Vermont Divorce Cost Calculator
Estimate the real cost of divorce in Vermont — filing fees, attorney costs, and totals by path. Updated for 2026.
Last reviewed July 2026 · Free · Nothing you enter is stored
Property, support, and custody if you have children.
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estimated total cost range
Estimate based on Vermont filing fees and surveyed attorney costs. Complex assets, custody disputes, and trial can push costs well beyond these ranges.
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What drives divorce costs in Vermont
The single biggest variable is conflict. An uncontested divorce — where you agree on property, support, and parenting — costs a small fraction of a contested one, because attorney hours, discovery, and court appearances are where the money goes. At Vermont's average family-law rate of ~$282/hour, every disputed issue adds hours quickly. Note that Vermont has a mandatory waiting period of 90-day nisi period (after 6-month separation) before a divorce can be finalized.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to file for divorce in Vermont?
The court filing fee in Vermont is typically around $295 (Filing fee drops to $90 when spouses file with a full stipulation; decree becomes absolute 90 days after the final hearing.). Fee waivers are generally available for filers who can't afford it.
How much does a divorce lawyer cost in Vermont?
Family-law attorneys in Vermont average around $282/hour. Uncontested divorces typically run $2,400–$3,300 total; contested divorces $9,100–$19,600 or more.
How long do I have to live in Vermont before filing?
Vermont requires 6 months (1 year before final hearing) of residency before filing for divorce.
What's the cheapest way to get divorced in Vermont?
An uncontested DIY filing: agree on everything, use the court's forms (many Vermont courts provide self-help packets), and pay only the filing fee (~$295). Mediation is the next cheapest path when you need help reaching agreement — typically a fraction of the cost of two attorneys litigating.
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