Chittenden County Divorce Records
What Are Chittenden County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Chittenden County are official legal documents that provide evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Vermont Statutes Annotated Title 15 § 551, which governs divorce proceedings in the state. Divorce records typically consist of various court documents filed throughout the divorce process, as well as the final divorce decree that legally terminates the marriage.
The Vermont Judiciary maintains divorce records as part of its official court records. These documents serve multiple important purposes:
- Legal proof of marital status change
- Documentation required for remarriage
- Evidence for name change processes
- Verification for Social Security benefits claims
- Supporting documentation for loan applications
- Required evidence for immigration matters
- Historical and genealogical research
Divorce records in Chittenden County are processed through the Vermont Superior Court, Family Division, which has jurisdiction over family law matters including divorce proceedings. The court maintains the complete case file containing all pleadings, motions, and orders related to each divorce case.
Are Chittenden County Divorce Records Public?
Chittenden County divorce records have a complex public access status that varies by document type and information sensitivity. Under the Vermont Public Records Act, government records are generally presumed to be public unless specifically exempted by law. However, divorce records contain both public and confidential components.
Court divorce case files in Chittenden County are generally accessible to the public with certain exceptions:
- Basic case information (parties' names, case number, filing date, and general case status) is publicly available
- Financial affidavits and information about minor children are typically restricted
- Records containing sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and medical information are redacted or sealed
- Cases involving domestic violence may have protective orders restricting access
Certified divorce certificates, which are maintained by the Vermont Department of Health, have more restricted access. Pursuant to 18 V.S.A. § 5016, certified copies of divorce certificates are available only to:
- Either party named on the divorce certificate
- Legal representatives of either party
- Individuals with a court order authorizing access
- Individuals who can demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record
The Vermont Judiciary provides public access terminals at courthouse locations where members of the public may search for and view publicly available court records, including divorce case information.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Chittenden County in 2026
Members of the public seeking divorce records in Chittenden County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The appropriate approach depends on the specific type of divorce record needed and the requester's relationship to the case.
For court divorce case files:
- Visit the Chittenden County Family Court in person:
Vermont Superior Court - Chittenden Family Division
175 Main Street
Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 863-3467
Vermont Judiciary
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Provide the clerk with as much information as possible:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce filing or finalization
- Case number (if known)
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Complete a records request form available at the courthouse
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Pay applicable search and copy fees (currently $12.00 per search plus $1.00 per page for copies)
For certified divorce certificates:
- Submit a request through the Vermont Department of Health's Vital Records Office
- Complete the application form with required identification
- Provide proof of relationship or legal interest if not a party to the divorce
- Submit the current fee of $10.00 per certificate
Requests may also be submitted through the Vermont State Archives and Records Administration, which serves as an issuing agent for the Department of Health.
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Chittenden County Online?
Chittenden County residents and other authorized individuals may access certain divorce record information online through several official channels. The Vermont Judiciary offers limited online access to court case information through its public portal.
To search for divorce case information online:
- Visit the Vermont Judiciary Public Portal
- Create a user account or continue as a guest
- Select "Smart Search" and choose "Family Division" as the case category
- Enter known information such as party names or case number
- Review the search results for basic case information
It is important to note that the online portal provides only limited information about divorce cases, including:
- Case number and filing date
- Party names
- Attorney information (if applicable)
- Scheduled hearings
- Case status
For certified divorce certificates, individuals may use the Vermont Vital Records Ordering Service to submit online requests. This service allows eligible requesters to order certified copies of divorce certificates that occurred in Vermont. Users must:
- Create an account or log in
- Select "Divorce Certificate" as the record type
- Provide required information about the divorce
- Verify eligibility to receive the record
- Pay the applicable fee ($10.00 per certificate)
- Submit required identification documentation
Full divorce case files containing all pleadings and orders are not available for complete online viewing due to privacy considerations and technical limitations.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Chittenden County?
Members of the public seeking to access divorce records in Chittenden County without incurring fees have limited but viable options. These no-cost methods primarily allow for viewing basic information rather than obtaining official copies.
Free access options include:
- In-person inspection at the courthouse:
Vermont Superior Court - Chittenden Family Division
175 Main Street
Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 863-3467
Vermont Judiciary
Visitors may use public access terminals to view publicly available divorce case information at no charge. While there is no fee for viewing records, printing copies incurs a $1.00 per page fee.
- Public libraries with genealogical resources:
Fletcher Free Library
235 College Street
Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 863-3403
Fletcher Free Library
Some public libraries maintain historical records or provide access to genealogical databases that may contain divorce information for older cases.
- Online basic case information:
The Vermont Judiciary Public Portal allows users to search for basic case information at no charge. While detailed documents are not available through this portal, users can verify the existence of a case and obtain basic status information.
- Historical divorce records research:
The Vermont State Archives and Records Administration provides access to historical vital records, including divorce records, for genealogical research purposes. Older records may be available for viewing without charge.
It should be noted that while viewing records may be free, obtaining certified copies or official documents will always require payment of the established fees.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Chittenden County
Divorce records in Chittenden County comprise a comprehensive collection of documents that chronicle the legal dissolution of a marriage. These records typically contain several distinct components, each serving specific legal and administrative purposes.
A complete divorce case file generally includes:
- Petition for Divorce - The initial filing that states the grounds for divorce and requested relief
- Summons - Official notice to the respondent about the divorce action
- Financial Affidavits - Sworn statements detailing each party's assets, debts, income, and expenses
- Property Division Agreements - Documents outlining how marital property and debts will be allocated
- Child Custody and Support Orders - Determinations regarding parental rights, responsibilities, and financial obligations for minor children
- Temporary Orders - Court directives governing conduct and arrangements during the pendency of the divorce
- Mediation Reports - Summaries of alternative dispute resolution attempts (if applicable)
- Hearing Transcripts - Official records of court proceedings
- Final Divorce Decree - The court's final judgment dissolving the marriage and establishing post-divorce obligations
The certified divorce certificate, issued by the Vermont Department of Health, contains more limited information:
- Full names of both parties
- Date and place of marriage
- Date the divorce was granted
- Court that issued the divorce
- Case number
- Legal grounds for divorce
Pursuant to 15 V.S.A. § 555, the final divorce decree must specifically address property division, spousal maintenance (if any), and provisions for minor children when applicable.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Chittenden County?
Individuals requiring legal proof of divorce in Chittenden County have several options for obtaining official documentation. The appropriate method depends on the specific purpose for which proof is needed and how recently the divorce occurred.
For official proof of divorce, individuals may obtain:
- Certified Copy of Divorce Certificate:
The most commonly accepted proof of divorce is a certified copy of the divorce certificate obtained from the Vermont Department of Health. To request this document:
- Complete the vital records application form
- Provide required identification
- Submit the $10.00 fee per certificate
- Demonstrate eligibility to receive the record
Requests may be submitted:
- Online through the Vermont Vital Records Ordering Service
- By mail to the Vermont Department of Health
- In person at the Department of Health or through the Vermont State Archives and Records Administration
- Certified Copy of Divorce Decree:
For more detailed proof, particularly for legal matters requiring specific divorce terms, individuals may obtain a certified copy of the final divorce decree from the court:
Vermont Superior Court - Chittenden Family Division
175 Main Street
Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 863-3467
Vermont Judiciary
To request a certified decree:
- Provide the case number and names of parties
- Complete the court records request form
- Pay the certification fee (currently $5.00 per document plus copy fees)
- Divorce Verification Letter:
For some purposes, a verification letter confirming divorce status may be sufficient. These can be requested from the Vermont Department of Health Vital Records Office for a reduced fee.
Most government agencies, financial institutions, and foreign consulates accept certified divorce certificates as sufficient proof of divorce. However, some legal proceedings may require the complete divorce decree, particularly when specific terms of the divorce are relevant.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Chittenden County?
While divorce proceedings in Chittenden County are generally matters of public record, Vermont law provides several mechanisms through which certain aspects of divorce cases may be kept confidential. These provisions balance the public's right to access court records with individuals' privacy interests.
Under Vermont Rules for Public Access to Court Records Rule 6, the following divorce-related records are automatically confidential:
- Financial affidavits and supporting documentation
- Information about minor children, including custody evaluations
- Health and medical information
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers
- Records related to abuse prevention proceedings
- Guardian ad litem reports
Additionally, parties may petition the court for heightened confidentiality through:
- Sealing Orders - Upon showing good cause, the court may seal specific documents or entire case files from public view
- Redaction - Sensitive information may be redacted from documents before they are placed in the public file
- Pseudonym Cases - In exceptional circumstances involving safety concerns, cases may proceed using initials or pseudonyms
For cases involving domestic violence, 15 V.S.A. § 1103 provides additional confidentiality protections, including the ability to shield the victim's address and contact information from public disclosure.
It is important to note that even when records are sealed from general public access, they remain available to:
- The parties to the case and their attorneys
- Court personnel with legitimate need for access
- Other individuals specifically authorized by court order
Parties seeking confidentiality should address these concerns at the outset of divorce proceedings, as retroactive sealing of records that have already been publicly accessible is more difficult to obtain.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Chittenden County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Chittenden County varies significantly based on several factors, including case complexity, level of agreement between parties, and court caseload. Under current Vermont law and court procedures, divorces follow different timelines depending on their classification.
For uncontested divorces (where parties agree on all issues):
- Minimum waiting period: 3 months from filing to final decree
- Typical timeframe: 4-6 months
- Required elements: Complete agreement on all issues, including property division, spousal support, and child custody/support if applicable
For contested divorces (where parties disagree on one or more issues):
- Minimum timeframe: 6-8 months
- Average timeframe: 10-14 months
- Complex cases: May extend to 18-24 months or longer
Factors that influence divorce timeframes include:
- Case complexity (high-value assets, business ownership, complex custody arrangements)
- Court congestion and scheduling availability
- Willingness of parties to negotiate and compromise
- Use of alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation
- Need for expert witnesses or custody evaluations
- Attorney scheduling conflicts
- Procedural motions and discovery disputes
According to the Vermont Judiciary Annual Statistical Report, the median time from filing to disposition for divorce cases in Chittenden County is approximately 263 days, though this varies by year and case type.
Vermont law establishes a nisi period of 3 months after the divorce decree is issued before it becomes absolute, as specified in 15 V.S.A. § 554. During this period, the parties remain legally married, though the terms of the divorce decree are enforceable.
How Long Does Chittenden County Keep Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Chittenden County are subject to comprehensive retention schedules established by the Vermont Judiciary and the Vermont State Archives and Records Administration. These schedules ensure the preservation of important legal documents while managing storage resources effectively.
Court divorce case files are retained according to the following schedule:
- Active case files: Maintained at the courthouse until case closure plus 3 years
- Closed case files: Transferred to the Vermont State Archives after 3 years
- Permanent retention: Complete divorce case files are permanently preserved as historical records
This retention policy is governed by the Vermont Judiciary Records Management Policy and 1 V.S.A. § 317a, which establish standards for court records management.
For divorce certificates maintained by the Vermont Department of Health:
- Original certificates: Permanently maintained in state vital records archives
- Electronic records: Permanently preserved in the state vital records database
- Index information: Permanently maintained for public reference
The permanent retention of divorce records serves several important purposes:
- Providing ongoing legal proof of marital status
- Supporting property rights and inheritance claims
- Facilitating genealogical and historical research
- Enabling statistical analysis of demographic trends
While the physical location of older records may change over time, the legal obligation to preserve these records ensures their continued availability. Researchers seeking historical divorce records may need to contact the Vermont State Archives and Records Administration rather than the courthouse for cases more than three years old.
How To Get a Divorce In Chittenden County
Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Chittenden County must follow specific procedures established by Vermont law. The divorce process involves several distinct steps, regardless of whether the case is contested or uncontested.
To initiate a divorce in Chittenden County:
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Determine eligibility: At least one spouse must have resided in Vermont for a minimum of six months before filing, and one spouse must have lived in the state for at least one year before the final divorce can be granted, pursuant to 15 V.S.A. § 592.
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Obtain and complete required forms:
- Complaint for Divorce
- Summons
- Information Sheet
- Financial Affidavit
- Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (if children are involved)
Forms are available from the Vermont Judiciary website or at the courthouse.
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File the completed forms at:
Vermont Superior Court - Chittenden Family Division
175 Main Street
Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 863-3467
Vermont Judiciary
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Pay the filing fee (currently $295) or submit a fee waiver application if eligible.
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Serve the divorce papers on the spouse according to court rules:
- By sheriff or constable service
- By certified mail with return receipt
- By acceptance of service if the spouse agrees
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Participate in the case management conference and any required parent education programs if minor children are involved.
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Negotiate settlement terms or prepare for contested hearings.
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Attend the final divorce hearing where the judge will review and potentially approve the divorce agreement.
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Receive the final divorce decree, which becomes absolute after the nisi period of three months.
For uncontested divorces, the Vermont Judiciary offers simplified procedures that may reduce both time and expense. Parties with complex issues or significant disagreements are advised to consult with an attorney.
How To Get Divorce Papers In Chittenden County
Individuals planning to initiate divorce proceedings in Chittenden County have several options for obtaining the necessary legal forms. These documents constitute the foundation of the divorce process and must be completed accurately to avoid procedural delays.
To obtain divorce papers in Chittenden County:
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Download forms from the Vermont Judiciary website:
- Visit the Vermont Judiciary Family Division Forms page
- Select the appropriate packet based on circumstances (with/without children)
- Download and print all required forms
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Request forms in person:
Vermont Superior Court - Chittenden Family Division
175 Main Street
Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 863-3467
Vermont Judiciary
Court staff can provide the necessary form packets at no charge. The court is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays.
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Request forms by mail:
- Contact the court clerk by phone at (802) 863-3467
- Specify which divorce packet is needed
- Provide a mailing address for delivery
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Obtain forms through legal assistance programs:
Vermont Legal Aid
264 North Winooski Avenue
Burlington, VT 05401
(800) 889-2047
Vermont Legal Aid
Legal aid organizations can provide forms and limited guidance to eligible individuals.
- Access forms through the Court Service Center:
- Located within the courthouse
- Staffed by court employees who can explain which forms are needed
- Available during regular court hours
The basic divorce packet includes:
- Summons, Complaint, and Notice of Appearance
- Information Sheet
- Financial Affidavit
- Property and Debt Schedule
- Child Support Worksheet (if applicable)
- Health Insurance Information Form
- Certificate of Service
Court staff can provide forms and procedural information but cannot offer legal advice. Individuals with complex situations may wish to consult with an attorney before proceeding.