Probate in Vermont
Vermont probate is administered by the Probate Division of the Superior Court in the county where the deceased resided. Vermont allows informal (unsupervised) administration in most cases, following the Uniform Probate Code framework. The process is generally efficient for small states.
Vermont probate typically takes 6–12 months.
Simplified estate procedures
Vermont allows summary administration for estates with gross value of $45,000 or less. The process is significantly simpler than full probate and can be completed relatively quickly.
Vermont authorizes transfer on death deeds for real property.
Death certificates
Vermont death certificates are issued by the Vermont Department of Health (VDH) Health Statistics office and by town clerks. The cost is $10 per certified copy — one of the lowest rates in the country. Order through VDH or through the town clerk where the death was registered.
Order at least 10–12 certified copies when the funeral home files the initial certificate.
Estate and inheritance tax
- State estate tax: Vermont imposes a state estate tax on estates with a gross value over $5 million, with a flat rate of 16%.
- Inheritance tax: Vermont has no inheritance tax.
The federal estate tax applies only to estates above $13.61 million (2024 threshold).
Notable rules
- Creditor claim period: 4 months from the date of first publication of notice to creditors.
- Transfer on death deed: Vermont allows transfer on death deeds for real property.
- $5M estate tax threshold: Vermont's $5M threshold exempts most estates from state estate tax.
- Town clerk records: Vermont vital records are maintained by both the state and local town clerks — the town where the death occurred is often the fastest source.
Key contacts
- Vermont vital records: healthvermont.gov/vital-records
- Vermont Judiciary probate: vermontjudiciary.org
- Vermont Bar Association lawyer referral: vtbar.org