Request Service online. This convenient option lets you order certified copies of divorce certificates from home.
- Cost: $12 per certified copy
- Processing Time: 5 to 7 business days for standard shipping
- Expedited Option: Add $14.50 for overnight shipping once your order is ready
The Vermont Judiciary Public Portal provides limited online access to some case records. You can search without registering, but you'll need to register for full access if you're involved in the case.
Mail Requests
You can request divorce records by mail from two different offices, depending on when the divorce occurred.
For divorces from 2014 to present , write to:
Vital Records OfficeP.O. Box 70Burlington, VT 05402
For divorces from 2013 and earlier , write to:
Office of the Secretary of State1078 US RTE 2, MiddlesexMontpelier, VT 05633-7701
For both offices, include:
- A completed request form (available on their websites)
- A check or money order for $10 per copy
- A stamped, self-addressed envelope
In-Person Requests
You can visit the Vital Records Office in person at:
Vital Records Office108 Cherry StreetBurlington, VT
Office hours: 7:45 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday (except holidays)
Bring:
- A completed application form
- Valid identification
- A check or money order for $10 per copy payable to "Vermont Department of Health"
The advantage of in-person requests is that you can get your records the same day if everything is in order.
Vermont Divorce Records Fee Breakdown
Request Method | Cost Per Copy | Additional Fees | Processing Time |
Online (Vital Records Service) | $12 | $14.50 for expedited shipping (optional) | 5-7 business days (standard) or overnight (expedited) |
Mail Request | $10 | Postage for your stamped envelope | 2-3 weeks |
In-Person Request | $10 | None | Same day |
You can order multiple copies in one request. Each copy costs the same amount, whether you order one or ten.
Who Can Request Vermont Divorce Records?
Access to divorce records depends on what information you're requesting:
Anyone can request
- Divorce or civil union dissolution certificates
- Basic case information from public court records
- Final decrees (with some limitations)
Only certain people can access
- Sealed financial information (only people named in the divorce, their lawyers, or those with a court order)
- Protected information about children
- Records sealed by court order
- Confidential details about abuse or violence
When you request records, you might need to show identification and explain your relationship to the case, especially for more detailed information.
Civil Unions and Divorce in Vermont
Vermont has a unique history with civil unions that affects divorce records. In 2000, Vermont created civil unions to give same-sex couples the same legal benefits as marriage. When marriage equality became law on September 1, 2009, couples could choose marriage instead.
Civil unions created before September 2009 still exist and are recognized by the state. When these unions end, they create "civil union dissolution" records, which work just like divorce records.
If you were in a Vermont civil union or marriage but live in another state that doesn't recognize your union, Vermont allows you to file for divorce without living there. You must meet certain requirements, so contact the Family Division of Superior Court in the county where your civil union or marriage was registered.
Common Reasons People Need Divorce Records
People request Vermont divorce records for many legitimate reasons:
Legal Purposes
- Proving marital status for remarriage
- Social Security benefits applications
- Immigration and citizenship processes
- Court cases involving property or inheritance
- Updating government identification
Personal Research
- Genealogy and family history research
- Verifying family information
- Personal record-keeping
Professional Needs
- Background checks for employment
- Legal research
- Statistical analysis
Tips for Requesting Vermont Divorce Records
Make your request process smoother with these helpful tips:
- Know what you need : A certified copy of the dissolution certificate works for most legal purposes. Full case files are rarely necessary unless you're involved in the case.
- Have the right information ready : You'll need the full names of both people, the approximate date of divorce, and preferably the county where the divorce occurred.
- Choose the right office : Use the divorce date to determine whether to contact the Department of Health (2014-present) or State Archives (2013 and earlier).
- Consider timing : If you need records quickly, the in-person option or expedited online service works best. Mail requests take several weeks.
- Check your spelling : Make sure names are spelled exactly as they appear on the original divorce records. Mistakes can delay your request.
- Keep your receipt : If you order online or by mail, keep your confirmation or receipt in case you need to follow up.
What If You Can't Find the Records You Need?
Sometimes divorce records are hard to locate. Here's what to do:
- If the divorce happened recently
Records might still be with the court and not yet transferred to the Department of Health. Contact the Family Division of Superior Court in the county where the divorce occurred.
- If you're unsure of the county
Vermont has 14 counties. If you know the town where either person lived, you can look up which county that town is in and contact that county's court.
- If the divorce was a long time ago
Very old records (before modern record-keeping) might be incomplete or stored differently. Contact the Vermont State Archives for help with historical research.
Double-check the spelling of names, try alternate spellings, and verify the approximate date. If you're certain the divorce occurred in Vermont, contact the office directly for assistance.
Vermont's 90-Day Waiting Period
Vermont has a unique feature called the "nisi period." After the judge signs the final divorce decree, couples must wait 90 days before the divorce becomes official. During this time, the divorce isn't final, and you're still legally married.
However, both people can agree to waive this waiting period. If you both sign an agreement, the judge can make the divorce final immediately.
This waiting period affects when records become available. The dissolution certificate doesn't go to the Department of Health until after the 90 days ends (or is waived).
Protecting Your Privacy
If you're concerned about your divorce records becoming public, you have options:
File a motion to seal : Ask the court to keep certain information private. Judges usually agree when:
- There's a history of domestic violence or abuse
- Records contain false statements that could harm someone's reputation
- Business information needs protection
- Children's safety is at risk
Request confidential filing : Some documents can be filed confidentially from the start, especially those involving abuse, threats, or children's welfare.
Redact sensitive information : When filing documents, you can ask to black out Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and other sensitive details.
Remember that the basic fact of your divorce (who divorced whom and when) will generally remain public information even if you seal other details.
Final Thoughts
Vermont divorce records serve as important legal documents that prove a marriage has ended. Whether you need these records for remarriage, legal proceedings, or personal research, Vermont provides multiple ways to access them.
The state balances public access with privacy protection, keeping most divorce information available while protecting sensitive details about children, abuse victims, and financial matters. By understanding how Vermont creates, stores, and provides access to these records, you can efficiently get the documents you need.
Remember that certified copies from the Vermont Department of Health or State Archives are the only versions accepted for legal purposes. While you can find some information through online searches and third-party websites, official certified copies remain the gold standard for legal proof of divorce.