Caledonia County Divorce Records

How To Find a Divorce Record In Caledonia County in 2026

CaledoniaRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Caledonia County, Vermont. Members of the public may locate records such as final divorce decrees, case docket entries, court orders, and related family court filings. Record availability varies depending on the age of the case, the nature of the proceedings, and any court-ordered restrictions. The following categories of records may be accessible through official channels:

• Final judgments of dissolution
• Divorce case docket entries
• Property division orders
• Spousal support orders
• Parenting plans and child custody orders
• Post-judgment modification orders

Divorce records in Caledonia County may be searched through official court resources, the clerk of court's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools provided by the Vermont Judiciary.

Online Searches

1. Clerk of Court Case Search

The Vermont Judiciary's Public Portal is the primary online tool for searching divorce case records. The portal offers role-based access to court records and is available to members of the general public at no charge for basic case information. Copies of documents retrieved through the portal may require a fee.

2. State Court System Portal

The Vermont Judiciary maintains a statewide court portal that allows users to search across all Vermont court divisions, including the Family Division, which handles all divorce and dissolution proceedings. This consolidated database covers cases filed in Caledonia County and other Vermont counties.

3. State Vital Records

Vermont does not issue a separate "divorce certificate" in the same manner as a birth or death certificate; however, the Vermont Vital Records Ordering Service and the Vermont Department of Health maintain certain dissolution-related records. The Vermont Secretary of State's Office, acting as an issuing agent for the Vermont Department of Health, can provide certified copies of vital records that may be relevant to confirming marital status.

In-Person Searches

Clerk of Court — Caledonia Family Division:

Caledonia Superior Court — Family Division
1126 Main Street, Suite 1
St. Johnsbury, VT 05819
Phone: (802) 748-6600
Vermont Judiciary — Family Division

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 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 with locating records

Records Department:

Historical and archived divorce case files are maintained by the Caledonia Superior Court clerk's office. Cases predating electronic filing may exist only in paper format and may require additional retrieval time. Certified copy requests for archived cases are accepted at the clerk's counter.

By Mail

Written Request:

Mail requests to:

Caledonia Superior Court — Clerk's Office
1126 Main Street, Suite 1
St. Johnsbury, VT 05819

Include the following with any written request:

• Full legal names of both parties
• Maiden names, if applicable
• Approximate date of divorce or case filing
• Case number, if known
• Requestor's full name and contact information
• Purpose of the request, if required by the court
• Payment for applicable copy fees
• Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents

Processing time for mail requests is typically one to two weeks, depending on case age and current clerk workload.

By Phone

Limited Information:

• Caledonia Superior Court Clerk: (802) 748-6600
• Staff may confirm whether a case exists, provide a case number, confirm case status, and verify the filing date.
• Staff cannot provide detailed document contents, copies of filed documents, or any information subject to confidentiality restrictions by phone.

Through Attorneys

An attorney licensed in Vermont may access divorce case files on behalf of a client, request documents from sealed or restricted portions of a file upon a proper showing, and assist with complex record retrieval. The Vermont Bar Association maintains a lawyer referral service for members of the public seeking legal representation.

Information Needed for Search

Essential Information:

• Full legal names of both spouses at the time of filing
• Maiden names, if applicable
• Approximate date of divorce or year of filing
• Case number, if previously obtained

Helpful Information:

• Date and location of marriage
• Prior addresses in Vermont
• Names of minor children involved
• Names of attorneys of record, if known

Search in Correct County

Under 15 V.S.A. § 592, a divorce action in Vermont must be filed in the Superior Court of the county where either spouse resides. Members of the public searching for a divorce record should confirm the county of residence at the time of filing. Searching the county where the marriage occurred is not appropriate unless one spouse also resided there at the time of the divorce filing.

Residency Requirement:

Vermont law requires that at least one spouse have been a resident of Vermont for six months immediately preceding the filing of a divorce complaint, as set forth under 15 V.S.A. § 592.

Time Considerations

Recent Divorces:

• Cases finalized within the past several weeks may not yet appear in online search systems.
• Members of the public should allow standard processing time following the final hearing before searching online.
• Records are typically available within days to a few weeks of the final order being entered.

Older Divorces:

• Cases predating electronic filing systems may be archived in paper format.
• Retrieval of archived records may require additional time and a specific written request.
• Not all older records have been digitized.

What If You Cannot Find a Record

Common Issues:

• The divorce was filed in a different Vermont county.
• Name variations exist between maiden name, married name, and legal name at filing.
• Spelling differences in party names affect search results.
• The case has not yet been finalized and remains pending.
• Very old records are stored in a separate archive.
• The case has been sealed by court order.

Next Steps:

• Contact the Caledonia Superior Court clerk at (802) 748-6600.
• Attempt alternate name spellings and both spouses' names.
• Search the Vermont Judiciary's Public Portal using different search parameters.
• Check with the Vermont Vital Records Ordering Service for dissolution-related vital record information.
• Retain an attorney for assistance with sealed or difficult-to-locate records.

What Are Caledonia County Divorce Records?

Caledonia County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the Caledonia Superior Court's Family Division. These records constitute part of the court's permanent case file and are maintained by the clerk of court as public records, subject to applicable restrictions under Vermont law.

Types of Divorce Records:

Court Case Files

The complete case file for a divorce proceeding may include:

• Petition for divorce or dissolution of marriage
• Response or answer filed by the respondent spouse
• Financial affidavits submitted by both parties
• Parenting plans and proposed custody arrangements
• Marital settlement agreements
• Motions, objections, and related court orders
• Transcripts of court hearings, if prepared
• Final judgment of dissolution

Final Decree

The final divorce decree is the official court order that legally dissolves the marriage. It is the document most frequently requested by members of the public and 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
• Any court-ordered name restoration

Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Caledonia Superior Court clerk's office.

Supporting Documents

Supporting documents filed in a divorce case may include marriage certificates submitted as exhibits, financial disclosure statements, property appraisals, parenting plan attachments, and any post-judgment modification orders entered after the original decree.

Purpose of Divorce Records:

Legal Purposes

• Establishing proof of marital status for remarriage
• Documenting name changes with government agencies
• Supporting property transfer and title proceedings
• Providing evidence in estate planning and probate matters
• Satisfying requirements in immigration proceedings
• Verifying eligibility for Social Security or pension benefits

Personal Purposes

• Genealogical and family history research
• Personal record-keeping and verification of divorce terms
• Confirming the existence and date of a prior dissolution

Who Maintains Divorce Records:

The clerk of the Caledonia Superior Court serves as the primary custodian of all divorce case files, maintains the official index of cases by party name, and provides certified copies upon request. The Vermont Secretary of State's Office, through the Vermont State Archives and Records Administration, may hold certain dissolution-related records as part of the state's vital records system.

Legal Framework:

Vermont divorce proceedings are governed by 15 V.S.A. § 551 et seq., which establishes the grounds for divorce, residency requirements, and procedural requirements for dissolution of marriage. Vermont's public records law, codified at 1 V.S.A. § 315 et seq., establishes the presumption of public access to government records, including court filings.

Are Caledonia County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records filed in Caledonia County are public court records under Vermont law, and members of the public may access basic case information and most filed documents. Access is subject to the Vermont Public Records Act and applicable court rules, which provide for the redaction or sealing of certain categories of sensitive information.

Public Access Policy:

What Is Public

• Case number and date of filing
• Names of both parties to the divorce
• Names of attorneys of record
• Scheduled and completed court hearing dates
• Court orders and judgments, including the final decree
• Property division orders
• General case status and docket entries reflecting the chronological history of the case

What May Be Restricted

Financial Information:

• Social Security numbers are redacted from all publicly accessible documents pursuant to Vermont court rules.
• Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted.
• Detailed financial statements and tax returns may be subject to limited access upon court order.

Children's Information:

• Addresses where minor children reside may be withheld.
• Names of schools attended by minor children may be restricted.
• Medical and psychological evaluation records pertaining to children are subject to heightened protection.
• Guardian ad litem reports and custody evaluation reports may be sealed by the court.

Sensitive Personal Information:

• Domestic violence allegations, supporting evidence, and related protective order information may be sealed.
• Mental health and substance abuse treatment records are protected under both state and federal law.
• Personal addresses and contact information for domestic violence victims are withheld pursuant to Vermont's address confidentiality program.

Sealed Records:

• A court may seal an entire case file or specific documents upon a showing of good cause.
• Cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders.
• Mediation communications are confidential and are not part of the public court record.

Legal Basis for Public Access:

The presumption of public access to Vermont court records is grounded in 1 V.S.A. § 317, which requires that government records be open to public inspection unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Courts apply a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties and any minor children involved.

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. Photo identification may be required at the clerk's counter.
• Parties to the case: Have full access to their own case file, including documents subject to restricted public access.
• Attorneys: May access case files on behalf of clients and may petition the court for access to sealed documents upon a proper showing.
• Researchers and media: May access the public portions of case files; access to sealed records requires a court order and a showing consistent with First Amendment principles.

Restrictions on Use:

Members of the public who obtain divorce records may not use that information 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, news reporting, and academic study.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Caledonia County?

The Caledonia Superior Court charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records. Under Vermont court administrative rules, the current fee structure is as follows:

Service	Fee
Plain 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 copy (where available)	Varies; contact clerk
Search fee	No separate search fee currently assessed

• Inspection of public court records at the courthouse is available at no charge during regular business hours.
• Copies obtained through the Vermont Judiciary's Public Portal may be subject to separate electronic access fees.
• Certified copies requested by mail require prepayment; the clerk's office accepts checks or money orders made payable to the Vermont Superior Court.
• In-person payments may be made by cash, check, or money order; credit card acceptance varies by location.
• Fee waiver provisions may be available for indigent parties upon submission of a financial affidavit to the court; members of the public seeking a fee waiver should inquire directly with the clerk's office.
• Fees are subject to change pursuant to Vermont court administrative orders; current fees should be confirmed with the Caledonia Superior Court clerk prior to submitting a request.

The basic docket information available through the Vermont Judiciary's online portal is accessible at no charge, allowing members of the public to confirm the existence of a case, obtain a case number, and review the docket history without incurring copy fees.

What's Included in Divorce Records in Caledonia County

A complete divorce case file maintained by the Caledonia Superior Court contains all documents filed by the parties and issued by the court from the initial petition through any post-judgment proceedings. The scope of the file depends on whether the divorce was uncontested or contested and whether children or significant marital assets were involved.

Basic Case Information:

The case caption identifies the case number, the name of the court and division, the full legal names of the petitioner and respondent, the judge assigned to the matter, and the attorneys of record for each party. Filing information reflects the date the petition was filed, the case type, and the basis for the court's jurisdiction.

Initial Pleadings:

The petition for divorce sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the respondent's identifying information, the date and location of the marriage, the date of separation if applicable, the grounds for divorce (Vermont is a no-fault state permitting divorce on the ground of irretrievable breakdown under 15 V.S.A. § 551), information regarding any minor children, claims regarding marital property, and the relief requested. The respondent's answer addresses each allegation and may include a counterpetition.

Financial affidavits filed by both parties disclose income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets including real property, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, and retirement accounts, as well as all liabilities.

Discovery Documents:

In contested cases, the file may contain interrogatories and responses, requests for production of documents and the documents produced in response, deposition notices, and subpoenas. Financial disclosure documents such as tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and retirement account statements are frequently filed as exhibits.

Property-Related Documents:

The marital asset inventory identifies and values all property subject to equitable distribution, including real estate, vehicles, financial accounts, business interests, and personal property of significant value. The debt inventory identifies all marital liabilities. Appraisal reports and expert valuations for real property, businesses, and other assets may be included.

Children-Related Documents:

When minor children are involved, the case file contains a parenting plan addressing legal and physical custody, a detailed timesharing schedule including holidays and vacations, transportation arrangements, and provisions for decision-making regarding education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities. Child support calculation worksheets, income information for both parents, and the child support order are part of the record. Custody evaluation reports and guardian ad litem reports, where ordered, may be sealed or subject to restricted access.

Support Documents:

Spousal support provisions, including the type, amount, duration, and conditions for modification or termination of alimony, are documented in the settlement agreement and incorporated into the final decree. Calculation worksheets reflecting the parties' incomes, the marital standard of living, and the statutory factors considered by the court may be included.

Settlement Documents:

A marital settlement agreement, when the parties resolve their case by agreement, comprehensively addresses all issues including property division, debt allocation, spousal support, and child-related matters. The agreement is signed by both parties, notarized, and incorporated into the final judgment.

Court Orders and Judgments:

Temporary orders entered during the pendency of the case address interim custody, support, and use of marital property. The final judgment of dissolution is the court's definitive order ending the marriage, containing findings of fact, conclusions of law, and all provisions governing the parties' rights and obligations going forward. Qualified Domestic Relations Orders, where retirement accounts are divided, are separate orders directing plan administrators.

Post-Judgment Documents:

The case file is supplemented by any post-judgment filings, including petitions to modify custody or support, motions for contempt, income deduction orders, and enforcement actions. These documents reflect the ongoing legal history of the case after the original decree is entered.

What's Typically Confidential or Sealed:

• Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted as a matter of course)
• Residential addresses and school information for minor children
• Domestic violence-related evidence and protective order details
• Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
• Mediation communications and settlement negotiations not incorporated into filed documents

How to Get Proof of Divorce in Caledonia County?

Proof of divorce in Caledonia County is obtained through a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution issued by the Caledonia Superior Court. A certified copy bears the court's official seal and the clerk's certification, making it acceptable for legal, governmental, and administrative purposes such as remarriage, name change applications, and benefit eligibility determinations.

Members of the public may obtain a certified copy through the following methods:

• In person: Present a request at the Caledonia Superior Court clerk's counter at 1126 Main Street, Suite 1, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819, during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). Provide the case number or the full names of both parties and the approximate year of the divorce. The current fee for a certified copy is $10.00 per document.
• By mail: Submit a written request to the Caledonia Superior Court clerk's office at the address above, including the names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, the case number if known, and a check or money order for the applicable fee payable to the Vermont Superior Court.
• Online: The Vermont Judiciary's Public Portal allows users to access case information and, in some instances, obtain electronic copies of filed documents. Certified copies for official use must be obtained directly from the clerk's office.
• Through the Vermont Secretary of State: The Vermont State Archives and Records Administration serves as an issuing agent for certain vital records and may assist with dissolution-related record requests.
• Through the Vermont Department of Health: The Vermont Department of Health vital records office and the Vermont Vital Records Ordering Service provide access to certified vital records that may be relevant to confirming marital status history.

Caledonia Superior Court — Family Division
1126 Main Street, Suite 1
St. Johnsbury, VT 05819
Phone: (802) 748-6600
Vermont Judiciary — Family Division

Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Caledonia County?

A divorce proceeding in Caledonia County may be made confidential, in whole or in part, through a court order sealing specific documents or the entire case file. Vermont courts apply a presumption of public access to court records; however, that presumption may be overcome upon a showing of good cause.

The following circumstances may support a confidentiality or sealing order:

• Domestic violence: Cases involving allegations of domestic violence or abuse may have victim addresses, contact information, and related evidence sealed to protect the safety of the parties, pursuant to Vermont's address confidentiality program.
• Children's sensitive information: Psychological evaluations, guardian ad litem reports, and custody evaluation reports involving minor children may be sealed to protect the children's privacy and best interests.
• Financial account information: Social Security numbers and financial account numbers are redacted from all publicly accessible documents as a matter of standard court practice under Vermont court rules.
• Mental health and medical records: Records pertaining to a party's mental health treatment or medical condition are protected under both state law and the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• Mediation communications: All communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not filed with the court or made part of the public record.
• Court-ordered sealing: Any party may file a motion requesting that specific documents or the entire case be sealed. The court evaluates such requests on a case-by-case basis, balancing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests asserted.

Members of the public seeking access to a sealed divorce record must file a motion with the Caledonia Superior Court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for access.

How Long Does Caledonia County Keep Divorce Records?

The Caledonia Superior Court retains divorce case records in accordance with Vermont's court records retention schedules established by the Vermont Judiciary and the Vermont State Archives and Records Administration.

The following retention periods apply under current Vermont court records policy:

• Final judgments and decrees: Retained permanently as part of the court's permanent record. Final divorce decrees are never destroyed and remain accessible indefinitely.
• Complete case files (contested divorces): Retained for a minimum of ten years following the close of the case, after which files may be transferred to the Vermont State Archives for long-term preservation.
• Complete case files (uncontested divorces): Retention periods may be shorter for simple uncontested matters; members of the public should confirm current retention schedules with the clerk's office.
• Post-judgment modification files: Retained as part of the original case file and subject to the same retention schedule as the underlying divorce case.
• Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the Vermont Judiciary's case management system and are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records.
• Archived records: Cases transferred to the Vermont State Archives may be retrieved upon request through the Vermont Secretary of State's Office.

Vermont's public records retention requirements are established under 3 V.S.A. § 117, which governs the preservation and disposition of state government records, including judicial records. Members of the public seeking records from cases that may have been archived should contact the Caledonia Superior Court clerk's office to confirm current availability and retrieval procedures.

Lookup Divorce Records in Caledonia County

• Vermont Judiciary Public Portal — court record search
• Vermont Vital Records Ordering Service — certified vital record requests
• Vermont Department of Health — order vital records
• Vermont Judiciary Family Division — divorce and family court information
• Vermont Secretary of State — certified vital records through state archives