How Long Does a Divorce Take in Vermont

May 5, 2023 Amanda

How Long Does a Divorce Take in Vermont

Stage	Timeline
Uncontested Divorce	1-6 months
Contested Divorce	6-12 months or longer
Separation Agreement	Varies, typically a few months
Property Division	Varies, can take several months to a year
Child Custody	Varies, can take several months to a year
Final Divorce Decree	Issued 30-90 days after court approves all terms

Introduction

One major factor that can affect the timeline for a divorce is whether or not there are contested issues between the parties involved. Contested issues might include matters such as child custody, spousal support, or property division. If there are no contested issues and both parties agree on all aspects of their divorce, they may be able to obtain an uncontested divorce relatively quickly.

If there are contested issues that cannot be resolved through negotiation or mediation, however, the case will need to go through litigation in court. This can significantly prolong the process and add months (or even years) to your timeline.

Definition of Divorce

Before diving into the specifics of how long a divorce takes in Vermont, it’s important to define what a divorce actually is. At its most basic level, divorce is the legal dissolution of a marriage by a court or other competent body.

While many people may think they understand what divorce means, there are some key aspects that are worth noting:

A divorce formally ends your marriage and allows you to remarry if you choose
In order to obtain a legal divorce, you must follow specific procedures outlined by your state or province
A successful divorce settlement will address issues such as property division, child custody and support, spousal support (if applicable), and more
Divorce can be emotionally difficult for both parties involved, as well as any children who may be affected by the separation.

Importance of Knowing How Long a Divorce Takes in Vermont

In addition to these considerations, it’s worth noting that every divorce case is unique and there are many factors that can impact how long the process takes. However, by understanding the basics of what goes into a typical Vermont divorce case and having realistic expectations about timelines, parties involved in a potential separation will likely feel more equipped to navigate through this difficult period in their lives.

Grounds for Divorce in Vermont

In order to obtain a legal divorce in Vermont, one or both parties must have lived in the state for at least six months before filing. Additionally, there are two main grounds that can be used as the basis for filing for a divorce:

No-fault: This is when neither party is explicitly blamed or held responsible for the breakdown of the marriage. In Vermont, this ground requires that parties live apart without cohabitation continuously and without interruption (except incidental periods of reconciliation) for at least six months prior to filing.
Fault-based: In some cases, one party may be able to allege that their spouse engaged in specific behavior that led directly or indirectly to their desire to seek a divorce. Grounds under this category include adultery, intolerable severity (cruelty), incurable insanity on application of either party alone which existed during marriage and still exists; conviction of imprisonment longer than 3 years; willful desertion by either spouse without cause for seven years.

No-fault Grounds

In Vermont, a no-fault divorce is the most common option for couples who are seeking to end their marriage. This means that neither party needs to prove wrongdoing or provide evidence of fault in order to obtain a divorce.

Instead, a couple can seek a no-fault divorce by citing “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for the dissolution of their marriage. There are other grounds available in Vermont if one spouse does not consent to the divorce or there are contested issues related to property division or support payments:

Adultery
Intolerable severity (physical abuse)
Neglect and refusal (abandonment)

Irreconcilable Differences

If both parties agree on these terms and there are no other contested issues, they may be able to obtain an uncontested divorce relatively quickly. However, if one party contests these terms or there are other complicated matters at play (such as significant assets to divide), it may take significantly longer.

Fault Grounds

Fault-based divorces require that one spouse prove that the other is at fault for causing the marriage to break down. Some examples of fault grounds recognized in Vermont include:

Adultery
Cruelty or abuse
Intolerable severity (e.g., mental illness, drug addiction)
Willful desertion or neglect

No-fault divorces, on the other hand, do not require either party to establish wrongdoing by their spouse. Rather, they simply need to claim that their marriage has “irretrievably broken down.”

Adultery

One issue that may arise during a divorce case is adultery. Adultery occurs when one spouse has sexual relations with someone outside of the marriage, and it can be grounds for divorce in Vermont.

If adultery is claimed as a reason for the divorce, it can have an impact on how long the process takes. Here are some important things to note:

In Vermont, if you claim adultery as grounds for your divorce, you must prove that your spouse engaged in sexual intercourse with another person
If your spouse admits to committing adultery or there is other strong evidence supporting your claim, this could speed up the timeline of your case
On the other hand, if there is a dispute over whether or not adultery occurred (or who was responsible), this could prolong the process and add time to your overall timeline
Note that proving adultery is generally not required to obtain a legal divorce in Vermont; rather it’s just one possible reason for seeking dissolution of a marriage.

Impotence

One important reason for understanding the timeline of a divorce case is to help manage expectations and prepare financially. For example, if one party has been financially dependent on the other during the marriage, they may need to start thinking about how they will support themselves once the divorce process begins. Knowing how long a divorce typically takes in Vermont can help them plan accordingly.

Another important reason for understanding timelines is to stay organized throughout the process. Divorce cases often involve a lot of paperwork, meetings with lawyers or mediators, court hearings, and more. Understanding when these events are likely to take place can help you stay on top of your responsibilities and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Having realistic expectations about timelines can also help parties involved feel less stressed or anxious about their situation
Knowing how long a divorce might take could inform decisions around things like work schedules, childcare arrangements, and more
If both parties agree that divorce is necessary but do not want it to drag out over many months or years due to contested issues being brought up in court proceedings then having an idea of expected timelines can be helpful as well.

Extreme Cruelty

In Vermont, one ground for divorce is extreme cruelty. This can be physical or mental abuse, and it must be proven in court.

If you are seeking a divorce based on extreme cruelty, there are some important factors to consider:

You will need to provide evidence of the abusive behavior
The court may require testimony from witnesses who have observed the abuse
Extreme cruelty can impact other aspects of your divorce settlement, such as child custody and property division
If you feel that you or your children are in immediate danger due to domestic violence, seek help from law enforcement or local support organizations before beginning any legal proceedings.

Desertion

When it comes to divorce in Vermont, there are several grounds on which a dissolution of marriage can be granted. One of these grounds is desertion.

Desertion refers to the act of one spouse leaving the other with the intention of ending the marriage and without justification or consent. In order to file for divorce on the grounds of desertion in Vermont, certain criteria must be met:

The deserted spouse must have lived in Vermont for at least one year prior to filing
The deserting spouse must have left without just cause or permission and with no intent to return
The spouses must not have resumed living together after the departure, even temporarily.

Imprisonment

In Vermont, there are several grounds for divorce that can be cited by either party. One such ground is imprisonment.

If one spouse has been sentenced to serve at least three years in jail or prison, the other spouse may file for a fault-based divorce on these grounds. It’s important to note, however, that a conviction alone does not necessarily guarantee that the imprisoned spouse will lose all their rights regarding property division and child custody.

The non-imprisoned spouse may still be required to provide financial support to the imprisoned spouse during and after their sentence
If there are children involved, custody and visitation arrangements must be made with their best interests in mind
A skilled attorney can help navigate through complex legal issues related to divorcing an incarcerated individual.

Intolerable Severity

If intolerable severity is cited, this may lead to a quicker resolution because it could result in an expedited hearing date. However, proving intolerable severity can be difficult and requires sufficient evidence.

Divorce Process in Vermont

Filing for Divorce: The first step is filing a complaint with your local court. This document will outline the grounds for your divorce (such as irreconcilable differences or adultery) and any contested issues you want to address.
Serving Your Spouse: You’ll need to serve this document on your spouse, usually through a process server or sheriff.
Discovery: This phase involves gathering information about both parties’ financial assets and debts. This may include reviewing bank statements, tax returns, credit card bills, and more.
Negotiation/Mediation: If there are contested issues between the parties involved, negotiation or mediation may be necessary to resolve these disputes outside of court.
Trial/Litigation: If negotiation/mediation fails or isn’t possible due to complex legal issues, then trial/litigation might become necessary. This could significantly prolong the process and add months (or even years) to your timeline.

It’s worth noting that every case is unique and timelines can vary depending on many factors such as whether children are involved or if there are significant assets at stake. However by having an idea of what goes into each step in Vermont’s divorce process allows one involved in such proceedings feel better prepared for what lies ahead.

Filing the Petition

Here’s what you need to know about filing your petition:

In Vermont, either spouse can file the petition as long as they meet residency requirements (one party must have been a resident for at least six months prior to filing)
You will need to pay a fee when you file your paperwork with the court
Your spouse will then be served with the papers and given an opportunity to respond within 21 days (if they don’t respond, this may be considered a default judgment)

Residency Requirements

In order to file for divorce in Vermont, at least one spouse must:

Have been a resident of Vermont for at least six months prior to filing
Intend to remain a resident of Vermont throughout the divorce proceedings

If both spouses meet these requirements, they may move forward with their case and begin working through any contested issues that need resolution.

Grounds for Divorce

In Vermont, there are both fault-based and no-fault grounds for divorce. No-fault means that neither party is necessarily responsible for the breakdown of the marriage; rather, it has simply irretrievably broken down with no hope of reconciliation. Fault-based grounds, on the other hand, require that one spouse prove that the other did something wrong in order to justify ending their marriage.

No-Fault Grounds:

The parties have lived separate and apart without cohabitation for six consecutive months or more

Fault-Based Grounds:

Adultery
Intolerable severity (where one spouse engages in physical or mental cruelty)

Note that while fault may not technically affect property division or child custody arrangements under Vermont law, it can still play a role in how long your case takes if contested by your ex-spouse.

Property Division

One of the most important aspects of a divorce is property division. Vermont is an equitable distribution state, which means that marital property will be divided fairly between spouses in the event of a divorce. This does not necessarily mean that all assets and debts are split 50/50.

The following factors may be taken into account when determining how to divide property in a Vermont divorce:

The length of the marriage
Each spouse’s contribution to acquiring or improving marital assets
The financial situation and earning capacity of each spouse
Whether either party has wasted or dissipated any marital assets during the marriage

It’s worth noting that only marital property (i.e. property acquired during the marriage) is subject to division; separate property owned by one spouse before the marriage or acquired through inheritance or gift generally remains with that spouse after divorce.

Service of Process

Here are some key things to know about service of process for divorce cases in Vermont:

In order for a court to have jurisdiction over your case, you must properly serve your spouse with a copy of the initial paperwork
In most cases, this means having someone who is not part of the case (such as a sheriff) deliver these documents directly to your spouse
If you’re unable to locate your spouse or they refuse to accept service, you may need to pursue alternative methods such as publication or posting at their last known address
Failing to properly serve your spouse can delay your divorce proceedings significantly

Personal Service

Here are some key points to remember about personal service in Vermont:

Your spouse must be personally served with notice of the divorce proceedings
If your spouse cannot be located, you may need to use alternate methods such as publication or mailing
Your spouse has 21 days from the date they were served with papers to respond to the complaint for divorce
If your spouse does not respond within this timeframe, you may be able to obtain a default judgment.

The personal service requirement can add several weeks (or even months) onto your overall timeline, especially if there are issues locating or serving your spouse. If possible, it’s best to work out an agreement beforehand regarding how personal service will take place so that everyone involved is on the same page and no time is wasted trying to track down missing parties.

Service by Publication

One aspect of Vermont divorce law that can be particularly important to understand is the concept of service by publication. This refers to a legal process whereby notice of a divorce action is published in a local newspaper or other publication, rather than being served directly to the spouse.

Service by publication may be necessary if one party has made efforts to locate their spouse but have been unsuccessful in doing so. In such cases, the court will often require proof that reasonable attempts were made before allowing for service by publication. This can include things like:

Mailing notices to known addresses
Searching public records and social media accounts for information about whereabouts
Hiring a private investigator

Response and Counterclaims

If there are contested issues in a divorce case, it’s possible that one or both parties may choose to file counterclaims against each other. Counterclaims can address any issue related to the divorce process, such as child custody, property division, or spousal support.

A counterclaim is essentially a lawsuit brought by one party against another within an existing lawsuit
In Vermont, counterclaims must be filed within 21 days of being served with the initial complaint
If you don’t file a timely response or counterclaim in your Vermont divorce case, you risk losing your rights and allowing your spouse to obtain everything they asked for in their original filing without opposition.

Answer to Petition

One of the first steps in a divorce case is for one spouse to file a petition with the court. This document outlines the reasons why they are seeking a divorce and what they hope to achieve through the process.

Once this petition has been filed, it must be served on the other spouse, who then has an opportunity to respond by filing an answer. In Vermont, there are three main ways that someone can respond to a divorce petition:

Admitting: If both parties agree on all aspects of their separation (such as child custody and property division), then they may be able to file jointly and admit or deny allegations in the complaint without further proceedings.
Filing an Answer: If there are contested issues between spouses, such as disagreements over child custody or alimony payments, then one party will need to file an answer with the court outlining their position on these matters.
Not Responding: It’s important for both parties involved in a divorce case to understand that failing to respond within 20 days will result in default judgment being entered against them. This means that whatever terms were requested by the petitioner will likely be granted by default if no response is filed in time.

Counterclaims

If one spouse files for divorce and the other responds with a counterclaim, this can potentially drag out the proceedings. Some key things to know about counterclaims include:

A counterclaim may be filed when one party disagrees with something stated in the initial complaint
This could involve issues such as child custody, property division, or spousal support
If both parties file claims against each other, this could result in more court hearings and prolong the process further
The length of time it takes to resolve a divorce case with counterclaims will depend on many factors unique to each situation.

Discovery

In Vermont, there are several methods of discovery that may be used during a divorce case:

Interrogatories: These are written questions that one party sends to the other party, who must answer them under oath
Request for Production: This is a formal request for documents or other tangible evidence relevant to the case
Depositions: A deposition involves questioning a witness (or party) under oath outside of court with attorneys present. The testimony given at this time can be used in court later on.

The process of discovery can take weeks or even months depending on how much information needs to be exchanged and whether either side objects or files motions related to certain requests. While it may seem tedious and time-consuming, it’s an important step in ensuring both parties have access to all relevant information before moving forward with their respective cases.

Interrogatories

One aspect of the divorce process that can significantly impact how long it takes is the discovery phase. During this period, each party has the opportunity to request information and documents from the other side in order to build their case.

Interrogatories are one common type of discovery tool used in Vermont divorce cases. Interrogatories consist of written questions that one party sends to the other, requesting specific information about a variety of topics related to the case.

The receiving party must respond to each interrogatory in writing within a set timeframe (usually 30 days)
Interrogatories may cover topics such as finances, assets, debts, employment history, living arrangements and more
If a party fails to answer or provides incomplete answers to interrogatories, they may be subject to sanctions by the court

Depositions

One aspect of a divorce case that can significantly affect the timeline is depositions. A deposition is a legal process where one party, or their attorney, interviews another party or witness under oath. Depositions are typically conducted in person and both parties’ attorneys are present.

Depositions can add significant time to your divorce case because they involve scheduling around multiple people’s availability and require careful preparation on the part of your attorney. Some other things to keep in mind about depositions include:

Depositions may be used as evidence at trial if the case goes that far
The questions asked during a deposition must be relevant to the issues being litigated
You have the right to have your own attorney present during any deposition you participate in

Requests for Production of Documents

Requests for Production of Documents are a common part of this discovery process and can include a wide range of items such as:

Bank statements and financial records
Tax returns from recent years
Prenuptial agreements or postnuptial agreements (if applicable)
Emails, text messages, or other correspondence related to specific issues being contested in court
Property deeds and titles

If you are involved in a Vermont divorce case, it’s important to be aware that these requests for production can add time to your overall timeline. However, they also play an essential role in ensuring that both parties have access to all relevant information as they work towards a resolution.

Settlement Negotiation

If settlement negotiations fail and contested issues cannot be resolved outside of court, the case will need to go through litigation in court which may significantly prolong the process. Here are some key things you should know about settlement negotiation:

The success of settlement negotiations often depends on each party’s willingness to compromise and work towards a mutually agreeable solution
Hiring experienced legal counsel who specialize in family law can greatly increase your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome during settlement negotiations
Settlements reached through negotiation or mediation tend to be less costly than those reached through litigation in court

Mediation

Here are some key aspects of mediation that might be helpful:

Mediation is voluntary – all parties must agree to participate
The mediator will not make decisions or impose solutions; instead, they facilitate communication between the two sides
If successful, mediation can lead to a quicker resolution than going through litigation in court
Mediation can also save money compared to lengthy court battles (though there may still be fees associated with hiring a mediator)

Note that even if you start out pursuing mediation, it’s possible that certain issues may ultimately need to be resolved through litigation. However, many couples find that at least some aspects of their divorce case can be settled through this alternative dispute resolution method.

Collaborative Law

One option that can help streamline the divorce process is collaborative law. This approach involves both parties working together with their respective attorneys to reach a mutually agreeable settlement outside of court.

Here are some key aspects of collaborative law:

The goal is to resolve issues in a way that is respectful and amicable for both parties involved
Each party has their own attorney who will provide legal advice and guidance throughout the process
If an agreement cannot be reached, the case may still go to court for resolution.

This approach can often save time and money compared to traditional litigation, as well as reduce stress and emotional turmoil on all sides.

Trial

Here are some factors that could affect the timeline of a divorce trial:

The complexity of contested issues: if there are many issues at stake (e.g., child custody, property division), the trial may take longer
The availability of court dates: depending on how busy the courts are, it may be difficult to schedule your trial quickly
The number of witnesses and evidence presented: more witnesses and evidence mean more time spent presenting your case in court

Overall, going to trial can extend the timeline for your divorce by months or even years. It’s important for both parties involved to consider all options before deciding whether or not they want to go through litigation.

Pre-Trial Conference

One important milestone in the Vermont divorce process is the pre-trial conference. This is a meeting between both parties and their attorneys, during which they discuss any unresolved issues and try to come to an agreement before going to trial.

The pre-trial conference can have a significant impact on how long your divorce takes, as it provides an opportunity for both sides to work through disagreements without having to go through costly and time-consuming litigation. If you are able to reach a settlement during this stage, it can significantly shorten your timeline.

Some key points about the pre-trial conference include:

It typically occurs several months after filing for divorce
Both parties must attend along with their respective attorneys
The judge assigned to your case may also attend the meeting or be available by phone
If you are unable to reach an agreement during the pre-trial conference, your case will proceed towards trial

Trial Preparation

The amount of time required for trial preparation will depend on factors such as the complexity of your case and whether there are contested issues that need to be resolved. However, by taking the time upfront to get organized and work with legal professionals who specialize in Vermont family law cases you’ll increase your chances of achieving a successful outcome.

Trial

When a divorce case goes to trial in Vermont, it means that both parties involved were not able to reach an agreement during mediation or through negotiation. During the trial, each side will present their evidence and arguments in front of a judge who will then make decisions about how issues such as property division and child custody should be resolved.

If your divorce case does go to trial, there are several things you can expect:

The trial may take several days or even weeks, depending on the complexity of your case
You will need to prepare thoroughly beforehand by gathering evidence and working with your attorney to build a strong argument
You may need to testify in court and answer questions from both attorneys involved in the case
The judge’s decision will be final, meaning that neither party can appeal once the ruling is made.

How Long Does a Divorce Take in Vermont?

In addition to these factors, it’s important to remember that any delays in filing paperwork or attending court hearings can also prolong the process. Working with an experienced family law attorney who understands the nuances of Vermont divorce law can help streamline your case and ensure that everything is being handled efficiently.

Timeframe for Uncontested Divorce

Here are some key steps involved in an uncontested divorce:

File for divorce: One party files a complaint with the court
Serve papers: The other party receives notice of the complaint and has 20 days to respond
Wait for final hearing date: If there are no objections or disputes, parties can request that their case be placed on the “uncontested track” which means it goes directly to a final hearing without any additional hearings or conferences
Finalize agreement: Both parties attend the final hearing where they present their signed settlement agreement. If approved by the judge, this legally ends their marriage.

Note that if you have children, there may be additional paperwork required such as parenting plans and child support agreements. However, even with these additional factors considered, an uncontested divorce will generally still take less time than a contested one.

Timeframe for Contested Divorce

In Vermont specifically, it’s difficult to put an exact timeframe on how long a contested divorce may take because each case is unique. However, generally speaking here is what you might expect:

Filing papers and serving your spouse with notice usually takes about 2-3 weeks
The period during which negotiations occur between both sides typically lasts anywhere from 1-6 months depending on level of cooperation between parties involved
If court hearings become necessary at any point in time (which they often do), then these events could further extend timeline – lasting several months up until even years!

Length of Discovery Process

The length of the discovery process can vary depending on many factors, including:

The complexity of financial assets or debts
The number and age(s) of any children involved
Whether there are contested issues that require more investigation or negotiation
The willingness (or lack thereof) of either party to be forthcoming with information or documentation requested by their spouse’s lawyer.

In some cases, parties may be able to reach an agreement early on in the discovery process which could speed up overall timelines for resolution. However, in other cases, it may take several months (or even years) before all necessary information has been exchanged and reviewed by both sides.

Complexity of the Case

Some common factors that can add complexity to a divorce case include:

High-value assets or multiple properties
Bitter disputes over child custody or support
A history of domestic violence or abuse
Petitioners who live out-of-state or even internationally
Disputes over spousal support/alimony payments

If any of these factors (or others) apply to your situation, it’s important to consult with an experienced family law attorney who can help guide you through the process and give you an idea of what kind of timeline you should expect.

Availability of Court Dates

One important factor that can impact the timeline for a divorce is the availability of court dates. In Vermont, there are 14 county courts that hear family law cases, and each court has its own schedule.

When parties file for divorce in Vermont, they will typically receive a hearing date within a few months. However, if the case is complex or if one or both parties request more time to prepare, it may take longer to get on the docket.

If your case involves contested issues and goes to trial, you should expect it to take several months (or even years) before reaching a resolution
The number of other pending cases at your particular courthouse can also affect how long it takes for your case to be heard
In some instances, emergency hearings may be scheduled on an expedited basis if there is an urgent issue that needs to be addressed by the court

Expedited Divorce Process

While the length of a divorce process can vary, there are certain cases in Vermont where an expedited divorce process may be available. In general, these situations involve couples who have already separated and agreed to all terms of their divorce.

Here are some key factors that may allow for an expedited divorce process:

No contested issues: If both parties agree on all aspects of their separation (such as property division, child custody and support, spousal support), they may qualify for an uncontested or “simple” divorce.
Six-month waiting period: Vermont has a mandatory six-month waiting period from the time the initial paperwork is filed before any final decisions will be made regarding your case. However, if you meet certain criteria (such as having been separated for at least six months prior to filing), you may be able to waive this waiting period and move forward with your case more quickly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, divorce is a complex process that can be emotionally and financially draining for all parties involved. Knowing how long a divorce typically takes in Vermont can help you plan your next steps and make informed decisions about your future.

Ultimately, the length of time it takes to complete a divorce will depend on various factors such as whether or not there are contested issues between the parties involved, whether mediation is successful in resolving disputes outside of court, and more. It’s important to work with an experienced attorney who can provide guidance throughout the process.

Regardless of how long it takes, remember that healing from a divorce is possible. By focusing on self-care and seeking support from friends, family members or mental health professionals when necessary, individuals going through this challenging period can eventually move forward with their lives.

Importance of Hiring a Divorce Attorney

Overall, while hiring an attorney may seem like an added expense at first glance, it’s almost always worth the investment in terms of time saved, stress avoided and ensuring that your rights are protected throughout the process.

Final Thoughts on the Divorce Process in Vermont.

Divorce is a complex process that can be emotionally and financially draining for all parties involved. In Vermont, the length of time it takes to obtain a divorce will depend on several factors, including whether or not there are contested issues between the parties and how efficiently both sides can work together to resolve any disagreements.

If you’re considering filing for divorce in Vermont, it’s important to educate yourself about the process as much as possible so that you can make informed decisions throughout each stage of your case. By doing so, you’ll have a better chance of achieving a fair and equitable outcome while also minimizing stress and emotional turmoil.

While every case is unique, knowing what to expect when going through the divorce process in Vermont will help ensure that you are fully prepared for whatever challenges may arise along the way. With patience, persistence, and an experienced legal team by your side (if needed), you’ll be able to navigate this difficult period in your life with confidence and clarity.

FAQ on ‘How Long Does a Divorce Take in Vermont’

Q: What is the waiting period for a divorce in Vermont?

A: In Vermont, there is a mandatory waiting period of six months before a judge will issue a final divorce decree.

Q: Can the waiting period for a divorce be waived in Vermont?

A: No, the waiting period cannot be waived in Vermont unless both parties agree and file a joint motion with the court requesting that it be waived.

Q: What factors can impact the length of time it takes to get divorced in Vermont?

A: Some factors that can impact how long it takes to get divorced in Vermont include whether or not both parties are able to reach an agreement on key issues such as property division and child custody, whether there are any contested issues that require litigation, and how busy the court system is at the time of filing.

Q: Can I file for divorce without an attorney in Vermont?

A: Yes, you can file for divorce without an attorney in Vermont. However, it is recommended that you consult with an attorney or seek legal advice before proceeding with your case to ensure that you understand your rights and obligations under state law.