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Legal Information: Vermont

Restraining Orders

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Laws current as of October 24, 2025

Where should a request for a relief from abuse, neglect, or exploitation order be filed?

To file for a protective order, you must go to the Family Division of the Superior Court in the county where the vulnerable adult lives.1 Temporary ex parte orders, however, can also be issued outside of regular court hours by a judge in the Criminal or Civil Divisions of the Superior Court.2

If the vulnerable adult has left their home in order to avoid abuse, neglect, or exploitation, the petition can be filed in the county where they used to live or the county where they live now.3

1 VT ST 33 § 6932(a), (c)
2 VT ST 33 §§ 6932(b); 6936(d); 6938(c)
3 VT ST 33 § 6932(c)

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