Each of Vermont's 14 counties has a Family Court. The
court is responsible for all family related legal matters. Types of cases heard
in Family Court include:
- Marriage related - divorce, annulment, desertion and separation
- Child Support
- Parentage
- Orders of Protection for Victims of Domestic Abuse
- Juvenile - children who are delinquent,
unmanageable, abused or neglected
- Commitments to the Vermont State Hospital
Many cases involve requests to modify previous court orders. For example, a
parent who was given custody of children in a divorce may ask the court to
increase the child support payments made by the non-custodial parent.
Many people represent themselves in Family Court. To help litigants through
the court process, Family Court staff conduct training sessions on a regular
basis and have developed extensive educational materials. Case managers
coordinate court services and may refer litigants to social service agencies
when needed.
All Family Court matters except for child support are primarily decided by
the Presiding Family Court judge. Child support orders are the responsibility of
Family Court magistrates. There are no jury trials in Family Court.
District Court judges, Superior Court judges, Family Court magistrates and
assistant judges sit in Family Court. Trial Court law clerks perform the legal
research necessary to help judges reach well-informed decisions. Family Court
Managers and their staff are responsible for the daily operations of the Court.