Bill H.629, introduced by Representative LaLonde, aims to clarify the jurisdiction and procedures related to judgments issued by the Family Division of the Superior Court in Vermont. The bill establishes that the Family Division will have exclusive jurisdiction over actions on judgments issued by it, and it outlines specific procedures for renewing or reviving these judgments. Notably, it stipulates that actions on judgments must be initiated in the Civil Division of the Superior Court within eight years of the judgment's issuance, while the Family Division will handle renewals through a motion filed in the county where the original judgment was issued.

The bill also introduces several provisions regarding the tolling of judgments and the statute of limitations. It specifies that the filing of a motion to renew a Family Division judgment will pause the statute of limitations until the court makes a ruling on the motion. Additionally, it lists various actions that can restart the statutory limitation period, such as written acknowledgments of debt or payments made towards the judgment. The bill mandates that all Family Division judgments include a statement regarding the renewal process and its time constraints. If enacted, this legislation will take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 12-506