Vermont Child Custody and Parenting Time Resources: Walk In Prepared
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Custody in Vermont is decided in the Superior Court, usually in the Family Division. Most states split the question in two: who makes the big decisions for the child, and what the day to day schedule looks like. Both usually end up written into one order or parenting plan the judge approves.
The wording differs from state to state, so read the official Vermont documents below rather than assuming a term you heard elsewhere means the same thing here. Courts decide these cases on the best interests of the child, and the official forms are written to collect the facts a judge needs.
Official Vermont custody resources
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Vermont family law forms (official index) (Vermont judicial branch): The official statewide collection of Vermont family law forms. When a direct document link stops working, this index is where the current version lives. https://www.vermontjudiciary.org/court-forms
Vermont court self-help resources (Vermont courts self-help): Official self-help information for people handling their own Vermont family case, including instructions and plain-language guides. https://www.vermontjudiciary.org/self-help
Vermont mediation and dispute resolution (Vermont judicial branch): Official information on mediation and other ways to settle a Vermont family case without a trial. https://www.vtcourts.gov/family/family-mediation-program
Vermont eFile and Serve (Odyssey) (Tyler Technologies): Vermont's statewide e-filing covers the Family Division and is open to people without lawyers, though it is optional for them. The judiciary website moved to vtcourts.gov, so use the link above. https://efilevt.tylertech.cloud/OfsEfsp/ui/landing
Vermont rules of procedure (Vermont judicial branch): The court rules that control deadlines, service, and how family cases move in Vermont. https://www.vtcourts.gov/attorneys/rules
Verified official Vermont custody documents
These official documents cover asking for custody, setting a schedule, and putting a parenting plan in front of the judge.
Affidavit of Child Custody (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://www.vtcourts.gov/sites/default/files/documents/400-00834_0.pdf
Affidavit of Child Custody - Juvenile (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://www.vtcourts.gov/sites/default/files/documents/400-00088_0.pdf
Agreement on Parental Rights and Responsibilities (Parenting Plan), form 400-00825 (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://www.vtcourts.gov/media/237
Official link data for Vermont was last verified June 2026. Report anything outdated through our contact page and we will re-check the official source.
Frequently asked questions
Which court hears family cases in Vermont?
Family cases in Vermont are heard in the Superior Court, usually in the Family Division. Vermont family cases are heard in the Family Division of the Superior Court. The Superior Court's Family Division sits in each county unit.
Does Vermont favor one parent over the other?
Custody decisions are made on the best interests of the child, not on which parent asks first. Judges look at things like stability, each parent's involvement, the child's needs, and whether a parent supports the child's relationship with the other parent. Read the official Vermont forms and self-help material for the factors this state asks about.
Do we have to go to mediation first?
Many courts send custody disputes to mediation before a hearing, and some require it. The official Vermont mediation page linked above explains what this state offers and when it applies.
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