COMPLAINT
The first paper filed in the Family Court is called the "Complaint". It describes a few facts about your marriage and asks the court to grant you a divorce. If you hire a lawyer, the lawyer will usually write it for you. But the Vermont courts have a form complaint that you can fill out yourself if you don't have a lawyer.
You can find blank forms for:
TIP: The forms on the State of Vermont website are really bad. I like to print them and fill them out by hand instead of filling them out on-line.
Once you have filled out the complaint, you need to file it with the right court.
Related Questions:
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What papers do I file with the complaint?
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Is there a fee for filing the complaint?
What are the next steps after filing the complaint?
Filing the Complaint
The first step to starting any case in the family court is filing a Complaint. Sometimes this is called a petition, especially for paternity or child support when there is no divorce. Same concept.
Can I File the Complaint on my Own?
Yes, you can. Here are links for to the forms you need to fill out (This forms include a summons as well as the complaint.)
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A complaint for divorce with kids here.
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A complaint for divorce without kids here.
What else do I need to file?
Once you have filled out the complaint, there are a number of additional forms you need to file at the same time. More information on these forms is here (what documents should I file with the complaint).
What Court Should I File In?
You can file the Complaint in the family court in the county where either you or your spouse lives.
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Contact information and so on for these courts is here. The address and telephone numbers for the courts can be found below.
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Addison Family Division
7 Mahady Court · Middlebury, VT · 05753
(802) 388-7741 -
Bennington Family Division
200 Veterans Memorial Drive · Bennington, VT · 05201
(802) 447-2727 -
Caledonia Family Division
1126 Main St, Ste 1 · St Johnsbury, VT · 05819
(802) 748-6600 -
Chittenden Family Division
32 Cherry St, Suite 300 · Burlington, VT · 05401
(802) 651-1709 -
Franklin Family Divison
36 Lake St · St Albans, VT · 05478
(802) 524-7997 -
Grand Isle Family Division
PO Box 7 · North Hero, VT · 05474
(802) 372-8350 -
Lamoille Family Division
PO Box 570 · Hyde Park, VT · 05655
(802) 888-3887 -
Orange Family Division
5 Court St · Chelsea, VT · 05038
(802) 685-4610 -
Orleans Family Division
247 Main St, Suite 1 · Newport, VT · 05855
(802) 334-3305 -
Rutland Family Division
9 Merchants Row · Rutland, VT · 05701
(802) 786-5856 -
Washington Family Division
255 North Main St, 2nd Flr · Barre, VT · 05641
(802) 479-4205 -
Windham Family Division
30 Putney Rd (2nd floor) · Brattleboro, VT · 05301
(802) 257-2800 -
Windsor Family Division
82 Railroad Row · White River Jct, VT · 05001
(802) 295-8865