Vermont Divorce Lawyers: Find the Support You Need Near You

Divorce in Vermont can be emotionally challenging and legally complex, especially when decisions about parenting, property division, and financial stability must be made under stress. Whether you're pursuing a peaceful separation or navigating disputes around custody or assets, the right Vermont divorce lawyer can guide you through the process and protect your long-term interests.

Vermont allows both no-fault and fault-based divorces, and marital property is divided through an equitable distribution process. With major decisions affecting your future, having experienced legal support ensures you understand your rights and avoid costly mistakes.

Below is a clear overview of Vermont’s divorce laws and a vetted directory of trusted family-law attorneys serving key cities across the state.

Understanding Divorce in Vermont

Residency Requirement

You may file for divorce in Vermont if:

• You or your spouse has lived in the state for at least 6 months, and

• You both have lived in Vermont for 1 year before the final decree

Grounds for Divorce

Vermont allows:

No-fault divorce

• Living separate and apart for at least 6 months with no reasonable chance of reconciliation

Fault grounds

• Adultery

• Intolerable severity (cruelty)

• Willful desertion

• Imprisonment

• Persistent refusal to support

Most couples choose no-fault because it is simpler and less contentious.

Property Division

Vermont uses equitable distribution, meaning:

• Courts divide marital property fairly, not necessarily equally

• Both marital and some separate property may be considered

• Judges evaluate income, contributions, earning capacity, health, and future needs

Child Custody (Parental Rights & Responsibilities)

Vermont focuses on the best interests of the child, considering:

• Emotional bonds

• Stability and routine

• Parental involvement and caregiving history

• Ability to co-parent

• Safety and health factors

Parents may share:

• Shared parental rights and responsibilities, or

• Sole rights and responsibilities

Child Support & Maintenance (Alimony)

Child support follows Vermont’s income guidelines.
Spousal maintenance considers:

• Financial need

• Ability to pay

• Length of marriage

• Standard of living

• Educational and earning capacity

When You May Need a Vermont Divorce Lawyer

Hiring an attorney may be essential if:

• You disagree on custody or parenting schedules

• You own a home, business, land, or significant assets

• You suspect hidden income or financial misconduct

• One spouse depends financially on the other

• There is domestic violence, control, or substance abuse

• Your spouse hired a lawyer

• You want skilled negotiation or courtroom representation

Even amicable divorces benefit from professional guidance to protect your financial and parental rights.

Vermont Uncontested Divorce Options

If spouses agree on parenting, property, and support, Vermont allows a streamlined uncontested divorce process.

Divorce.com helps Vermont couples:

• Complete accurate, state-specific divorce forms

• Avoid filing errors that delay approval

• File quickly and affordably

• Receive guidance throughout the process

This approach is ideal for low-conflict couples seeking a straightforward path to resolution.

⭐ Vermont Divorce Lawyers by Metro Area

A curated list of reputable family-law attorneys statewide.

Burlington

• Langrock Sperry & Wool, LLP

• Sheehey Furlong & Behm P.C.

Montpelier

• Green Mountain Law Group

• Tarrant, Gillies & Richardson

Rutland

• Meub Associates, PLC

• Ryan Smith & Carbine, Ltd.

Brattleboro

• Costello, Valente & Gentry, P.C.

• Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC

St. Albans

• Kissane Associates

• Chadwick & Spensley PLLC