Free · Vermont · Current law
Based on Vermont's official Income Shares formula. Enter both parents' incomes and get an estimate in under a minute.
Before taxes — wages, self-employment, bonuses
A best estimate is fine for now
Taxes, mandatory retirement, union dues…
Work or school related
Estimated monthly support
The other parent pays you, the parent with primary timesharing.
Estimate only — based on a simplified reading of Vermont Table of Intact Family Expenditures on Children (R 1/2/2024). Official calculator → A judge can deviate. Not legal advice.
Get a plain-English copy of this estimate, the numbers used, and a short checklist for what to review before relying on it.
Vermont uses the Income Shares Model. The calculation begins by determining each parent's gross income, which is then converted to 'available income' by subtracting taxes, self-employment adjustments, spousal support paid, and health insurance premiums for the children. These available incomes are combined to find the total family income, which is then applied to the 'Table of Intact Family Expenditures on Children' to determine the basic support obligation. Adjustments for childcare and extraordinary medical/educational expenses are added. Finally, the combined family expenditure is split proportionally between the parents based on their income contributions, and the obligated parent's ability to pay is assessed against the self-support reserve.
A substantial change in either parent's income — voluntary or involuntary — can trigger a modification.
Changes in childcare costs or the children's health insurance premiums directly adjust the support amount.
If the custody schedule changes significantly, support can be recalculated under Vermont guidelines.
Medical conditions, disabilities, or educational needs can justify a departure from the guideline amount.
Common questions
A divorce in Vermont typically takes at least six months if there are minor children, or potentially less if there are no minor children and the parties separated before filing. There is also a mandatory 90-day waiting period (nisi period) after the judge grants the divorce before it becomes final, which can be shortened or waived by agreement.
While not legally required, consulting with a lawyer is highly recommended, especially in contested cases or those involving complex assets or child custody. The Vermont Judiciary provides forms and information for self-represented litigants, and mediation is also an option.
Yes, Vermont is a no-fault divorce state. The most common ground is irreconcilable differences, which requires spouses to live separate and apart for at least six consecutive months with no reasonable prospect of reconciliation. Fault-based grounds, such as adultery or extreme cruelty, also exist but are less commonly used. (15 V.S.A. § 551)
Vermont follows the principle of equitable distribution, meaning marital property is divided fairly, but not necessarily equally (50/50). The court considers various factors to achieve an equitable division, including the length of the marriage, the age and health of each spouse, their occupations, sources of income, vocational skills, and needs. (15 V.S.A. § 751)
The 'nisi period' in Vermont is a 90-day waiting period after the judge grants the divorce before the divorce becomes final. During this time, the parties are still legally married. This period can be shortened or waived if both parties agree and the court approves.
We'll match you with a Vermont family law attorney — free, no obligation, no pressure.