Ask a Question

Get free answers to your Family Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
Vermont Family Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Public Benefits for Vermont on
Q: How to proceed with legal separation in VT while living together?

I need a legal separation from my wife of 30 years, but we continue to reside in the same home in Vermont. The reason for this action is over 25 years of her infidelity, which I have medical proof of. I suffer from serious health issues including lung transplant rejection with a life expectancy of... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 13, 2025

In Vermont, legal separation is similar to divorce in terms of property division and other legal aspects, but it allows you and your spouse to remain married while living apart. You can file a petition for legal separation with the court, outlining the reasons for your request and the terms... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Tax Law, Contracts and Family Law for Vermont on
Q: Am I liable for unpaid taxes if separated, filed jointly, and spouse doesn't pay share despite written agreement?

I am currently separated from my spouse, and our separation agreement does not address tax responsibilities. We have been filing taxes jointly for the last three years. Recently, my spouse withdrew a substantial amount from an inherited retirement account and did not withhold enough for taxes. They... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 11, 2025

You're absolutely right to be cautious about this. When you file jointly, the IRS and the Vermont Department of Taxes consider both spouses equally responsible for the entire tax liability, no matter what private agreement you make between yourselves. Even if your spouse signs something saying... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Probate for Vermont on
Q: Vermont. Three siblings. One won't attest to a will filed in Windsor county. How to proceed?
Glenn A. Jarrett
Glenn A. Jarrett
answered on Nov 1, 2021

If the will was signed with a self-proving affidavit, no witness is required. If not, one witness needs to testify in court that the decedent signed the will freely and voluntarily, appeared to have capacity to sign the will and no one coerced the decedent to sign the will.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Vermont on
Q: How do I convince an attorney to represent me in a complex case that requires faith?

I just want to file a request for a protection order

Tristan  Larson
Tristan Larson
answered on Aug 3, 2020

You can file for a protective order (a relief from abuse order in family court) without a lawyer. The important thing is to write out an affidavit carefully that includes why you are in fear for your physical safety. Forms are available at the courthouse or at the judiciary website.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Family Law for Vermont on
Q: How can an unmarried woman become the executor of the estate of her deceased partner of 8 years?

The deceased partner has only one relative, a brother who lives in Florida. The deceased does not have any living relatives in the state where both partners resided the entire eight years of their relationship. Would the surviving partner have to go to Florida to start court action to become the... View More

Robert Jason De Groot
Robert Jason De Groot
answered on Sep 3, 2015

Go see a local probate attorney to get answers to your questions after a full discussion of the issues.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Vermont on
Q: Does a wife have the right to ask for copies of husbands mortgage application?
Peter Anderson
Peter Anderson
answered on Mar 25, 2014

Yes. Through the process of "discover" when a legal action is pending.

Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.