Vermont · Alimony · Updated Oct 2026

Alimony in Vermont

What Vermont law says about alimony: when a court can order it, amount and length, how it relates to dividing property and how to ask for it.

Quick answer

In Vermont, alimony is called maintenance (rehabilitative or long-term). The court uses statutory guidelines based on length of marriage: under 5 years: 0-16% of the difference in gross incomes, none or up to 1 year; 5-10 years: 12-29%, for 20-50% of the marriage's length; 10-15 years: 16-33%, 40-60%; 15-20 years: 20-37%, 40-70%; 20+ years: 24-41%, 45% (9-20+ years).

What Vermont calls it
maintenance
Property division
Equitable distribution

When Vermont courts can order alimony

The judge can deviate based on statutory factors. 15 V.S.A. 752.

Amount, limits and length

The court uses statutory guidelines based on length of marriage: under 5 years: 0-16% of the difference in gross incomes, none or up to 1 year; 5-10 years: 12-29%, for 20-50% of the marriage's length; 10-15 years: 16-33%, 40-60%; 15-20 years: 20-37%, 40-70%; 20+ years: 24-41%, 45% (9-20+ years).

Good to know

Vermont puts alimony guidelines (percentages and durations) right in the statute. (15 V.S.A. 752)

Alimony and property in Vermont

Spousal support is a separate question from dividing property and debts.

System
Equitable distribution
The rule
The court equitably divides all property of either spouse, however and whenever acquired, considering factors like length of marriage, age, health, income, job skills and contributions.

How to ask for alimony in Vermont

  1. Ask for it in your divorce papers

    You ask for alimony in the divorce case itself, in your petition or in your response to your spouse's petition. Use the court's official divorce forms: Divorce forms (Vermont courts)

  2. Pay the fee or ask for a waiver

    $295 without a stipulation; $90 if you file a full stipulation and at least one of you is a resident; $180 with a stipulation if neither is a resident (32 V.S.A. 1431(b)(2); Vermont Judiciary fees page). Can't afford it? Application to Waive Filing Fees and Service Costs: https://www.vermontjudiciary.org/self-help/application-waive-filing-fees-and-service-costs.

  3. Agree, or let the judge decide

    If you and your spouse agree, put it in your written agreement; if not, the judge decides. Optional through the Family Mediation Program, but in some cases the judge may require you to meet with a mediator before the case moves on.

  4. Get it in the final decree

    Spousal support is ordered in the decree. Get a certified copy and keep it.

Questions about alimony in Vermont

How does alimony work in Vermont?

Called maintenance (rehabilitative or long-term). The court uses statutory guidelines based on length of marriage: under 5 years: 0-16% of the difference in gross incomes, none or up to 1 year; 5-10 years: 12-29%, for 20-50% of the marriage's length; 10-15 years: 16-33%, 40-60%; 15-20 years: 20-37%, 40-70%; 20+ years: 24-41%, 45% (9-20+ years). The judge can deviate based on statutory factors. 15 V.S.A. 752.

How much alimony is paid in Vermont, and for how long?

The court uses statutory guidelines based on length of marriage: under 5 years: 0-16% of the difference in gross incomes, none or up to 1 year; 5-10 years: 12-29%, for 20-50% of the marriage's length; 10-15 years: 16-33%, 40-60%; 15-20 years: 20-37%, 40-70%; 20+ years: 24-41%, 45% (9-20+ years).

Is Vermont a community property state?

No. Vermont uses equitable distribution. The court equitably divides all property of either spouse, however and whenever acquired, considering factors like length of marriage, age, health, income, job skills and contributions.

More about divorce in Vermont

Alimony in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.