DRM Schoenberg Family Law Group: Divorce and Separation

At Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC (DRM), the accomplished and dedicated Schoenberg Family Law team can help you successfully navigate the legal issues and other challenges involved in divorce or separation.

Our highly-skilled and experienced lawyers handle the full range of matters related to divorce and separation - from simple to complex, through negotiation, mediation or the courts – always with the goal of securing fair and equitable resolutions for our clients.

Knowledgeable and sensitive, the attorneys in the DRM Schoenberg Family Law Group address the intricacies of divorce and separation every day. We advise, counsel, resolve, dispute, negotiate and litigate as the situation requires. We have negotiated successful resolutions on behalf of our clients in highly contentious situations. Where children are involved, we endeavor to keep the best interest of the children paramount.

Where appropriate, we thoroughly address complex financial issues such as extensive marital assets involving business valuations, pension and retirement plans, stock portfolios and real property.

Debra Schoenberg, chair of our family law team, regularly leads seminars for lawyers and other professionals on complex financial issues related to divorce. Others in our group also have established reputations for capably handling complicated high-asset divorce settlements. Where extremely challenging matters are involved, we’ll assemble a team that may include attorneys from DRM’s real estate, estate planning, business law, taxation and other relevant practices.

Matrimonial matters are highly personal and often emotionally charged. Knowing what to expect in the course of a legal matter can help ease the stress. When you entrust your case to us, we strive to keep you fully informed about the status of your case and to make sure you know what to expect.

Vermont Family Law: Divorce and Legal Separation

Divorce and separation are governed by state law. The Vermont legislature has established the following grounds for divorce or separation:

• Separation, where the parties have lived apart for six consecutive months, and the Court finds that the resumption of marital relations is not reasonably probable
• Adultery
• The confinement of either party in prison for three years or more. The party must actually be confined at the time the divorce action is brought.
• Intolerable severity - when one party persists in misconduct to an extent that causes or threatens to cause injury to life, limb or health of the other party. Injury can be indirectly caused by grief, worry or mental distress caused by the party's misconduct.
• Willful desertion - when either party has been absent for seven years and not heard from during that time.

• Persistent refusal or neglect, without cause, of spouse when a party has the monetary and physical means to provide suitable maintenance to the other.
• Incurable insanity.

Whichever ground a party relies on, it must be proven. Unless both parties consent to the divorce, there may be a trial where the Court will hear testimony about the allegations which must be proven to the satisfaction of the Court. The exact type and amount of evidence necessary to prove a certain ground are established by prior cases.

To assist you further, we’ve provided an optional checklist that can help you be prepared for the initial consultation

DRM’s family law attorneys provide first-rate, cost-effective client service.

Led by Debra Schoenberg, who is widely known in the field and is a frequent lecturer on complex family law topics, DRM’s family law team includes eight attorneys and two legal professionals offering sharp legal skills and comprehensive services in a broad spectrum of family law matters.

To explore how the DRM Schoenberg Family Law group can assist you when you’re facing divorce or separation, contact Practice Group Chair Debra Schoenberg.

Because we know that family law issues often can’t wait for "convenient" business hours, our 24/7 answering service can be reached during non-business hours at 802-860-8074. We respond promptly to messages left with the answering service.