Reviewed August 2026
Court Hearings in Vermont
In a Vermont divorce, either spouse, or both spouses together, can apply for temporary relief once they have separated. This can happen alongside the divorce complaint or after it is filed. 15 V.S.A. 594a is the statute that allows this. It lets the Family Division issue orders that apply until the final hearing. These orders can cover much of the same ground the court would address at final judgment. Vermont law sets a specific timeline for this process. Once a motion for temporary relief is filed, the statute requires a prompt hearing. The proceedings must be recorded by a court reporter. The court or judge must then issue an order within 14 days of that hearing. Vermont's Family Division, part of the Superior Court, hears divorce and related family matters statewide. Its self-help resources offer general guidance for people handling the process without an attorney.
Virdix's document-preparation product currently prepares divorce paperwork for California and Florida cases. This page explains how court hearings works under Vermont law for people researching before they file. It is not legal advice, and Virdix does not prepare or file Vermont paperwork. See how Virdix works for California divorces.
Get notified when Virdix reaches Vermont
We'll send one email, nothing else, the day Vermont launches.
Applying for temporary relief
Under 15 V.S.A. 594a, either party, or both parties, to a marriage can apply for temporary relief. This is possible at any time after separation. The request can coincide with the divorce or legal separation complaint, or come later. The court, or a Superior judge, can make orders that last until the final hearing. These orders cover the same issues the court could address at final judgment, such as support, custody, and use of property. The court or judge sets the terms for notifying the other party.
The prompt hearing requirement
The statute requires a prompt hearing on a temporary relief request. The evidence presented must be recorded by a court reporter. This creates a formal record of the proceeding. It is similar to the record made at a final hearing, even though the resulting order is only temporary. The prompt-hearing rule exists so interim issues like support and custody get addressed quickly. Otherwise they could sit unresolved while a case moves toward final resolution.
The 14-day order deadline
Once the hearing is held, the court or judge must issue an order within 14 days. This is one of the more specific hearing-to-order deadlines in state family law. The law also makes clear that missing the 14-day deadline does not invalidate the order. A late order still stands. The deadline itself reflects the Legislature's intent to have temporary relief resolved quickly.
Where cases are heard
Vermont hears divorce, custody, and support matters through the Family Division of the Superior Court. This division operates statewide. Motions for temporary relief are filed within the pending case. The scheduling practices for getting a prompt hearing follow the Family Division's local procedures in the county where the case is filed.
What a temporary relief hearing involves
At a temporary relief hearing, both spouses or their attorneys present evidence for the relief requested. This can involve support, custody, or another issue the court could address at final judgment. The hearing is recorded by a court reporter, and the court must rule within 14 days. So the process moves on a defined timeline. The resulting order governs only while the case remains pending. It is replaced later by the final decree.
Sources: 15 V.S.A. 594a, temporary relief, Vermont Judiciary, self-help resources
Not independently confirmed
- Confirm each county's practice for how quickly it sets a prompt hearing after a temporary relief motion is filed, directly with that county's court.
- Remote hearing availability for Vermont Family Division temporary relief hearings was not confirmed; practices may vary by county.
Court Hearings in Vermont: frequently asked questions
When can I apply for temporary relief in a Vermont divorce?+
At any time after the parties separate. This can coincide with filing the divorce complaint, or come afterward. It is authorized under 15 V.S.A. 594a and can address the same range of issues the court could address at a final hearing.
How fast does a Vermont court have to rule after a temporary relief hearing?+
Within 14 days of the hearing. This deadline is set directly in 15 V.S.A. 594a. An order issued after the 14-day period is still valid. But the statute reflects an expectation that temporary relief gets resolved quickly.
Is a Vermont temporary relief hearing recorded?+
Yes. The statute requires the evidence at the hearing to be recorded by a court reporter. This creates a formal record, similar to what would exist at a final hearing.
What can a Vermont temporary relief order cover?+
The court can make orders that apply until the final hearing. These orders address the same range of issues the court could decide at final judgment. That can include support, custody, and property-related matters, depending on what the requesting party asks for.
Which court hears divorce cases in Vermont?+
The Family Division of the Superior Court. It operates statewide. Motions for temporary relief are filed within the pending case. They are scheduled according to the division's local procedures in the county where the case is filed.
Is a temporary relief order the same as the final divorce decree in Vermont?+
No. A temporary relief order under 15 V.S.A. 594a applies only while the case is pending. The final decree replaces it once the court resolves the case on a permanent basis.
This page is general information about court hearings in Vermont, not legal advice for your situation. Laws, fees, and procedures change over time; confirm current details with Vermont's own courts before relying on anything here. Virdix is not a law firm and is not licensed to practice law in Vermont. Virdix does not prepare or file Vermont divorce paperwork. It is not a substitute for an attorney licensed in Vermont.
More Vermont divorce guides
Virdix currently serves California and Florida
In the states Virdix serves, it guides you through that state's own court forms so your paperwork is complete and consistent before you file. If you're filing in Vermont, the resources above are the right place to start, and the form above will tell you the moment Virdix reaches your state.
If the court clerk rejects a document we prepared, we fix it for free until it's accepted. See how the guarantee works