Step 4: Do it yourself or get a lawyer?
DIY divorce Papers (Slower & Least Costly)
If you do not want the assistance of a divorce lawyer, then you can go in for a DIY divorce. And, to start the divorce process, you must fill in several forms which are available on the website of the Vermont Judiciary.
If you don’t have a lawyer, then you may have to attend the Pro Se Education program, which is for around 1.5 hours and is free of cost. You may attend this class in another county and there is no requirement for you to attend the class with your spouse.
You must then fill out all the forms carefully. You can get help from the instructions sheet which is provided along with the forms packet. Here is the sample of the instruction sheet for divorce with children and the one for without children.
If you need help filling out the divorce forms or if you have queries regarding how to go about your own divorce, you can visit the local legal clinic. You can get a list of the legal clinics in Vermont from the website of the Vermont Bar Association. You can also check with the court clerk if your county offers the facility wherein a person helps people filing for divorce to fill out their forms.
Online Divorce Services (Fastest & Inexpensive)
If you’re looking for an inexpensive divorce in Vermont and you’re not sure about how to go about the entire process, an online divorce service is a very easy, quick and affordable option. This option is ideal for couples whose divorce is uncontested.
The online service enables you to prepare all the forms necessary for a divorce. The online system fills out your papers using a simple questionnaire about your marriage. You will also receive detailed instructions of how and where to file the papers and when the forms are completed, you can file them in the local county courthouse with the appropriate fee.
The top provider in the space is 3stepdivorce.com and you can get started for four payment of $84 or a flat fee of $299. Read our review on this company here.
Attorney Divorce Trial (Longer & Expensive)
If you’re unable to reach an agreement on the terms and conditions of the divorce with your spouse, then your case will go to trial. Your spouse and you must present your case, testimony, evidence and witnesses before the judge or your attorney can do it on your behalf.
The judge will hear the case and issue the decisions on all the issues that are disputed.