Windham County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Windham County in 2026
WindhamRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Windham County, Vermont. Members of the public may use this resource to locate divorce decrees, case filings, final judgments, and related family court documents. Available record categories may include dissolution of marriage filings, property division orders, parenting plans, spousal support orders, and certified divorce certificates. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the case date and filing jurisdiction.
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking divorce records in Windham County.
Online Searches
1. Vermont Judiciary Public Portal
The Vermont Judiciary Public Portal is a web-based platform that offers court users and members of the general public customized, role-based access to court records. This is the primary online method for locating divorce case information statewide, including cases filed in Windham County Family Division.
- Free basic case information available
- Search by party name or case number
- Access to docket entries and case status
- Document copies may require a fee
2. Vermont Vital Records Ordering Service
The state of Vermont registers divorce certificates through the Department of Health. Members of the public may use the Vermont Vital Records Ordering Service to request certified copies of divorce certificates online.
- Covers divorce certificates issued statewide
- Fee applies per certificate
- Useful for proof of divorce status
3. Vermont Department of Health – Vital Records
The Vermont Department of Health vital records portal allows users to order certified copies of vital records, including divorce certificates. Certified copies are printed on state-engraved security paper with a raised seal and cost $10 per copy.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court – Windham County Family Division
Windham County Superior Court – Family Division
30 Putney Road
Brattleboro, VT 05301
Phone: (802) 257-2800
Vermont Judiciary – Court Locations
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Services available in person:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees
- Staff assistance for locating records
- Review of historical case files
By Mail
Written Request:
Mail requests to:
Windham County Superior Court – Family Division
30 Putney Road
Brattleboro, VT 05301
Include the following with a written request:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
- Purpose of request (if required)
- Payment for copies
- Self-addressed stamped envelope
Processing time is typically one to two weeks for mail requests.
By Phone
Limited Information Available:
- Windham County Superior Court: (802) 257-2800
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists
- Case number
- Case status
- Filing date
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents
- Copies of documents by phone
- Confidential case information
Through Attorneys
An attorney of record may access complete case files, including documents that may be restricted to the general public. Attorneys may also petition the court to access sealed records upon a showing of good cause. Members of the public seeking legal representation may consult the Vermont Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service for assistance.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Vermont
- Names of attorneys involved
- Names of minor children (in some cases)
Search in Correct County
Divorce proceedings in Vermont are filed in the Superior Court – Family Division of the county where either spouse resided at the time of filing. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties. Under Vermont Rules for Family Proceedings, venue is established by the residence of either party, not the location of the marriage.
Residency Requirement:
Vermont law requires that at least one spouse be a resident of Vermont for six months prior to filing for divorce, pursuant to 15 V.S.A. § 592.
Time Considerations
- Recent divorces: May not appear in online systems immediately; allow several days to weeks after the final hearing for records to be processed and indexed.
- Older divorces: Pre-digital records may be archived in paper format and may require additional retrieval time. Staff assistance is recommended for cases filed before the mid-1990s.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common reasons a record may not appear in a search include:
- Incorrect county of search
- Name variations or spelling differences
- Case still pending and not yet finalized
- Very old records stored in physical archives
- Case sealed by court order
If a record cannot be located, members of the public may contact the Windham County Superior Court clerk at (802) 257-2800, attempt alternate name spellings, search under both spouses' names, or check the Vermont Department of Health vital records system.
What Are Windham County Divorce Records?
Windham County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the Windham County Superior Court – Family Division. These records constitute part of the public court record and are maintained by the Clerk of Court as required under Vermont law.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files include the full set of documents filed during the proceeding:
- Petition for divorce or legal separation
- Response or answer to the petition
- Financial affidavits from both parties
- Parenting plans and custody agreements
- Settlement agreements
- Motions, orders, and hearing transcripts
- Final judgment of divorce
Final Divorce Decree is the official court order ending the marriage. It establishes:
- The legal date of dissolution
- Division of marital property and debts
- Alimony or spousal support terms, if any
- Child custody and parenting time arrangements, if applicable
- Child support orders, if applicable
- Restoration of a former name, if requested
Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Clerk of Court and serve as legal proof of divorce status for purposes including remarriage, name changes, immigration proceedings, Social Security benefits, and estate planning.
Supporting Documents may include financial disclosure statements, property appraisals, business valuations, parenting plan worksheets, and post-judgment modification orders.
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Clerk of Court at the Windham County Superior Court – Family Division is the primary custodian of divorce case files. The Vermont Department of Health maintains divorce certificates as part of the state's vital records system, as authorized under 18 V.S.A. § 5001, which governs the registration of vital events in Vermont.
As stated by the Vermont Judiciary, "A divorce legally ends a marriage. At the end of a divorce case the court will issue an order called a decree." Members of the public seeking information about the divorce process in Vermont may consult the Vermont Judiciary's official guidance.
Are Windham County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Windham County are public court records, subject to the Vermont Public Records Act, 1 V.S.A. § 315 et seq. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need or purpose.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of the parties (spouses)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and outcomes
- Court orders and judgments
- Final divorce decree
- Property division orders
- General case status and docket entries
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers (redacted from public filings)
- Bank account and credit card numbers (redacted)
- Detailed tax returns (may be filed under seal)
- Certain income and asset disclosures (limited access)
Children's Information:
- Addresses where minor children reside
- Schools children attend
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children
- Child custody evaluation reports (may be sealed)
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted access)
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse records
- Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
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.
Who Can Access Records:
- General public: Access to most case information; may need to present identification and pay copying fees.
- Parties to the case: Full access to their own case file, including confidential documents.
- Attorneys: Access to case files consistent with their representation; may petition for sealed records.
- Researchers and media: Access to public portions; First Amendment considerations apply to news reporting.
Prohibited Uses:
Vermont law prohibits the use of public records for purposes including stalking, harassment, identity theft, or violation of protective orders. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, genealogical research, background verification, and news reporting.
The Vermont Judiciary notes that members of the public may submit requests for access to court records through the court's established procedures, including requests for certified copies and access to case files.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Windham County?
The following fee schedule applies to divorce records obtained through Windham County Superior Court and the Vermont Department of Health under current Vermont law and court administrative rules.
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of divorce decree (court) | $1.00 per page + $5.00 certification fee |
| Divorce certificate (Vermont Dept. of Health) | $10.00 per certified copy |
| Uncertified copy of court document | $0.25 per page (standard) |
| Online document access (Vermont Judiciary Portal) | Free for basic case information |
| Exemplified/authenticated copy | Additional fee may apply |
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash (in-person at courthouse)
- Check or money order payable to "Vermont Superior Court" (mail requests)
- Credit card (online orders through Vermont Vital Records Ordering Service)
Fee Waivers:
Members of the public who demonstrate financial hardship may petition the court for a waiver of copying fees. Fee waiver requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the presiding judge.
What Is Available at No Cost:
- Basic case information (case number, filing date, party names, case status) through the Vermont Judiciary Public Portal
- In-person review of public case documents at the courthouse (no copying fee for viewing only)
Fees for vital records are governed by 18 V.S.A. § 5007, which authorizes the Vermont Department of Health to establish a schedule of fees for certified copies of vital records.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Windham County
A complete divorce case file maintained by the Windham County Superior Court – Family Division contains the following categories of documents.
Basic Case Information:
- Case number, court name, and division
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Judge assigned to the case
- Attorneys of record and their contact information
- Filing date and case type
Initial Pleadings:
The Petition for Divorce sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the date and location of the marriage, the date of separation if applicable, grounds for divorce (Vermont is a no-fault state, with irretrievable breakdown as the standard ground), information about minor children, and the relief requested including property division and support.
The Response or Answer contains the respondent's position, admissions or denials of the petition's allegations, and any counterpetition for relief.
Financial Affidavits from both parties disclose income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets (real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, and personal property), and liabilities including mortgages, loans, and credit card debt.
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory with valuations
- Debt inventory
- Real property appraisals
- Business valuations and expert reports
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for retirement account division
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plan specifying legal and physical custody, timesharing schedule, holiday arrangements, and decision-making responsibilities
- Child support calculation worksheets
- Income information for both parties
- Health insurance and childcare cost documentation
- Custody evaluation reports (may be restricted)
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted access)
Support Documents:
- Alimony or spousal support orders specifying type, amount, duration, and termination conditions
- Calculation worksheets reflecting standard of living, need, and ability to pay
Settlement Documents:
- Marital Settlement Agreement covering all resolved issues including property division, debt allocation, spousal support, and child-related provisions
- Mediation agreement, if the case was mediated (communications remain confidential, but the final agreement may be incorporated into the record)
Court Orders and Judgments:
- Temporary orders for custody, support, and use of property
- Temporary restraining orders or injunctions, if issued
- Final Judgment of Divorce containing findings of fact, conclusions of law, property division, support orders, custody and parenting time, name restoration if requested, and the judge's signature and seal
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 Redacted:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence evidence (may be sealed)
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluations
- Mediation communications
- Trade secrets in business valuations
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Windham County
Proof of divorce in Windham County may be obtained through two primary channels: the Windham County Superior Court – Family Division and the Vermont Department of Health Vital Records Office.
From the Court:
Members of the public may obtain a certified copy of the Final Judgment of Divorce directly from the Clerk of Court. This document bears the court's official seal and constitutes legally recognized proof of divorce for purposes including remarriage, name changes, and legal proceedings.
- In person: Windham County Superior Court, 30 Putney Road, Brattleboro, VT 05301; (802) 257-2800
- By mail: Submit a written request with party names, approximate divorce date, case number if known, and payment
- Online: Submit a request through the Vermont Judiciary records request process
From the Vermont Department of Health:
A divorce certificate issued by the Vermont Department of Health serves as an official vital record confirming the dissolution of marriage. Members of the public may order vital records online, by mail, or in person. Certified copies cost $10.00 each and are printed on state-engraved security paper with a raised seal.
The Vermont Vital Records Ordering Service states that the service "allows users to request certified copies of the following vital record certificates: birth, death, marriage, civil union, divorce, and dissolution." Members of the public may access this service directly through the Vermont Vital Records Ordering Service portal.
Which Document to Use:
- For most legal purposes, a certified copy of the court's Final Judgment of Divorce is the preferred document.
- For vital records purposes, immigration proceedings, or situations requiring a standardized certificate, the Vermont Department of Health divorce certificate is appropriate.
- Some agencies may accept either form; members of the public should confirm the specific requirements of the requesting institution.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Windham County?
A divorce proceeding in Windham County may be made confidential, in whole or in part, under specific legal circumstances. Vermont courts apply a balancing test weighing the public's presumptive right of access against the privacy interests of the parties and any minor children involved.
The following circumstances may result in confidential or sealed divorce records:
- Domestic violence cases: Courts may seal identifying information, residential addresses, and evidence of abuse to protect the safety of victims, consistent with Vermont's domestic violence statutes.
- Cases involving minor children: Psychological evaluations, guardian ad litem reports, and custody assessments may be restricted from public access to protect children's welfare.
- Mental health and medical records: Records pertaining to a party's mental health treatment or medical history are protected under both state law and federal HIPAA regulations.
- Confidential settlements: Terms of settlement reached through mediation are confidential under Vermont law and are not part of the public record, even if incorporated by reference into a court order.
- Court-ordered sealing: Any party may petition the court to seal specific documents or the entire case file upon a demonstrated showing of good cause. The court issues a written order specifying the scope of sealing.
- High-profile cases: Courts retain discretion to restrict access in cases where public disclosure would cause substantial harm disproportionate to the public interest in access.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a formal motion with the Windham County Superior Court – Family Division and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for access.
How Long Does Windham County Keep Divorce Records?
Windham County divorce records are retained for extended periods consistent with Vermont court records retention schedules and state archival requirements.
The following retention periods apply under current Vermont administrative rules:
- Final judgments and decrees: Retained permanently. Final divorce decrees are considered permanent court records and are never destroyed.
- Complete case files (active and closed): Retained for a minimum of 10 years following the close of the case for most family division matters. Cases involving minor children may be retained until the youngest child reaches the age of majority plus an additional retention period.
- Financial affidavits and discovery documents: Retained for the duration of the case file retention period; some financial documents may be purged earlier pursuant to court administrative orders.
- Archived paper records: Pre-digital case files are maintained in physical archives and may require additional retrieval time. The Vermont State Archives and Records Administration oversees the long-term preservation of government records under 3 V.S.A. § 117.
- Electronic records: Cases filed through the Vermont Judiciary's electronic filing system are maintained in digital format consistent with the court's records management policies.
Members of the public seeking records from cases filed more than 20 years ago should contact the Windham County Superior Court clerk directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures, as older records may be stored off-site or in archival formats.
Lookup Divorce Records in Windham County
- Order vital records including divorce certificates – Vermont Department of Health
- Vermont Vital Records Ordering Service – request certified copies of divorce certificates online
- Vermont Judiciary Public Portal – search court records and access case information
- Requests for Access to Court Records – Vermont Judiciary records request procedures, including divorce certificates
- Divorce proceedings in Vermont – Vermont Judiciary guidance on the divorce process and court decrees