VT risk area
Probate risk in Vermont
Court-supervised estate process, timing, cost exposure, and public record requirements.
Vermont allows a small-estate probate process for personal-property estates under a statutory cap.
How long does probate typically take here?What costs and fees should families expect?What becomes public during probate?
At a glance
Key takeaways
- The estate must consist entirely of personal property with a fair market value of $45,000 or less.
- A small estate is opened by filing a petition, list of interested persons, inventory, death certificate, and required affidavits.
- Small estate filings require a petition with inventory and a list of interested persons.
Questions to consider
Questions this risk area helps you evaluate in Vermont
- How long does probate typically take here?
- What costs and fees should families expect?
- What becomes public during probate?
State overview
Vermont allows a small-estate probate process for personal-property estates under a statutory cap.
- The estate must consist entirely of personal property with a fair market value of $45,000 or less.
- A small estate is opened by filing a petition, list of interested persons, inventory, death certificate, and required affidavits.
- Small estate filings require a petition with inventory and a list of interested persons.
Sources
Risk sources
- Uniform Probate Code (2019) - Probate of wills and administration
Article III covers appointment, notices, creditor claims, and small-estate collection (Section 3-1201).
National sources provide baseline context; state statutes and court rules control in Vermont.