Lamoille County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Lamoille County in 2026
LamoilleRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Lamoille County, Vermont. Members of the public may find case summaries, final decrees, docket entries, and related court documents through official channels. Available record categories include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, property division orders, parenting plans, and certified divorce certificates. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality provisions.
Records may be searched through official resources including the Vermont Judiciary's online portal, the Lamoille County Family Division clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and the Vermont Department of Health's vital records system.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Vermont Judiciary operates the Public Portal, a web-based platform that offers court users and members of the general public customized, role-based access to court records. This is the most common method for locating divorce case information without visiting the courthouse in person.
- Access is available at no charge for basic case information
- Docket entries, case numbers, and party names are searchable
- Copies of filed documents may require a fee
- Registration may be required for expanded access
2. State Court System Portal
The Vermont Judiciary's statewide portal consolidates records across all county divisions, allowing searches across jurisdictions from a single interface. Members of the public may use this system to confirm whether a divorce was filed in Lamoille County or an adjacent county.
3. State Vital Records
The Vermont Department of Health issues certified and noncertified copies of vital records for divorces that took place in Vermont. The Department maintains divorce certificates separately from full court case files. Fees apply to certified copies ordered through this office.
The Vermont Vital Records Ordering Service allows users to request certified copies of divorce certificates online. This service is distinct from the court record system and provides a summary certificate rather than the complete case file.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Lamoille County Family Division
Lamoille County Superior Court
154 Hyde Park Avenue
Hyde Park, VT 05655
Phone: (802) 888-3887
Vermont Judiciary
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Services available in person:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View filed documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Obtain staff assistance for locating older or archived records
Records Department:
The Lamoille County Superior Court clerk's office maintains both active and archived family division case files. Historical records predating electronic filing may be stored in paper format and may require additional retrieval time. Requests for archived cases should be submitted directly to the clerk's office with as much identifying information as possible.
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Lamoille County Superior Court, 154 Hyde Park Avenue, Hyde Park, VT 05655
- Include the following with each request:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing year
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Purpose of request, if required by the clerk
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
- Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately one to two weeks, depending on volume and whether records require retrieval from archive storage
By Phone
Limited Information Available by Phone:
- Lamoille County Superior Court: (802) 888-3887
- Clerk staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- The assigned case number
- Current case status
- The original filing date
- Clerk staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents over the phone
- Copies of filed documents
- Information from sealed or confidential portions of a case file
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Vermont may access divorce case files on behalf of a client, including requesting documents from sealed portions of a record upon a proper showing to the court. The Vermont Bar Association maintains a lawyer referral service for members of the public seeking legal representation in family law matters. Attorney access is particularly useful in complex cases involving sealed financial records, custody evaluations, or post-judgment enforcement proceedings.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses at the time of filing
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate year or date range of the divorce
- Case number, if previously obtained
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Prior addresses in Vermont
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
- Names of minor children, if applicable
Search in Correct County
Under Vermont law, a divorce action is filed in the Superior Court of the county where either spouse resides at the time of filing. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search records in Lamoille County as well as adjacent counties, including Washington, Orleans, Chittenden, or Franklin, depending on the parties' known residences. A divorce may not be searched in the county where the marriage ceremony occurred unless one of the parties also resided there at the time of filing.
Residency Requirement:
Pursuant to 15 V.S.A. § 592, at least one spouse must have been a resident of Vermont for six months immediately preceding the filing of a divorce complaint. The action is filed in the Superior Court of the county where the plaintiff or defendant resides.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Newly finalized cases may not appear in the online portal immediately
- Allow several business days to several weeks after the final hearing for the record to be indexed
- The clerk's office can confirm whether a final decree has been entered
Older Divorces:
- Cases filed before electronic filing was implemented may exist only in paper format
- Digitization of older records is ongoing but not complete
- Retrieval of archived paper files may require additional processing time
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- The divorce was filed in a different Vermont county
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- The case is still pending and no final decree has been entered
- Very old records are stored in off-site archives
- The case has been sealed by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Lamoille County Superior Court clerk at (802) 888-3887
- Attempt alternate name spellings in the online portal
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the Vermont Department of Health vital records system for a divorce certificate
- Consult a Vermont-licensed attorney for assistance with sealed or difficult-to-locate records
What Are Lamoille County Divorce Records?
Lamoille County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Lamoille County Superior Court. As the Vermont Judiciary explains, "[a] divorce legally ends a marriage. At the end of a divorce case the court will issue an order called a decree. The decree can settle different issues," including property division, spousal support, child custody, and name restoration. These records are maintained by the clerk of the Superior Court and constitute part of the permanent family law case file.
Types of Divorce Records
Court Case Files
The complete case file for a Lamoille County divorce proceeding may include:
- Complaint for divorce or petition for dissolution of marriage
- Summons and proof of service
- Response or answer filed by the respondent
- Financial affidavits submitted by both parties
- Parenting plans and proposed custody arrangements
- Motions, objections, and court orders issued during the proceeding
- Transcripts of court hearings, if ordered
- Final judgment of divorce or final order of dissolution
Final Decree
The final divorce decree is the official court order that legally terminates the marriage. It serves as the primary legal proof of divorce and establishes:
- The date on which the marriage was dissolved
- Division of marital property and allocation of debts
- Alimony or spousal maintenance provisions, if ordered
- Child custody and parent-child contact arrangements, if applicable
- Child support obligations, if applicable
- Restoration of a former name, if requested
Certified copies of the final decree are available from the clerk of court and from the Vermont Department of Health.
Supporting Documents
Supporting documents filed in a divorce case may include financial disclosure statements, property appraisals, business valuations, parenting plan worksheets, child support calculation worksheets, Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for division of retirement accounts, and post-judgment modification orders.
Who Maintains Divorce Records
The Lamoille County Superior Court clerk's office serves as the primary custodian of all divorce case files. The clerk indexes records by the names of both parties and assigns a unique case number to each proceeding. The Vermont Department of Health maintains a separate registry of divorce certificates, which provide summary information about finalized divorces statewide.
Legal Framework
Vermont's dissolution of marriage statutes are codified at 15 V.S.A. § 551 et seq., which governs grounds for divorce, residency requirements, and the court's authority to issue orders regarding property, support, and custody. Vermont's public records law, codified at 1 V.S.A. § 315 et seq., establishes the presumption that court records are open to public inspection unless a specific statutory or court-ordered exception applies.
Are Lamoille County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Lamoille County Superior Court are public court records subject to Vermont's public records law. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need or purpose. However, certain categories of information within a divorce file are restricted, redacted, or sealed pursuant to court rules and state statute.
What Is Public
The following information is accessible to any member of the public:
- Case number and original filing date
- Full names of both parties as listed in the case caption
- Names of attorneys of record
- Scheduled and completed court hearing dates
- Docket entries reflecting the chronological history of the case
- Court orders and judgments, including the final divorce decree
- Property division orders
- General case status
What May Be Restricted
Financial Information
Pursuant to Vermont Rules for Public Access to Court Records, certain financial identifiers are redacted from publicly accessible documents:
- Social Security numbers
- Bank account and financial account numbers
- Credit card numbers
- Detailed tax returns (access may be limited)
Children's Information
Vermont courts apply heightened protections to information concerning minor children in family law proceedings:
- Residential addresses of minor children
- Names of schools children attend
- Medical and psychological records pertaining to children
- Custody evaluation reports (may be sealed)
- Guardian ad litem reports (access restricted)
Sensitive Personal Information
- Domestic violence allegations, protective order applications, and related evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
- Personal addresses of parties in cases involving safety concerns
Sealed Records
A court may seal all or part of a divorce case file upon a showing of good cause. Sealed records are not accessible to the general public. Parties to the case and their attorneys retain access to sealed portions of their own case file.
Who Can Access Records
- General public: May access most case information, view docket summaries, and obtain copies of public documents upon payment of applicable fees
- Parties to the case: Entitled to full access to their own case file, including confidential portions
- Attorneys of record: Access to all filed documents; may petition the court for access to sealed materials upon a proper showing
- Researchers and media: Access to public portions of the record; court permission required for sealed materials
Prohibited Uses
Vermont law prohibits the use of court records for stalking, harassment, identity theft, or any purpose that violates an existing protective order. Members of the public who obtain divorce records are subject to applicable state and federal privacy laws governing the use of personal information.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Lamoille County?
The Vermont Judiciary establishes standard fees for copies of court records. Current fees applicable to divorce records in Lamoille County are as follows:
| Service | Standard Fee |
|---|---|
| Inspection of public records | No charge |
| Paper copies (per page) | $0.25 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree or order | $10.00 per document |
| Certification fee (per document) | Included in certified copy fee |
| Electronic copies (where available) | Varies; contact clerk |
| Search fee | No separate search fee |
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash
- Check or money order payable to "Vermont Superior Court"
- Credit or debit card (availability varies by location; confirm with clerk)
Fee Waivers:
Members of the public who demonstrate financial hardship may petition the court for a waiver of copy fees. The clerk's office can provide the applicable waiver request form. Parties to the case who are proceeding without an attorney (pro se) may also inquire about reduced-fee access to their own case documents.
Vital Records Fees:
Certified copies of divorce certificates ordered through the Vermont Department of Health are subject to a separate fee schedule. At present, the Department charges $10.00 for the first certified copy and $4.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Noncertified copies are available at a reduced rate. Fees for online orders placed through the Vermont Vital Records Ordering Service may include an additional processing charge.
What Is Available at No Charge:
- In-person inspection of public case documents at the courthouse
- Review of docket entries through the Vermont Judiciary's Public Portal
- Verbal confirmation of case existence, case number, and status by phone
What's Included in Divorce Records in Lamoille County
A complete Lamoille County divorce case file contains all documents filed with the Superior Court from the initiation of the proceeding through final judgment and any post-judgment actions. The scope of the file depends on whether the divorce was uncontested or contested and whether children or significant assets were involved.
Basic Case Information
Every divorce file includes a case caption identifying the case number, the court name and division, the full names of the petitioner and respondent, the judge assigned to the matter, and the names of attorneys of record. Filing information reflects the original filing date, the case type, and the jurisdictional basis for the action.
Initial Pleadings
The complaint or petition for divorce sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the respondent's identifying information, the date and location of the marriage, the grounds for divorce, information about minor children if applicable, and the relief requested. Vermont is a no-fault divorce state; the standard ground for divorce is an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage as provided under 15 V.S.A. § 551. The respondent's answer or response, and any counterclaim, is also part of the initial pleadings.
Financial Affidavits
Both parties are required to submit financial affidavits disclosing income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets including real property, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, and retirement accounts, and all liabilities including mortgages, loans, and credit card debt. These affidavits form the evidentiary basis for property division and support determinations.
Discovery Documents
In contested cases, the file may include interrogatories and responses, requests for production of documents, deposition notices, and responses to requests for admission. Financial records such as tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and business financial statements may be attached as exhibits.
Property-Related Documents
The file may contain a marital asset inventory, a debt inventory, real property appraisals, business valuations, and expert reports on the value of specific assets. Qualified Domestic Relations Orders, which direct retirement plan administrators to divide benefits between the parties, are filed as separate orders within the case file.
Children-Related Documents
When minor children are involved, the file includes a parenting plan addressing legal and physical custody, a timesharing schedule covering regular, holiday, and vacation periods, a child support calculation worksheet, and any orders for custody evaluations or guardian ad litem appointments. Custody evaluation reports and guardian ad litem reports may be restricted from public access.
Settlement Documents
A marital settlement agreement, if the parties resolve their case by agreement, is incorporated into the final decree and becomes a court order. Mediation communications are confidential under Vermont law and are not part of the public court record.
Court Orders and Final Judgment
Temporary orders issued during the pendency of the case, including temporary custody, support, and use of property, are part of the file. The final judgment of dissolution is the definitive court order ending the marriage and resolving all pending issues. It includes the court's findings of fact, conclusions of law, and all operative orders regarding property, support, custody, and name restoration.
Post-Judgment Documents
After entry of the final decree, the file may be supplemented with petitions to modify custody or support, motions for contempt, income deduction orders, and enforcement actions. These post-judgment documents are part of the same case file and are accessible under the same public access rules that apply to the original proceeding.
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted in all public copies)
- Residential addresses and school information for minor children
- Domestic violence-related evidence in cases involving safety concerns
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
- Trade secrets or proprietary business information introduced in valuation proceedings
- Mediation communications
- Settlement negotiations not reduced to a filed agreement
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Lamoille County?
Proof of divorce in Lamoille County may be obtained in two primary forms: a certified copy of the final divorce decree from the Superior Court, or a certified divorce certificate from the Vermont Department of Health. The appropriate form of proof depends on the purpose for which it is needed.
Certified Copy of Final Decree from the Court
A certified copy of the final divorce decree bears the clerk's official seal and signature and constitutes legally recognized proof that the marriage was dissolved by court order. To obtain a certified copy:
- Submit a written request to the Lamoille County Superior Court clerk's office in person, by mail, or by phone
- Provide the full names of both parties, the approximate year of divorce, and the case number if known
- Pay the applicable certification fee of $10.00 per document
- Allow processing time of one to two weeks for mail requests; in-person requests may be fulfilled the same day if the file is readily accessible
Lamoille County Superior Court
154 Hyde Park Avenue
Hyde Park, VT 05655
Phone: (802) 888-3887
Vermont Judiciary — Requests for Access to Court Records
Certified Divorce Certificate from the Vermont Department of Health
The Vermont Department of Health issues certified divorce certificates for divorces finalized in Vermont. As stated by the Department, it "issues certified and noncertified copies of vital records for births, deaths, marriages, and divorces that took place in the state of Vermont." A divorce certificate provides summary information including the names of the parties, the date of divorce, and the county of filing, but does not contain the full text of the final decree or supporting documents.
Requests may be submitted online through the Vermont Vital Records Ordering Service, by mail, or in person at the Department of Health.
Vermont Department of Health — Vital Records
108 Cherry Street
Burlington, VT 05402
Phone: (802) 863-7275
Order Vital Records — Vermont Department of Health
Which Form of Proof to Use
- Remarriage in Vermont or another state: A certified divorce certificate or certified copy of the final decree is accepted
- Immigration proceedings: A certified copy of the final decree is preferred; consult with an immigration attorney regarding specific requirements
- Name change documentation: The final decree containing the name restoration order is required
- Estate or probate proceedings: A certified copy of the final decree is required
- General proof of marital status: A certified divorce certificate from the Department of Health is sufficient for most purposes
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Lamoille County?
A divorce proceeding in Lamoille County may be partially or fully confidential under specific circumstances recognized by Vermont law and court rules. Confidentiality is not automatic; it requires either a statutory basis or a court order sealing the record.
- Domestic violence cases: When a party to a divorce has obtained or is seeking a relief from abuse order, the court may restrict public access to addresses, contact information, and related evidence to protect the safety of the protected party
- Children's information: Vermont court rules provide that certain identifying information about minor children, including residential addresses and school enrollment, is not included in publicly accessible portions of the case file
- Financial identifiers: Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and similar identifiers are redacted from all publicly accessible documents as a matter of standard court practice
- Sealed records: Either party may file a motion to seal all or part of the case file. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in open court records against the specific privacy or safety interest asserted. Sealing is granted only upon a showing of good cause
- Mediation records: Communications made during court-ordered or voluntary mediation are confidential and are not filed with the court or accessible to the public
- Mental health and substance abuse records: Records pertaining to mental health treatment or substance abuse evaluation introduced in a divorce proceeding may be restricted from public access pursuant to applicable state and federal privacy laws
Members of the public seeking access to a sealed Lamoille County divorce record must file a motion with the Superior Court demonstrating a legitimate legal basis for access. The Vermont Judiciary's records request process provides guidance on submitting such requests.
How Long Does Lamoille County Keep Divorce Records?
Lamoille County Superior Court retains divorce records in accordance with Vermont's court records retention schedule, which is established by the Vermont Judiciary and the Vermont State Archives and Records Administration.
- Active case files: Maintained by the clerk's office for the duration of the case and for a period following final judgment
- Final decrees and permanent orders: Retained permanently as part of the official court record; these documents are never destroyed
- Complete case files (contested divorces): Retained for a minimum of ten years following the date of final judgment, after which non-permanent documents may be transferred to archive storage or destroyed in accordance with the applicable retention schedule
- Post-judgment modification and enforcement records: Retained as part of the original case file and subject to the same retention schedule
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the Vermont Judiciary's case management system indefinitely for index and docket purposes, even if paper documents are archived or destroyed
- Vital records (divorce certificates): The Vermont Department of Health retains divorce certificates permanently in the statewide vital records registry
- Archived paper records: Older paper case files that have been transferred from the courthouse may be retrieved upon request, though additional processing time may be required
Vermont's court records retention policies are administered in coordination with the Vermont State Archives and Records Administration. Members of the public seeking records from cases that may have been archived should contact the Lamoille County Superior Court clerk's office directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.