Where to Find Family Court Records in Vermont?

Each county Superior Courthouse has a family division that handles cases of family law in Vermont. Otherwise called the family court, they have jurisdiction over divorce, civil union, marriages, custody arrangement, juvenile delinquency, domestic abuse, child protection, adoptions, and all family-related legal issues. Persons seeking to access family records can do so at the Clerk’s office of the Superior Court, which filed the case.

The records contained in documents related to family court include both marriage and divorce records. Both types of records contain information that is considered very personal to the parties involved, and it is recommended that those parties maintain these records with care in order to make changes in the future. The personal nature of these records results in both being considerably more difficult to find and obtain when compared to other types of public records. In many cases, these records are not available through either government sources or third party public record websites.

What Is Family Law in Vermont?

In Vermont, family law is a set of established rules and interpretations that form legal interventions in family disputes. Title 15 of the Vermont Statutes Online is dedicated to Domestic Relations, addressing matters such as:

Chapter 1. Civil Marriage

Chapter 3. Rights of the Married Women

Chapter 5. Desertion and Support

Chapter 9. Adoption

Chapter 11. Annulment and Divorce

Chapter 13. Name of Change

Chapter 15. Parent and Child

Chapter 21. Abuse Prevention

There are a total of 25 chapters that address matters arising from domestic interactions in Vermont.

What Are Family Court Cases and Records in Vermont?

Court cases in the family law division are filed disputes arising from domestic relations. Most fall under these categories:

• Child Support: children of separated parents are given support by legal intervention and order;
• Divorce: a legal process that ends a marriage between two people;
• Juvenile matters: misbehavior proceeding from persons under the legal age of adulthood;
• Mediation: the court division provides mediation programs for some family cases to resolve their differences as an alternative to a lawsuit;
• Parentage: it involves establishing fatherhood of a child outside matrimony, for custody;
• Protection from abuse: there are legal processes that provide protection persons exposed to neglect, abuse, or violence;
• Marriage: the legal process of establishing a union between two persons.

Family Court records in Vermont are court-generated or documented information about family court cases held within its jurisdiction. The Superior Court clerk is the primary custodian of the records and makes them available based on court rules.

Are Family Court Cases Public Records in Vermont?

The Public Records Policy of Vermont allows anyone interested to view or copy records with virtually no requirements other than a processing fee. The policy encompasses family court records. However, only the persons listed in the record, delegates, attorneys, and anyone with a court order can access certified copies. Certified copies are used for official purposes and usually bear a legal seal.

Rule 6 of the Supreme Court makes exceptions for information that should be kept public. Sensitive information such as health reports, proposed guardianship and adoption details, probate matters, financial information, juvenile information, and identification numbers are not allowed in the public purview. Also, court records sealed by a party’s court order or motion will not be accessible to third parties.

How Do I Find Family Court Records in Vermont?

The office of the Superior Courthouse Clerk’s office holds family court records. Contact the court where the case was filed by filling out a Request for Access to Court Records and submitting either in person by mail to the relevant address. The type of record requested determines the services fees required. Use the court fee schedule to determine how much the request will cost. There is no cost associated with viewing the records unless there are requests by the inquirer for a print copy. Persons denied access should file an appeal by filling out the Appeal-Request for Access to Court Records. Submit it at the Superior Court, which rejected the request. If the denial was issued because it is a sealed record, persons must submit a copy of the court order now granting access.

How Do I Find Family Court Records Online?

Domestic relations and juvenile cases are not available on VTCourtsOnline. Only calendar information about court sessions is available here. Individuals should direct requests for electronic copies to the Superior courthouse that filed the case. If there is a good cause for electronic copies, individuals will receive the document as such. Interested individuals may access these records remotely through third-party websites that are not affiliated with the government. Therefore it is essential to confirm that the information returned is accurate.

Divorce and marriage records may be available through government sources and organizations, though their availability cannot be guaranteed. This is also true of their availability through third-party websites and companies, as these organizations are not government-sponsored and record availability may vary further. Finally, marriage and divorce records are considered extremely private due to the information they contain, and are often sealed. Bearing these factors in mind, record availability for these types of records cannot be guaranteed.

What Is Vermont Custody Law?

Vermont Custody Law is a set of state-owned rules that underpin child custody decisions in the state. It is a modification of the Uniform Child Custody Act. The law issues regulations and guidelines for the welfare of an involved child in the event of a divorce. The term” custody and visitation ' is described as parental rights and agreements. The law puts the child’s interests ahead of other interests, including the residence of the child and welfare programs.

While the law allows separating parents to come up with a plan, the final decision resides with the judge, especially if it is clear that the child’s interest was not a priority or dissenting opinions. The laws of the state allow physical custody/responsibility and legal custody/ responsibility. Custody refers to where the child would stay, while responsibility refers to the right to make significant decisions on behalf of the child. Under this law, grandparents can make scheduled visits to see the child.

How to Find Family Court Lawyers in Vermont?

The Vermont Judiciary provides a Referral Service to licensed attorneys for interested persons in the state. Interested persons can also find legal assistance and services through the Vermont Legal Aid and Legal Services. The disabled, elderly, and low-income residents are the key beneficiaries of this: being provided pro bono or low-cost services on request. Call (800) 889–2047 to determine eligibility and get legal advice. The Vermont Bar Association allows a preliminary free consultation for a maximum of $25. Lawyer referrals are also available on this service at (800) 639–7036. A list of family law attorneys is available on the Cornell University Law School Directory. The directory lists the names and their contact by city or county.