Vermont divorce laws are rather much like the divorce laws in many other states. Anyone planning on filing for divorce in Vermont can probably get a quick grasp of the basics of the law quite easily.
In order to file for divorce in Vermont, a person must have lived in the state for at least six months or more. However, the divorce will not be finalized until or unless a person has lived in the state for at least a period of one year or more before the last divorce hearing. Temporary absence—such as due to illness, employment, or deployment for the armed forces—will not affect the requirements.
Vermont courts will grant divorces for several different grounds. The plaintiff (the person who files for divorce) must prove the grounds for divorce to the court. Here are the possible grounds that may be used:
In Vermont, property division is done equitably. This means that it is done in a fair manner, but not necessarily an equal manner. A divorcing couple is encouraged to figure out a method through which to divide their own property and assets; however, this is not always possible. In these cases, the courts must step in and decide for the couple.
Vermont courts may or may not order one spouse to make support payments to the other. These payments may be temporary or permanent in nature. These are decided by looking at these factors:
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