Franklin County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Franklin County in 2026
FranklinVTRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Franklin County, Vermont. Members of the public may find case filings, final decrees, docket entries, and related court documents through official channels. Available record categories may include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, parenting plans, property settlement agreements, and post-judgment modification orders. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality provisions.
Records may be searched through official court resources, the clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and authorized online tools.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Vermont Judiciary maintains case information accessible through the court system's online portal. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for certified copies or document retrieval.
2. State Vital Records
Vermont registers divorce and dissolution events as part of its vital records system. The Vermont Department of Health vital records office maintains records of divorces and dissolutions as official vital events. Certified divorce certificates may be requested through the Vermont Vital Records Ordering Service or through the Vermont Secretary of State's certified vital records office, which serves as an issuing agent for the Vermont Department of Health.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Franklin County Family Division
Franklin County Superior Court 36 Church Street St. Albans, VT 05478 Phone: (802) 524-7997 Vermont Judiciary
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Services available in person include:
- Searching case files by party name or case number
- Viewing filed documents at public access terminals
- Requesting certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Staff assistance for locating archived or older case files
By Mail
Written Request: Mail requests to the Franklin County Superior Court Clerk at 36 Church Street, St. Albans, VT 05478. Written requests should include:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce or dissolution
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Purpose of request, if required
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence
Processing time is at present one to two weeks for standard requests; archived or older records may require additional time.
By Phone
Limited Information:
- Clerk of Court: (802) 524-7997
- Staff may confirm whether a case exists, provide the case number, confirm case status, and verify the filing date
- Staff cannot provide detailed document contents, copies of filed documents, or confidential case information by telephone
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Vermont may access court records on behalf of a client, request documents from sealed or restricted files upon proper showing, and assist with complex or older cases. The Vermont Bar Association's lawyer referral service may assist members of the public in locating qualified family law counsel.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or dissolution
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Prior addresses in Vermont
- Names of children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Under Vermont law, a divorce or dissolution action is filed in the Superior Court of the county where either spouse resides at the time of filing. Members of the public searching for a record should confirm the county of residence at the time of the proceeding. Searching the county where the marriage occurred is not appropriate unless one spouse also resided there at the time of filing.
Vermont § 15 V.S.A. § 592 requires that at least one party to a divorce action be a resident of Vermont for six months prior to filing.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Records may not appear in the online system immediately following a final hearing
- At present, newly finalized cases are entered into the system within days to a few weeks of the final order
- Requestors should allow processing time before assuming a record is unavailable
Older Divorces:
- Cases predating electronic filing may exist only in paper form
- Archived records may require a special retrieval request and additional processing time
- Not all older records have been digitized
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common reasons a record may not be located include:
- Searching the wrong county
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- The case is still pending and has not been finalized
- Very old records held in off-site storage
- The case has been sealed by court order
If a record cannot be located, requestors may contact the Clerk's office at (802) 524-7997, attempt alternate name spellings, search under both spouses' names, check the Vermont vital records system, or consult a licensed Vermont attorney.
What Are Franklin County Divorce Records?
Franklin County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce or dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Franklin County Superior Court. As the Vermont Judiciary notes, "a divorce legally ends a marriage," and at the conclusion of a case the court issues a decree that may address property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support.
Types of Divorce Records
Court case files maintained by the Clerk of Court include:
- Petition for divorce or dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer filed by the respondent
- Financial affidavits submitted by both parties
- Parenting plans and custody agreements
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, objections, and interim court orders
- Transcripts of court hearings
- Final judgment of dissolution
The final decree is the official court order terminating the marriage. It establishes the date of dissolution, the division of marital property and debts, any spousal support obligations, child custody and visitation arrangements, child support orders, and any court-approved name changes. Certified copies of the final decree are available from the Clerk of Court.
Purpose of Divorce Records
Divorce records serve a range of legal and personal purposes, including:
- Establishing proof of marital status for remarriage
- Documenting name changes with government agencies
- Supporting immigration proceedings and visa applications
- Verifying eligibility for Social Security or pension benefits
- Facilitating estate planning and property transfers
- Genealogical and family history research
Who Maintains Divorce Records
The Clerk of the Franklin County Superior Court is the primary custodian of divorce case files and provides certified copies upon request. At the state level, the Vermont Department of Health registers divorces and dissolutions as vital events under 15 V.S.A. § 1, and certified divorce certificates may be obtained through the state vital records system.
Are Franklin County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in the Franklin 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 interest.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of the parties and their attorneys
- Scheduled hearing dates
- Court orders and judgments, including the final decree
- Property division orders
- General case status and docket entries
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from all publicly accessible documents
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed tax returns and financial statements may be subject to limited access
Children's Information:
- Names and addresses of minor children may be redacted
- Schools attended by children are not disclosed
- Child custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports may be sealed by court order
- Psychological evaluations involving children are restricted
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
- Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
- Mediation communications, which are confidential under Vermont law
Sealed Records:
A court may seal all or part of a case file upon a showing of good cause. Cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders. Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for access.
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: Have full access to their own case file, including documents subject to restricted access for third parties
- Attorneys of record: Have professional access to case files and may petition for access to sealed materials upon proper showing
- Researchers and media: May access public portions of case files; First Amendment considerations apply to news reporting on court proceedings
Prohibited Uses:
Vermont law prohibits the use of court records for stalking, harassment, identity theft, or any purpose that violates an existing protective order. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, background research conducted in accordance with applicable law, genealogical research, and news reporting.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Franklin County?
The Franklin County Superior Court charges standard fees for copies and certified documents in accordance with Vermont court rules. Current fees are as follows:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (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 |
| Search fee | No separate search fee at present |
Fees for certified vital records obtained through the Vermont Department of Health or the Vermont State Archives and Records Administration are set separately. At present, the Vermont Vital Records Ordering Service charges $10.00 for a certified copy of a divorce certificate.
Accepted payment methods at the Franklin County Superior Court Clerk's office include cash, check, and money order made payable to the Vermont Superior Court. Online orders through the state vital records portal accept major credit and debit cards.
Members of the public may inspect public court documents in person at the courthouse at no charge. Fees apply only when copies or certified documents are requested. Fee waiver provisions may be available for indigent requestors upon submission of a completed fee waiver application to the court.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Franklin County
A complete Franklin County divorce case file contains documents generated from the initial filing through the final judgment and any post-judgment proceedings. The scope of documents varies depending on whether the case was contested or uncontested and whether children or significant assets were involved.
Basic Case Information:
- Case caption including case number, court name, and names of petitioner and respondent
- Name of the assigned judge and attorneys of record
- Filing date, case type, and jurisdictional basis
Initial Pleadings: The petition for dissolution of marriage sets forth the parties' identifying information, the date and location of the marriage, the date of separation if applicable, grounds for divorce under Vermont law, information regarding minor children, and the relief requested. The respondent's answer addresses each allegation and may include a counterpetition.
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.
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory with descriptions and valuations
- Debt inventory
- Real property appraisals and business valuations
- Expert reports on asset values
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plan specifying legal and physical custody, timesharing schedules, holiday and vacation provisions, and decision-making responsibilities
- Child support calculation worksheets reflecting income, number of overnights, health insurance costs, and childcare expenses
- Custody evaluations ordered by the court
- Guardian ad litem reports, which may be sealed
Support Documents:
- Alimony or spousal support orders specifying type, amount, duration, and termination conditions
- Income analysis and standard of living documentation
Settlement Documents:
- Marital settlement agreement addressing all contested issues, signed and notarized by both parties
- Mediation agreement, if the case was resolved through mediation
Court Orders and Judgments:
- Temporary orders for custody, support, and use of property during the pendency of the case
- Final judgment of dissolution containing the court's findings of fact, conclusions of law, property division, support orders, custody and timesharing provisions, and any name restoration order
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) if retirement accounts are divided
Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable):
- Petitions to modify custody or support
- Court orders on modification requests
- Contempt motions and enforcement actions
- Income deduction orders and liens
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security and financial account numbers (redacted)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details subject to protective orders
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluations
- Mediation communications
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Franklin County?
Proof of divorce in Franklin County is obtained through a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution issued by the Franklin County Superior Court or through a certified divorce certificate issued by the Vermont Department of Health.
Step 1 — Obtain a Certified Copy from the Court
Members of the public may request a certified copy of the final divorce decree in person, by mail, or by telephone inquiry to the Franklin County Superior Court Clerk. The certified copy bears the court's official seal and the clerk's signature, making it acceptable as legal proof of divorce for remarriage, name change applications, immigration proceedings, and benefit claims.
Franklin County Superior Court 36 Church Street St. Albans, VT 05478 Phone: (802) 524-7997 Vermont Judiciary
Step 2 — Obtain a Certified Divorce Certificate from the State
Vermont registers divorces as vital events. A certified divorce certificate may be requested online through the Vermont Vital Records Ordering Service or in person through the Vermont Secretary of State's certified vital records office. The Vermont Department of Health vital records system includes divorces and dissolutions among the eight categories of vital events it maintains.
Vermont Department of Health — Vital Records 108 Cherry Street Burlington, VT 05402 Phone: (800) 439-5008 Vermont Department of Health Vital Records
Step 3 — Provide Required Information
To obtain proof of divorce, requestors must provide the full names of both parties, the approximate date of the divorce, and the county where the case was filed. A government-issued photo identification is required for certified copy requests. The applicable fee must accompany all requests.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Franklin County?
Divorce proceedings in Franklin County are presumptively public, but Vermont law and court rules permit certain records or entire case files to be sealed or restricted under defined circumstances. As the Vermont Judiciary administers family law cases, the court retains authority to limit public access when disclosure would cause harm that outweighs the public interest in transparency.
Records or portions of records that may be treated as confidential include:
- Domestic violence cases: Addresses, contact information, and evidence related to abuse may be withheld to protect the safety of victims under Vermont's domestic violence statutes
- Children's information: Names, addresses, schools, and psychological evaluations of minor children may be redacted or sealed
- Mental health and substance abuse records: Clinical evaluations and treatment records incorporated into case files are subject to confidentiality protections under state and federal law
- Mediation communications: Vermont law treats mediation proceedings as confidential; agreements reached in mediation may be incorporated into court orders without the underlying communications becoming public
- Sealed case files: A party may petition the court to seal all or part of a case file under § 12 V.S.A. § 1 upon a showing of good cause; the court applies a balancing test weighing privacy interests against the presumption of public access
- Financial account identifiers: Social Security numbers and account numbers are redacted from all publicly accessible documents as a matter of standard court practice
A court order is required to seal records beyond the standard redactions. Parties seeking confidentiality must file a motion and provide legal justification; opposing parties receive notice and an opportunity to respond.
How Long Does Franklin County Keep Divorce Records?
The Franklin County Superior Court retains divorce records in accordance with Vermont court records retention schedules established under state administrative rules. Retention periods vary by record type and the nature of the proceeding.
Current retention periods applicable to Franklin County divorce records include:
- Final judgments and decrees: Retained permanently; these documents constitute the official legal record of the dissolution of marriage and are never destroyed
- Complete case files (contested divorces): Retained for a minimum of ten years following the close of the case under Vermont court records management policies
- Uncontested divorce files: Retained for a minimum of ten years following entry of the final decree
- Financial affidavits and discovery documents: Retained as part of the case file for the applicable case file retention period
- Post-judgment modification orders: Retained permanently as amendments to the original final judgment
- Temporary orders: Retained as part of the case file for the duration of the applicable retention period
Vermont's public records law, 1 V.S.A. § 317, governs the retention and disposition of government records, including court records. Records scheduled for destruction are subject to review before disposal. Members of the public seeking records from cases closed more than ten years ago should contact the Franklin County Superior Court Clerk directly, as older paper records may be held in off-site archival storage and may require additional retrieval time.
Vital records of divorces and dissolutions maintained by the Vermont Department of Health are retained permanently as part of the state's official vital statistics system.