Vermont Divorce Forms: Complete List and Filing Order
Vermont Divorce Forms: Complete List and Filing Order
Vermont's Family Division uses standardized numbered forms for every stage of a divorce case. The problem isn't finding them — they're free on vtcourts.gov — it's knowing which ones you need, in what order, and what happens when one is filled out wrong.
Here's the complete form inventory organized by the sequence you'll actually use them.
Stage 1: Initial Filing Packet
These forms go to the clerk together when you open your case:
| Form | Number | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Family Court Information Sheet | Form 800 | Basic intake — names, addresses, marriage date, children |
| Complaint for Divorce | Form 400-00836 | Your formal request to dissolve the marriage |
| Statement of Confidential Information | Form 400-00849 | SSNs, DOBs — sealed from public access |
| Vital Records Form | VDH-VR-DIV | Statistical reporting to the Department of Health |
| Notice of Appearance | Form 400-00831 | Tells the court you're representing yourself |
Vermont offers two versions of the complaint: one for cases with minor children and one without. Use the correct version — filing the wrong one means starting over.
Stage 2: Service of Process Forms
After filing, you need to formally deliver papers to your spouse within 30 days:
| Form | Number | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance of Service | Form 400-00844 | Spouse agrees to accept papers directly — no cost |
| Waiver of Service | Form 400-00820 | First-class mail option (no-children cases only) |
| Certificate of Service | Form 600-00264 | Proof that service was completed by mail or sheriff |
| Motion for Service by Publication | Form 400-00830 | Spouse can't be located after diligent search |
| Affidavit | Form 400-00804 | Required with publication motion — details your search efforts |
The Acceptance of Service form is the simplest path. Your spouse signs it acknowledging receipt — this doesn't mean they agree with anything in the complaint, just that they received it.
Stage 3: Financial Disclosure Forms
Both parties must exchange financial records, typically within 30 days of service:
| Form | Number | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Affidavit — Income/Expenses | Form 400-00813A | Monthly income, deductions, living expenses |
| Financial Affidavit — Assets/Debts | Form 400-00813B | Bank accounts, property, retirement accounts, credit cards |
These are verified under oath. The court relies on them for property division and support calculations. Understating income or omitting assets can result in sanctions.
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Stage 4: Resolution Forms
How you resolve the case determines which forms you need:
| Form | Number | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Final Stipulation | Form 400-00878 | Both parties agree on all terms |
| Agreement on Parental Rights | Form 400-00825 | Required if children are involved |
| Motion to Waive Final Hearing | Form 400-00841 | Stipulated cases without children — skip the courtroom |
| Answer and Counterclaim | Form 400-00837 | Defendant disagrees and files their own claims |
For a fully stipulated case, the Final Stipulation form is the centerpiece. It covers property division, debt allocation, spousal maintenance, and (if applicable) parenting arrangements.
Where to Get the Forms
All forms are available through two channels:
- VTCourtForms — an online guided interview tool that walks you through questions and fills in the forms based on your answers
- Direct PDF downloads from vtcourts.gov — blank forms you fill in manually
The guided interview catches some common errors by validating your inputs, but it won't tell you whether your property division is equitable or your parenting plan is complete.
Common Form Mistakes That Delay Cases
The clerk will return an incomplete packet without filing it. Watch for these:
- Missing the Statement of Confidential Information (Form 400-00849) — frequently forgotten because it's not part of the complaint itself
- Using the wrong complaint version — the children/no-children versions have different required sections
- Leaving the Vital Records form blank — it's a state reporting requirement, not optional
- Incomplete financial affidavits — every line must be filled in, even if the value is zero
For a guided walkthrough that puts every form in context — with preparation worksheets to organize your information before you start filling in blanks — see the Vermont Divorce Filing Process Guide.
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Download the Vermont — Divorce Filing Quick-Start Checklist — a printable guide with checklists, scripts, and action plans you can start using today.