Vermont Divorce E-Filing: How to File Online

Vermont allows electronic filing of divorce documents through the state judiciary's e-filing portal. You don't have to drive to the courthouse to submit your paperwork — but there are specific rules about what can be filed electronically, what fees apply, and when paper filing is still required.

How Vermont E-Filing Works

The Vermont Judiciary uses eFile & Serve (EFS), also called eFileVT, for electronic document submission; it was formerly called Odyssey File & Serve. Self-represented litigants can create an account and file documents directly, without an attorney.

The basic process:

1. Create an account on the Vermont e-filing portal
2. Select your court — choose the Family Division in the county where you or your spouse resides
3. Upload your documents as PDF files (the system specifies file format and size limits; save fillable court forms as flat PDFs before uploading)
4. Pay the filing fee electronically via credit card or e-check
5. Receive confirmation — the system timestamps your filing and sends email confirmation

Once submitted, the court clerk reviews the documents for completeness. If anything is missing or improperly formatted, the clerk will notify you through the e-filing system. Accepted documents are docketed with the same legal effect as paper filings.

E-Filing Fees

Electronic filing adds a $14 fee the first time you file in a case, plus a processing fee on top of the standard court filing fees:

• Credit card: 2.89% convenience fee on the filing amount
• E-check: $1.00 flat fee

For a stipulated resident divorce filing ($90), the first-time EFS total is $104 plus approximately $2.60 by credit card, or $105 with eCheck. For a contested filing ($295), the first-time EFS total is $309 plus roughly $8.53 by credit card, or $310 with eCheck.

The e-check option at $1.00 flat is cheaper for larger filing amounts. If you're paying the $295 contested fee, eCheck saves you about $7.53 compared to credit card.

What You Can File Electronically

Most divorce documents can be submitted through e-filing:

• Initial complaint and intake forms
• Financial affidavits (Forms 400-00813A and 400-00813B)
• Final Stipulation (Form 400-00878)
• Motions and responses
• Certificates of service
• Parenting plans and child support worksheets

Paper Filing and Special Filing Notes

Self-represented parties may choose e-filing. If you begin e-filing, you must continue for the entire case; paper filing may be used if you do not opt into e-filing.

• Fee waiver applications (Form 600-00228) — file the application with the other forms; no EFS fee is due upfront unless the request is denied
• Sealed or confidential filings — check the current Family Division instructions for document-specific signature and confidentiality requirements

Check with your county's Family Division clerk about local e-filing rules. Not all counties handle electronic filings identically, and some have specific requirements about document formatting.

VTCourtForms: The Free Form Generator

Before you e-file, you still need to prepare your documents. Vermont offers VTCourtForms — a free guided interview tool that walks you through questions and automatically generates the five initial forms needed to file for divorce:

• Family Court Information Sheet (Form 800)
• Summons and Complaint
• Confidential Information form (Form 400-00849)
• Health Department Divorce Record (Form VDH-VR-DIV)
• Notice of Appearance (Form 400-00831)

The tool outputs court-ready PDFs that you can then upload to the e-filing portal or print and file by mail.

Tips for Smooth E-Filing

Use the VTCourtForms tool first. Generate your forms through the guided interview, then upload the completed PDFs to the e-filing system. This reduces the chance of missing required fields.

Save confirmation emails. Your e-filing confirmation is your proof that documents were timely filed. If a deadline dispute arises, the system's timestamp is your evidence.

Check your e-filing inbox regularly. If the clerk rejects a filing or requests additional information, the notification comes through the e-filing portal. Missing a clerk's request can delay your case.

File early in the day. E-filings submitted after business hours are typically processed the next business day. If you're filing close to a deadline, submit early enough to allow for any system issues.

The Vermont Divorce Filing Process Guide maps every form to its filing method and deadline, helping you stay on track whether you file electronically or by mail.

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