Divorce records in Rutland County, Vermont, are available through several channels. RutlandCourt.us allows you to search publicly available information about divorce records in the county. Additionally, you can contact the Superior Court clerk's office in Rutland, which issues divorce decrees, or the Vermont State Archives (VSARA), which holds certified copies of divorce certificates. The town clerk at your place of residence may also have relevant records.
Rutland Divorce Records Search
In Vermont, divorce cases are handled by the Family Division of the Superior Court. The Rutland Superior Court clerk's office maintains complete court files: divorce decrees, property division agreements, child custody orders, and related procedural documents. Each of these documents is part of the court case and remains in the court clerk's office.
Separate from the court, the Vermont State Archives and Records Administration (VSARA) at the Secretary of State's office maintains the civil status register, including divorce certificates. VSARA holds records for 2013 and earlier; newer records are typically available through the town clerk. Note: according to the Vermont public access to court records rules, the court does not provide online access to family cases — records are available only in person or by mail.
Rutland Superior Court — Family Division
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Rutland
When a couple files for divorce in Rutland County, the case is registered with the Family Division of the Rutland Superior Court. A judge issues the final decision (Final Divorce Decree), and it remains in the court clerk's archive. This is a complete court document with details of property division, alimony, and custody.
After the case is completed, the court reports the divorce to the state's civil status register. VSARA holds an abbreviated form — a divorce certificate, which confirms the fact of divorce without agreement details.
Which office to choose depends on the purpose of the request:
- Full text of the court decision (decree, agreement, custody order) — contact the Rutland Superior Court clerk's office at the address above.
- Certified divorce certificate (to confirm the fact of divorce) — order through the Vermont vital records online ordering service or contact VSARA by mail or in person.
- Records after 2013 — the certificate can also be obtained from the town clerk at the place of residence of one of the spouses at the time of the divorce.
Vermont State Archives and Records Administration (VSARA)
Additional information about Vermont civil status records can be found on the Secretary of State's website. The Vermont Department of Health also provides instructions for ordering vital records.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Rutland
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy of divorce certificate (VSARA) | $10 per copy | 4–6 weeks (by mail) |
| Online order of certified copy (VSARA) | $10 + service fee | 4–6 weeks |
| Copy of court decision (Rutland Superior Court) | $1 per page | Depends on volume; usually several business days |
| Certified copy of court document (Rutland Superior Court) | $5 per document + $1 per page | Several business days |