If you've gone through a divorce in Vermont, you may need an official divorce certificate for various reasons. Whether you're updating your records, applying for benefits, or planning to remarry, understanding how to obtain your Vermont divorce certificate is important.
What Is a Vermont Divorce Certificate?
A Vermont divorce certificate is an official document issued by the Vermont Department of Health that proves your divorce is final. This certificate is different from your divorce decree, which is the court order that ended your marriage.
The divorce certificate contains basic information about your divorce, including the names of both parties, the date the divorce became final, and where the divorce was granted. It serves as legal proof that your marriage has been dissolved.
Why You Might Need a Divorce Certificate
There are several situations where you'll need a certified copy of your divorce certificate. Many people need this document when applying for Social Security benefits or updating their benefits after a divorce. You'll also need it if you're planning to remarry, as most states require proof that your previous marriage legally ended.
Other common reasons include updating your driver's license or passport with your former name, changing beneficiaries on insurance policies or retirement accounts, proving your marital status for legal matters, or completing immigration paperwork. Banks and financial institutions may also request a copy when you're making changes to accounts or applying for loans.
How to Order Your Vermont Divorce Certificate
The Vermont Department of Health maintains all vital records, including divorce certificates. You have several options for requesting your certified copy.
Online Ordering
The easiest way to get your divorce certificate is through the Vermont Department of Health's online ordering system. You can visit the official Vermont vital records website and follow the prompts to request your certificate. The online system accepts credit card payments and processes most orders within 5 to 7 business days.
Each certified copy costs $12 through the state's online portal. If you need your certificate faster, expedited shipping is available for an additional flat rate of $14.50. Expedited orders are shipped overnight on the day your order is fulfilled.
Ordering by Mail
If you prefer to order by mail, you can download the application form from the Vermont Department of Health website. Fill out the form completely and include a copy of your valid photo ID. Mail your completed application along with the appropriate fee to the Vermont Department of Health Vital Records office.
Make sure to include a check or money order payable to the Vermont Department of Health. Credit card payments are also accepted if you include your card information on the form.
In-Person Requests
You can also request your divorce certificate in person at certain Vermont town clerk offices or at the Vermont Department of Health office in Burlington. Bring a valid photo ID and payment for the certificate fee. In-person requests may be processed more quickly, though processing times can vary.
Who Can Request a Divorce Certificate?
Vermont law restricts who can obtain certified copies of vital records to protect privacy. You can request a divorce certificate if you were one of the parties named in the divorce, you're a legal representative or attorney for one of the parties, or you have a court order authorizing you to obtain the record.
In some cases, immediate family members may also be able to request copies with proper documentation and proof of relationship.
Information You'll Need to Provide
When requesting your Vermont divorce certificate, you'll need to provide specific information to help locate your record. This includes
- the full names of both parties at the time of divorce (including maiden names if applicable)
- the date the divorce was finalized or an approximate date when the divorce was granted.
You'll also need to provide your current mailing address for delivery, a valid photo ID to verify your identity, and payment for the certificate fee. Having accurate information helps ensure your request is processed quickly and correctly.
Processing Times and Fees
Standard processing for Vermont divorce certificates typically takes 5 to 7 business days from when your request is received by the Vermont Department of Health. This doesn't include mailing time, so plan accordingly if you need your certificate by a specific date.
The base fee for each certified copy is $12 when ordered online through the Vermont Department of Health system. If you order by mail, check the current fee schedule as processing fees may differ slightly. Expedited shipping adds $14.50 to your order but ensures overnight delivery once your order is fulfilled.
What If Your Record Can't Be Found?
Sometimes the Vermont Department of Health cannot locate a divorce record. This might happen if the divorce was finalized in another state, the information provided on your request was incorrect or incomplete, or the divorce was very recent and hasn't been processed into the system yet.
If your order can't be fulfilled, you'll receive a partial refund. You'll pay only the search fee and online service fee, but not the certificate fee. The vital records office will typically notify you and explain why the record couldn't be located.
Differences Between a Divorce Certificate and a Divorce Decree
Many people confuse the divorce certificate with the divorce decree, but these are two different documents.
Divorce Decree
The divorce decree is the official court order that legally ends your marriage. It contains detailed information about property division, child custody, support orders, and other terms of your divorce. You received this document from the court that handled your divorce case.
Divorce Certificate
The divorce certificate, issued by the Vermont Department of Health, is a simpler document that just confirms your divorce is final. It contains basic information and serves as legal proof of your divorced status. For most administrative purposes, like changing your name on your driver's license or proving you're eligible to remarry, the certificate is sufficient.
However, you may need the full divorce decree for certain legal matters, such as enforcing child support orders, proving property ownership, or dealing with specific provisions in your divorce settlement.
Getting Copies of Your Divorce Decree
If you need a copy of your actual divorce decree rather than just the certificate, you must contact the Family Division of the Vermont Superior Court in the county where your divorce was finalized. Each court maintains its own records of divorce proceedings and can provide certified copies of the complete decree.
Contact the court clerk's office to request copies. There will be fees for copying and certification, and you'll need to provide case information to help locate your file.
Correcting Errors on Your Divorce Certificate
If you notice an error on your Vermont divorce certificate, you can request a correction. Minor errors may be corrected within six months of the divorce date by submitting a correction application to the Vermont Department of Health.
For more significant changes or corrections after six months, you may need a court order. Contact the Vermont Department of Health vital records office for specific instructions on correcting your divorce certificate.
Protecting Your Privacy
Divorce records contain personal information, so it's important to keep certified copies secure. Only provide copies to organizations that legitimately need them, such as government agencies, financial institutions, or employers. Never send originals unless absolutely necessary, always keep the original certificate in a safe place and send copies when requested.
Be cautious about sharing your divorce certificate on social media or public platforms, as it contains sensitive information like full names, dates, and locations that could be used for identity theft.
Planning Ahead
If you know you'll need your Vermont divorce certificate for an upcoming event, like a wedding or a benefits application, order it well in advance. While standard processing is relatively quick, unexpected delays can occur. Ordering at least two or three weeks before you need it gives you a comfortable buffer.
Consider ordering multiple certified copies if you think you'll need them for different purposes. It's more efficient and cost-effective to order several at once rather than making multiple requests over time.
Additional Resources
The Vermont Department of Health website provides detailed information about ordering vital records, including current fees and processing times. You can also contact their office directly if you have questions about your specific situation.
For questions about your divorce decree or court records, contact the Family Division of the Vermont Superior Court in the county where your divorce was finalized. The staff can help you understand what records are available and how to request them.
Getting your Vermont divorce certificate is a straightforward process when you know what information to provide and which ordering method works best for your situation. Whether you need it for legal reasons, to update your personal records, or to move forward with new life plans, having this official document readily available makes the process much smoother.