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Legal Separation in Vermont

How legal separation differs from divorce in Vermont. Process, rights, and when to choose it. Vermont follows equitable distribution.

Property Type

Equitable

Filing Fee

$295

Median Cost

$9,000–$36,000

Annual Divorces

2,500+

Understanding Legal Separation in Vermont

To file for divorce in Vermont, you must meet Vermont’s residency requirement of 6 months. The filing fee is $295. There is a mandatory waiting period of 90 days before the divorce can be finalized.

Vermont allows both no-fault and fault-based divorce. Fault grounds include: Adultery, Imprisonment, Intolerable severity, Desertion, Neglect. Filing on fault grounds may affect property division or alimony awards.

An uncontested divorce in Vermont typically costs $9,000 and takes 2–4 months. Contested cases average $36,000 and can take 12–18 months or longer. The governing statute is 15 V.S.A. §551.

Common Questions

How long do you have to live in Vermont to file for divorce?
Vermont requires 6 months of residency before you can file for divorce. 15 V.S.A. §551 governs the filing requirements.
Is Vermont a community property or equitable distribution state?
Vermont follows equitable distribution rules, meaning the court divides marital assets fairly but not necessarily equally.
How much does a divorce cost in Vermont?
Filing fees in Vermont range from $295. The median total cost is approximately $9,000 for uncontested divorces and $36,000 for contested cases.
How long does a divorce take in Vermont?
Vermont has a mandatory waiting period of 90 days. Uncontested divorces typically finalize in 2–4 months, while contested cases can take 12–18 months or longer.
How is child support calculated in Vermont?
Vermont uses the Income Shares model, based on both parents' combined income. The formula considers both parents' incomes, number of children, health insurance costs, and childcare expenses.

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Related Resources

This page provides general information about legal separation in Vermont and is not legal advice. Verify current statutes with 15 V.S.A. §551 or consult a licensed Vermont attorney. Last reviewed March 2026.