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.


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

Find the 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 paperwork, 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.

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, 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: Jun 26, 2023