ROADMAP: Getting a Relief from Abuse (RFA) Order in Vermont

Complete the Court Forms

Video: How to fill out the “Complaint” and “Affidavit” for Relief from Abuse

Go to descriptive transcript. Links and phone numbers in this video — Vermont Judiciary; Vermont courts after-hours answering service 1-800-540-9990; Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence 1-800-228-7395; RFA Roadmap (this page); Legal Services Vermont and Vermont Legal Aid 1-800-889-2047. How to clear your browsing history.


FORMS

To ask the court for a Relief from Abuse order, you need to complete four forms:

  1. The Complaint — a statement of what you want from the court
  2. The Affidavit — a statement of what has happened
  3. The Confidential Notification form, and
  4. The Protection Order Service Information form

Use VTCourtForms to fill out the forms

VT Court Forms

With VTCourtForms, you answer questions online and then download, save, print or email your four completed forms to yourself or an advocate. VTCourtForms guides you through the questions and tells you where to submit your forms. It helps you fill out the forms correctly. Please note: If you are asking for an RFA order only on behalf of a child or children, you cannot use this tool. We plan to offer that option soon.

Or use PDF / paper forms

Find links to the PDF / paper forms below. You can fill out these forms on your computer, print them out, or get a paper copy from your local family court or domestic violence program. If you want help with the forms, contact a confidential victim advocate or contact us at Legal Services Vermont and Vermont Legal Aid. If you fill the forms out by hand, use a pen.

Here are important details about the forms.

Translated information

Find forms and information in these languages on the Vermont Judiciary website.
عربى / Arabic; Español /Spanish; Français / French; नेपाली / Nepali; Kiswahili / Swahili; Soomaali / Somali; Tiếng Việt / Vietnamese

Submit the forms – or call to start the process

After you fill out the four forms, make a copy for yourself if you think it is safe to do so.

You can then choose how to “file” your forms with the court:

  1. Bring the forms to the courthouse.
  2. Email the forms to the court and follow up with a phone call, or
  3. E-file the forms through the Vermont Judiciary’s Odyssey e-filing system.

There are also other options if you can’t do the forms.

  1. Call the court if you cannot get to a courthouse, or
  2. Call the court if it’s during the night, weekend or holiday.

Read the instructions below for each option.

Safety Note

This is a good time to talk to your local domestic violence agency about safety planning and how to stay safe while you wait for the court to decide. For example: Does the defendant own firearms (guns)? Does the defendant still live with you? Will they do something dangerous when they find out you have gone to court for help?

Updated: Nov 16, 2023