Probate in Vermont · 14 counties
Vermont Probate Courts
Estates here go through the Superior Court (Probate Division). Pick a county on the map or search below — each record shows where to file and where every detail comes from.
Small-estate limit
$45,000
No statutory wait
Death taxes
Yes
Estate tax over $5 million
Executor fee
Reasonable
Reasonable fee set by the court
Handwritten wills
No
Witnesses required
Plate · VT
Every Vermont county, on one map
Population, low → high Green = county courthouse mapped in OpenStreetMap Green = probate office details checked on the court's own website courthouse
§ I
Vermont probate rules
- Court
- Superior Court (Probate Division)In Vermont, probate cases are heard in the Probate Division of the Superior Court in each of the 14 judicial districts, presided over by an elected Probate Judge.
- Small estates
- $45,000 fair market value, estate consisting entirely of personal property (may include a time-share); simplified court proceeding in the Probate Division, not an affidavit14 V.S.A. § 1901 (Small Estate Administration)
- Filing the will
- Custodian must deliver will to the Probate Division (or named executor) within 30 days after learning of death (14 V.S.A. § 103)
- Creditor claims
- 4 months after first publication of notice to creditors; 1 year after death if no notice published14 V.S.A. § 1203
- Executor fees
- Reasonable fees for services plus necessary expenses; compensation fixed by will is full satisfaction unless renounced14 V.S.A. § 1065 · calculator
- Estate tax
- Yes — exemption $5 millionVermont imposes an estate tax on estates exceeding $5.0 million with a flat rate of 16%.
- Inheritance tax
- NoneNo inheritance tax in Vermont.
- Typical duration
- 6 to 12 months
- Official courts site
- vtcourts.govCase search: Vermont Judiciary Public Portal (Odyssey Portal)
Re-checked Sept 2026 against: legislature.vermont.gov (statute) · legislature.vermont.gov (statute) · legislature.vermont.gov (statute) · law.justia.com (statute)
Need help with an estate in Vermont?
Where to get help.
We don't sell leads or take referral fees. Eligibility, availability and fees depend on the provider; confirm them directly.
- 01 Vermont courts — self-help & formsOfficial judiciary website: forms, filing rules and e-filing.
- 02 Legal aid directory — LawHelp.orgNonprofit directory of free and low-cost legal aid by state, including probate and estates.
- 03 Find a probate lawyer — American Bar AssociationState-by-state links to bar lawyer-referral services and pro bono programs.
§ II · Register
All 14 counties
Sorted by population. office checked = probate office address/phone confirmed on the court's own website. courthouse mapped = located in OpenStreetMap.
| # | County | Seat | Population | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chittenden County | Burlington | 169,481 | courthouse mapped |
| 2 | Rutland County | Rutland | 60,271 | courthouse mapped |
| 3 | Washington County | Montpelier | 60,142 | courthouse mapped |
| 4 | Windsor County | Woodstock | 58,101 | courthouse mapped |
| 5 | Franklin County | St. Albans | 50,994 | courthouse mapped |
| 6 | Windham County | Newfane | 45,966 | courthouse mapped |
| 7 | Addison County | Middlebury | 37,720 | courthouse mapped |
| 8 | Bennington County | Bennington | 37,183 | courthouse mapped |
| 9 | Caledonia County | St. Johnsbury | 30,610 | courthouse mapped |
| 10 | Orange County | Chelsea | 29,943 | courthouse mapped |
| 11 | Orleans County | Newport | 27,516 | courthouse mapped |
| 12 | Lamoille County | Hyde Park | 26,060 | county site |
| 13 | Grand Isle County | North Hero | 7,467 | county site |
| 14 | Essex County | Guildhall | 6,010 | courthouse mapped |
§ III
Vermont probate questions
What is the small estate affidavit limit in Vermont?
$45,000 fair market value, estate consisting entirely of personal property (may include a time-share); simplified court proceeding in the Probate Division, not an affidavit (14 V.S.A. § 1901 (Small Estate Administration)). There is no statutory waiting period. Wait 30 days after death. Applies to personal estate under $45,000 when decedent owned no real estate. Simplified petition submitted to Probate Judge.
How are executor and administrator fees calculated in Vermont?
Reasonable fees for services plus necessary expenses; compensation fixed by will is full satisfaction unless renounced (14 V.S.A. § 1065). Courts can award more for extraordinary services, such as running a business or litigation.
What is the creditor claim deadline for estates in Vermont?
4 months after first publication of notice to creditors; 1 year after death if no notice published (14 V.S.A. § 1203). Claims filed after the deadline are generally barred.
Does Vermont recognize handwritten (holographic) wills?
No — witnesses are required. Vermont does NOT recognize unwitnessed holographic wills (requires two attesting witnesses under 14 V.S.A. § 5).
Does Vermont have a state estate tax or inheritance tax?
Yes, Vermont taxes estates above $5 million. Vermont imposes an estate tax on estates exceeding $5.0 million with a flat rate of 16%. There is no inheritance tax.