Vermont Protective Orders Laws

By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Nicole Prebeck, Esq. | Last reviewed January 17, 2023

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Also known as orders of protection or restraining orders, protective orders are used to shield victims of domestic violence from further abuse. Sometimes, they may also be used for protecting victims of stalking.

Your state's protective order laws will differ depending on where you live or what law applies.

Continue reading for more information about protective orders in Vermont.

Protective Orders in Vermont

You have to go to court to receive a protective order. Vermont courts will issue one when necessary to prevent further abuse or violence. While most people think of a violent partner when they think of domestic violence, other situations are also covered.

The following chart lays out more information about Vermont protective orders.

Code Section

 Tit. 15 § 1101, et seq.

Activity Addressed by Order

 The following are examples of activities that orders address:
  • Prohibiting the respondent from making contact with the petitioner
  • Excluding the petitioner from a residence or other locations
  • Establishing temporary custody and support arrangements
  • Ordering the respondent to pay the petitioner's living expenses for up to three months
  • Laying out arrangements around a shared pet or companion animal
  • Ordering that the respondent return any personal documentation in their possession to the petitioner, such as immigration documents, birth certificates, and identification cards

Duration of Order

 The order lasts for a fixed period of time. When it expires, a court may extend the order.

Penalty for a Violation of Order

 Violations are treated as contempt with a maximum period of imprisonment of six months and a fine of $1,000.

Who May Apply for an Order

 The following people may apply for orders of protection:
  • Any family or household member on behalf of themselves or children
  • People that live together or who have lived together
  • People that are sharing or have shared a dwelling
  • People who are engaged in or have engaged in a sexual relationship
  • Minors or adults who are dating or who have dated or engaged in a romantic relationship

Can Fees Be Waived?

 -

Order Transmitted to Law Enforcement?

 A copy is sent to the Department of Public Safety's relief from abuse database.

Civil Liability for Violation of Order

 -

Other Resources for Protective Orders and Related Laws

You can find more information about protection and restraining orders and domestic violence on these pages. The best way to deal with domestic violence is to take action to prevent it from happening again.

Need More Help? Contact an Attorney

Being the victim of domestic violence can be traumatic and frightening, and it can feel overwhelming to try to pursue an order of protection. Consider contacting a family law attorney near you. They can help you with all the legal issues you may face when you're dealing with domestic violence and assist you with pursuing a protection order.

If you're the person named in an order, you'll want to understand how this will affect your life. Consider contacting a criminal defense attorney near you.

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  • Defense attorneys can help protect your rights
  • A lawyer can seek to reduce or eliminate criminal penalties

Get tailored advice and ask your legal questions. Many Vermont attorneys offer free consultations.

 

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