These judges may hear Superior, District or Family Court cases. Trial Court law clerks perform the legal research necessary to help judges reach well-informed decisions. District Court Managers and their staff are responsible for the daily operations of the Court. Each of Vermont's 14 counties has a Family Court. The court is responsible for all family related legal matters.
Many cases involve requests to modify previous court orders.
For example, a parent who was given custody of children in a divorce may ask the court to increase the child support payments made by the non-custodial parent. Many people represent themselves in Family Court. To help litigants through the court process, Family Court staff conduct training sessions on a regular basis and have developed extensive educational materials. Case managers coordinate court services and may refer litigants to social service agencies when needed. All Family Court matters except for child support are primarily decided by the Presiding Family Court judge.